WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Rob Paterson

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? 

When I finished school, I was only interested in playing professional sport. The team I was lucky enough to play for required players to have an educational focus outside of sport so I chose Hospitality and Tourism because it sounded like the course I would have to spend the least amount of time on to pass. When the sport ended, I discovered I actually enjoyed the industry and loved the people I had met so I never left.

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

Studying Tourism and Hospitality Management gave me a platform to enter the industry and meet like-minded people that became lifelong friends. The longer-term success comes down to determination, relationships and hard work. Hospitality is an industry anyone can be successful at. 

Which leader / figure inspired you and why? 

Someone I am always energised by and have taken so much practical advice and inspiration from is Marcus Childs. I first heard Marcus speak in 2010 and he resonated with how I wanted to be as a person. You can imagine the satisfaction I took from being privileged enough to invite Marcus to work with the Best Western Leadership Team in 2018 to develop our company values and ambitions. 

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

Hospitality has taken me all over the globe and allowed me to work with so many talented and passionate people. No two days are ever the same and that keeps life interesting. 

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

I am a big believer in a team having an ambitious common vision with a shared set of values and principles. Investing time to build that vision collectively gives any team the best chance of success. 

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

Hospitality is a people led industry and relationships are key. Never burn your bridges and remain humble.

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

Hospitality is a people led industry and relationships are key. Never burn your bridges and remain humble.

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