What do you think are the most important elements needed to develop a successful career in the tourism industry?
It is the passion to serve other people and to make them happy. At the same time, one needs to have passion for a higher purpose, which means understanding the need to make a difference to people whom we serve every day, and to create unique experiences and provide ‘WOW’ services to them.
I often refer to our team as specialists in the art of travel, and this is only possible if you have passion for what you do, and if you enjoy building special relationship with people. My personal mission is to deliver happiness with passion with a purpose.
Innovation is the key for success. If you want to work in service industry, you must have knowledge, skills and attitude. If you want to do business in service sector, you must have passion, determination, self-confidence and think outside of the box, and above all, dare to be different.
Can you tell us about your leadership style?
Leading is serving. I love our team, try to understand them and help them. Given that we work in an industry that serves people, most of my time is spent with people, I always focus my efforts on creating an environment in which all everyone is happy. In the end, only happy team members can create memorable experiences for our guests.
There are few other concepts I believe in. Firstly, I wish for our employees to be the best they can be at work – my job is to show them that they actually can be that little bit better.
Then, it is key that we do not forget to have fun at work. Work to live, not live to work – a healthy life and a good work balance is very important to me. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will successful. Finally, life is way too short to worry all the time, make sure it is meaningful. Success is a journey is not a destination if you pursue your passion, then success comes naturally.