LagniaPPe
Marlene Poynder
general manager , Waldorf astoria ChiCago
Since November 2015 , Australian Marlene Poynder has been working on cultivating new roots and familiarizing herself with the lakefront bike paths in the city of broad shoulders , Chicago . She came from China after opening the Waldorf Astoria in Beijing , among other things , and previously worked in management in her native land , which was accented by her early travel trade experiences . Now with more than 20 years of hospitality accomplishments , Poynder is conquering new territory .
HOTELS : What is the best idea you ’ ve stolen ? Marlene Poynder : Early in my hotel career a competitor hotel used to invite their VIPs to dinner with the chef in the kitchen . I suggested to my GM we could do the same and offer our key clients , at a cost , the opportunity to entertain their guests . It became a very lucrative revenue stream – not just at the chef ’ s table – as their clients then booked our hotel for other events .
H : What do most people not know about you ? MP : I was involved in the Girl Guide movement for most of my childhood and teenage years . I represented Australia in the U . K . when I was 14 at an international guide and scout jamboree . This is what gave me my passion for travel and hospitality .
H : Your favorite app ? MP : Facebook Messenger enables me to stay in touch with my friends around the globe .
H : What historical figure would you like to host ? MP : Audrey Hepburn . She was gracious in every sense of the word as a contributor in the arts and social responsibility .
H : If not a hotelier …? MP : Gourmet café owner serving great coffee and fresh seasonal produce – close to a beach .
H : Who taught you your biggest lesson , and what was it ? MP : My mother . She taught me never do something for others if you expect something in return . Giving always will reward you in life – if not today , perhaps years later .
H : What personal skill or experience makes you unique as a hotelier ? MP : I worked in the travel industry for 18 years prior . This gave me a great foundation , as I know how these important channels operate with our business .
H : What do you do better than anyone else you know ? MP : Talk to people , whether we are acquainted or not . Some would say I can talk under water .
H : Have you made a personal goal for 2016 ? MP : To cycle again ( it has been five years ) in the early morning as a part of my exercise regime . We are perfectly located by the lake in Chicago , and it is something I can share with my husband . I will wait a couple of months , of course , for some warmer weather .
H : What part of your job requires the most creative thinking ? MP : F & B is where we generally have last-minute requests or demands . A dinner or party request last-minute when the hotel event spaces are full and the team and hotel food supplies are stretched . You always find a way through innovation or improvisation .
64 HOTELS March 2016 www . hotelsmag . com