WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Eugenio Pirri

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?

When I was 18 and in college, I wanted to find a part-time job and applied at a local hotel, where I secured a role as a room attendant in Housekeeping. While it was not my favourite job, I loved the team and the hotel culture.  Knowing this, I quickly began transferring to different roles until I landed in HR 5 years later.  From there I continued to grow to where I am today.

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

I have always believed an education is important as it truly helps define your passions in a theoretical way, which are then supported by real life experiences.  This said, I think it is possible within our industry to be dedicated and apply yourself to reach full potential in your career without studies, but this is really up to your perseverance.

Which leader / figure inspired you and why?

Firstly my parents and grandmother were always huge influences in my life; who taught me that working hard and being honest will help you achieve everything, even when you have failures along the way.  At this point in my career, my current CEO is truly my inspiration as he teaches me every day that leadership through kindness wins the day.

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

I LOVE our industry.  Hospitality is about relationships and loyalty; two things that are so important to me.  It is an industry that allows you to start at a room attendant and become a C-Suite leader. We are located everywhere in the world and we get to meet so many wonderful people – it’s brilliant!

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

At Dorchester Collection, we created our internal DC Academy in 2011 and we have continued to build it ever since.  We started with 5 programmes and now have a suite of more the 50 programmes and courses to help in the development of our people. 

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

“Give it your all and take risks.”  We are working in a sector where the paths for success are many and you must be willing to put your hand up and say, ‘I’ll do that’!  Do a job you’ve never done and be part of the company’s culture; helping make it a great industry for us all.

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

Always use your voice.  Over the years, I have discovered that my voice is important and can add value in what we do, and the experiences people have.  I should have always had this confidence to share my thoughts and add value to every job I have had – a great lesson learned.

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