WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Tristan Allen

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 hospitality?

My dad’s side of the family have always been in hospitality and I grew up between Ireland and Australia so travel, tourism and hospitality have been a constant. My first job was as a 17-year-old working in Banquets in a luxury hotel in Belfast and it continued from there.

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

Not necessarily, I work with many people who have not studied hospitality and have grown their careers from within the industry from a young age. What’s most important is to have a passion for what you do and a willingness to learn and grow. Many businesses including my own look at professional development as a key part of growing their leadership, offering colleagues the opportunity to gain qualifications as they progress their career, there is no requirement to have studied any form of hospitality management in advance. When I look at CV’s, I don’t concentrate on formal education rather look at a candidate’s experience and progression through their career path.

Which leader / figure inspired you and why?

Adrian McNally, he was my first GM when I came back into luxury hotels and currently the GM of the Titanic Hotel in Belfast. His passion for the business, his way with people and his unwavering desire to wow our guests was truly inspiring and the reason I decided to pursue my current role.

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

The people I get to work with. Constantly surrounded by passionate people who are always trying to do better. I absolutely love it.

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

I see it as the most important part of my role. We as leaders are nothing without our teams, coaching, mentoring and developing them is fundamental to any success we may have as a business. Whether it be 1 on 1 coaching, pre shift briefs, feedback sessions or more formalized training, employing a multitude of methods to develop your team is imperative.

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

Find your niche and then make a plan to develop. There are so many facets to our industry so try a few and find one you love then work really hard at it.

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

Don’t chase a paycheck or title, chase a goal.

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