to create last-minute surprises . “ Being creative is important , as well . I always talk about how together everyone achieves magic . We ’ re a team and have to work together . Integrity is very , very important to me . It ’ s been a guiding principle throughout my career .”
With a trust and verify mentality , Zec is also known for tracing activities around the hotel . “ I trust you to do a good job , but if you don ’ t , I start tracing or double checking until you ’ re consistently good again ,” she says .
All these strategies are a part of Zec ’ s management tactics , especially when it comes to taking care of guests and never resting on laurels . There is no room for complacency , she doesn ’ t believe in sacred cows and loves creativity , making sure she puts the most creative and smart people around her . “ I ’ m proud of the fact that the hotel has the look and feel of a relatively new hotel , even though we ’ re 21 years old … It ’ s because we do walkthroughs all the time . I don ’ t just sit in the office . It ’ s about knowing what ’ s going on .”
That level of intensity also defines Zec and her style . “ I ’ m intense all the time – it ’ s just in my DNA ,” she says . “ Sometimes my husband says , ‘ you ’ re not in the office , Maria . Tone it down a little .’ But no , I think that ’ s how we keep the standards up .” at The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels . “ She is loyal , trustworthy , intelligent and an amazing leader , which has helped to form countless young hoteliers . It is a great privilege to work with Maria and to be able to call her my friend .”
At the end of the day for Zec , she is simply humbled by being in the position she loves . “ I feel like I ’ m very lucky to be where I am . I worked hard , but you know , I still feel lucky .”
But , no doubt , it was not luck that caused Borer in 2018 to suggest naming the new Z Bar at the Peninsula Chicago after Zec , an honor bestowed on a few select Peninsula leaders who have significantly contributed to the company .
YOUR WORD IS EVERYTHING It is this style and approach to the day-to-day that Zec tries to instill in her teams , and it seems to have worked as she has mentored multiple GMs in the Peninsula organization . Three of the nine current general managers at The Peninsula Hotels worked directly for Zec just prior to being named to lead a hotel .
“ I always tell people to be indispensable and do things for your boss that makes them look good ,” she says . “ Keep taking on more responsibility because then it will become natural to just give it to you .”
Zec adds that young hoteliers have to follow through on what they say they ’ re going to do . “ Your word is everything . If people are going to respect you , you must have integrity .”
She remains completely energized by the day-to-day business of running hotels and enjoys being challenged by everyone around her . “ I like being in the operation . It ’ s fun . I like being around the energy of a hotel ,” she says .
That energy and commitment has not gone unnoticed . “ Maria to me is the perfect friend and colleague ,” says Peter Borer , chief operating officer Zec with her beloved pugs at Z Bar at the Peninsula Chicago , a bar named after her for significant contributions to the company .