WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Jon Walters

The last year has been terrible for the hospitality sector. Most businesses have seen extreme financial challenges and its reputation as an employer has been severely affected. We are now hearing from many, many of our clients about their fears for the future from staff shortages to skills gaps and top mid-senior talent moving to other sectors.

Krishnan Doyle is sharing his conversations with service industry leaders and operators on all that is good about hospitality & catering with the purpose to improve the sector's reputation as one of the largest employer worldwide but also as a great place to develop your career. 

How did you get into hotels & resorts? 

Like a lot of my peers in hospitality I started my career at an entry level role; in my case it was as a trained Chef working in various restaurants in and around Birmingham. 

Do you think it is important to have studied a related topic to be a success in the sector?  

With a good attitude, a passionate for the industry and determination you can have a bright and fulfilling career in hospitality - without formal education or study. However, working in these fast paced, high quality, people orientated businesses means you can specialise if you wish, and you may find a lot of organisations will sponsor you in further education. If you get an offer like that – Take it! 

Which leader / figure inspired you and why? 

Not hospitality related but Mahatma Gandhi: In a world with no digital communications, in a country with very little infrastructure Ghandhi wins independence by peaceful disobedience; similarly, Greta Thunberg becomes a major environmental activist by skipping school to peacefully protest outside the Swedish government building. Greta now directly challenges world leaders and is making a much-needed difference. 

Both people have a clear message, have acted on it and have never deviated from their mission. Leading through action is inspirational. 

What keeps you in the sector and why do you enjoy working in it?

People, People, People! 

Tell us about the development / training that you give to your teams and management? 

Within Qbic we want everyone to have the opportunity to grow, to do that we installed a clear 4-tiered system which provides each Team Member a clear development plan to a leadership role. Each tier commands a higher rate of pay. Earn whilst you learn! 

What advice would you give to those starting out in the sector? 

Learn to be a collaborator and look out for your team, never forget or lose touch with the customer – They pay you! 

Once you get the privilege to lead others, treat them with the respect you would expect of others and listen.

If you could go back and tell yourself one piece of advice as you started your career, what would it be? 

Get a mentor. 

If you would like to take part as a leader in this thriving sector, get in touch with Krishnan (krishnan@corecruitment.com)