GENERAL MANAGER ’ S LIFE
H : What do you do differently than other managers ?
Zİ : I don ’ t think I do anything different than any other good leader . I do take the time to sit with each [ job ] candidate to see if they have the right attitude and would be a good fit before we decide as a team to hire them . We look for positive , can-do attitudes ; you can always teach the job ’ s technical aspects . As a leader , my task is to give team members full support and create a healthy working environment so they can flourish and deliver the best experience to our guests .
ZEYNEP İNCEKARA
GENERAL MANAGER
SIX SENSES KOCATAŞ MANSIONS ISTANBUL , TURKEY
Contributed by ERIN SUND
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions on the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul is billed as “ an urban resort where Asia meets Europe .” General Manager Zeynep İncekara is also of two places . Born in Istanbul , she holds dual Turkish and Australian citizenship , starting her career in Australia before holding management positions in Istanbul , Singapore , New York City , London , Hong Kong and Bali .
HOTELS : How has working your way up through the industry influenced your perspective ?
ZEYNEP İNCEKARA : My career started in food and beverage service in Sydney , and throughout my career , I have had the wonderful opportunity to work in different areas of the hotel , as well as throughout the world in many exciting cities . This has helped me understand the importance of each and every area of the hotel .
H : What do you believe the industry is ignoring to its detriment ?
Zİ : Tourism has progressed around the world in a big race ; everyone wants to create a better service and hotel concept . However , sometimes we ’ re getting caught up in numbers and forgetting why we are here , which is to provide a personalized experience for our guests . We need to go back and listen to our guests and give them an experiential memory . That ’ s why I like small boutique hotels where we provide warm and caring service .
H : How have you observed guests and their needs changing ?
Zİ : Guests like things fast , and they are technologically savvier . They are more interested in new trends . At times , this can create a robotic and impersonal atmosphere . We like to help our guests switch off and reconnect with themselves and the environment . Invest the time to listen to your guests ’ needs and create innovative service . [ By doing this ], you ’ ll earn your guests ’ loyalty .
H : What are you reading right now ?
Zİ : A novel by a Turkish author İclal Aydin , “ Three Sisters ,” and at the same time , a book about how to heal through food . I like to mix up my reading with books on psychology , wellness , mysteries and thrillers .
H : Describe a typical day .
Zİ : Now that I ’ m back in my birthplace of Istanbul , I ’ m very lucky to wake early every morning to the gorgeous view of the Bosporus . My morning begins with meditation and Pilates , followed by a great cup of coffee . I like to review the day ahead and create an agenda to achieve goals with the team . I like to lead by example , so you will see me in all areas of the hotel .
H : Where do you find inspiration outside the industry ?
Zİ : You can find inspiration through many things and people . The most important thing is to set the time aside to open your mind and widen your perspective on life .
64 hotelsmag . com March 2020