Business Leaders interview: Antoine Melon

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

My name is Antoine Melon, and I am the co-founder and CEO of HOMETAINMENT, a unique service that brings premium hospitality and entertainment experiences directly to your home or the office. Our platform connects clients with highly skilled HOMEtainers who provide everything from private chef services to mixology, music, entertainment or wellness. We aim to transform home gatherings into unforgettable experiences, making high-quality, personalized hospitality accessible to everyone.

What motivates you in your work and what do you find most fulfilling about being a business leader?

What motivates me most is the opportunity to create memorable experiences for our clients and to revolutionize the way people entertain at home. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on our clients' faces when they experience a HOMETAINMENT event is incredibly fulfilling. As a business leader, I also find great satisfaction in fostering a team that shares this vision and works passionately to bring it to life.

How did you develop your leadership skills and how would you define your leadership style?

My leadership skills were developed through a combination of formal education in Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, mentorship, and hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Working in various leadership roles across multiple countries and with prestigious brands like Soho House, Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, and Hauser & Wirth has taught me valuable lessons in management, communication, and strategic thinking. I would define my leadership style as collaborative and empowering; I believe in giving my team the tools and support they need to excel and encouraging them to take ownership of their work.

Innovating is crucial in our very diverse industry. How do you stay ahead of trends and incorporate them into your global strategy?

Staying ahead of trends involves constant research, attending industry events, and maintaining a strong network of industry professionals. I make it a point to stay informed about the latest developments in hospitality, technology, and customer preferences. Incorporating these trends into our strategy involves being agile and open to experimentation. We regularly pilot new ideas and services, gather feedback, and refine our offerings to ensure we are always delivering unique and memorable experiences to our clients.

What do you consider to be the key component(s) of effective business operational development?

Effective business operational development hinges on several key components: clear strategic planning, efficient process management, continuous improvement, and strong communication. It’s important to have a well-defined vision and goals, streamline operations to eliminate inefficiencies, and foster a culture that embraces creativity and feedback. Regularly reviewing and adjusting strategies based on performance data is also crucial for sustained success.

How do you approach identifying areas for improvement within a company's operations?

Identifying areas for improvement involves a thorough analysis of current processes, performance metrics, and feedback from clients and team members. I use a combination of data analytics, customer surveys, and team feedback to pinpoint bottlenecks and inefficiencies. It’s essential to maintain an open dialogue with the team and encourage them to share their insights and suggestions for improvement.

Where do you think the most promising investments should be focusing on and/or made on?

The most promising investments in our industry should focus on technology, talent development, and customer experience. Investing in advanced technologies like AI and automation can streamline operations and enhance service delivery. Developing talent through continuous training and professional development ensures that we have a skilled and motivated team. Finally, enhancing the customer experience through personalized services and innovative offerings will always yield high returns.

What is or are your biggest career achievement(s)?

One of my biggest career achievements is successfully launching and scaling HOMETAINMENT to become a recognized leader in home and office hospitality services. Another significant achievement was opening 19 restaurants and 4 hotels in 5 countries with some of the world's most prestigious brands, which provided me with invaluable experience and insights into global hospitality operations. Finally the launch of my book "The Curious Gourmand" available on Amazon in 12 countries with 140 stories about the origin of food, beverage and habits around the table which can all be linked to our HOMETAINMENT experience was a proud moment for me.

Do you have examples where your leadership made a difference? If so, what were they?

A notable example is when I led the launch of a new HOMETAINMENT service offering in a highly competitive market. The team and I developed a unique home entertainment experience that quickly gained popularity and received numerous accolades. My leadership in fostering creativity, team collaboration, and customer focus was instrumental in the success of this new service.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of listening. Truly understanding the needs and concerns of both your team and your clients can provide critical insights that drive better decision-making and foster a more collaborative and motivated work environment.

How did you identify and seize opportunities for advancement in your career?

I identified opportunities for advancement by staying curious, continuously learning, and networking with industry professionals. I seized these opportunities by being proactive, taking calculated risks, and demonstrating my ability to deliver results. Seeking mentorship and being open to feedback also played a crucial role in my career progression.

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far?

While I am proud of my achievements, I believe there is always room for growth and new challenges to tackle. I am continuously looking for ways to innovate and expand HOMETAINMENT and to make a broader impact in the hospitality industry.

How important is personal development to your success, and how do you approach it?

Personal development is fundamental to my success. I approach it by setting aside time for self-reflection, seeking feedback, and pursuing continuous learning opportunities. This includes reading industry development books, attending seminars, and participating in professional development programs. Staying mentally and physically fit is also essential, as it helps me maintain the energy and focus needed to lead effectively.

How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels like a priority?

When everything feels like a priority, I focus on tasks that align most closely with our strategic goals and have the most significant impact on the business. I use tools like priority to do list and time management techniques to assess urgency and importance. Delegating tasks and empowering my team to take on responsibilities is also crucial in managing workload effectively.

What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?

One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make was downsizing a team during a challenging economic period. It was a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, but it was incredibly tough on a personal level because it affected the livelihoods of people I respected and cared about. I approached it with transparency and provided as much support as possible to those affected.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

I measure my performance through a combination of self-assessment, feedback from my team, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business goals. Regularly reviewing these metrics and reflecting on my actions helps me identify areas for improvement. I also seek feedback from mentors and peers to gain different perspectives on my leadership effectiveness.

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Success for me as a business leader means creating a positive impact on our clients, employees, and the industry. It’s about achieving our business goals while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Ultimately, success is measured by the satisfaction and growth of those we serve and work with, as well as the lasting legacy of the business.