TOURISM INDIA MARCH 2019 TOURISM INDIA MARCH 2019 | Page 41

termed as natural leaders that motivate others and lead a team towards success. However, others might be required to develop these skills over a period of time. What obstacles did you face in trying to achieve your goals of managing the Hotel ? Obstacles are of many but that’s what makes us stronger and helps us move on. Challenges like less business, competitor’s achievements, and lack of qualified staff, misleading forecasts and insufficient funds for facility upgrade are some of the many challenges that are quite often. But obstacles are stepping stones to success; it gives us experience, knowledge, strength and better judgment. Being a CEO achieving my goals was a tough task as I have to depend on my team and subordinates. Miscommunication and misunderstandings may lead to adverse results. And sometimes the team may lose focus from the goals and I may have to pressurize them even more to achieve the goals. Is there any memorable incident occurred in your career that you would like to mention ? There are plenty and very interesting ones. But the one that I always remember is when I was going through my training in Taj Delhi. My senior Captain used to trouble me as I am a Tamil. How much ever hard I work he was never satisfied and forced me to do even more. It was almost like he enjoyed seeing tears from my eyes. Running away was my first solution, but then I thought to myself, how far will I run? I stayed and gave it my all regardless of the troubles I had to face. And the day came when I was promoted as an Assistant manager and then he had to report to me. But I always made sure that I never treated him the way he treated me or take any revenge, I was always nice to him. One day he approaches me with tears and asked why I was so kind to him after all the torture he had made me go through. I like to leave past where it belongs. I always make sure to take care of the newcomers and treat them good so they feel proud to work in the organization. There are many incidents that are personal and professional. I have done the Silver Service to the then president Mr. Gyani Jail Singh. I have provided service to the cricket legends like Mr. Gavaskar and Mr. Vishwanath and Jordan prime minister of 1984 Mr. Ahmad Obeidat, Ms. Smitha Patil, an actress who was very close to me. Mr. Kamal Hassan, Mr. Amithab Bachan, Ms. Rekha, and many others. I have also taken care of Shri Karunanidhi and Ms. Jayalalitha. I have always excelled at my work and given the best to my clients and that makes them happy. TALLEST SANDWICH IN THE WORLD, TALLEST CHRISTMAS CAKE IN THE WORLD.,150 HEART SHAPE DESSERTS, ELEPHANT WEDDING, ELEPHANT BUFFET, UNDERWATER CEO CONFERENCE, BLUE RAMP FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED KIDS ARE THE BRAINCHILD OF RAJA GOPAAL IYER A word to aspirants/new entrants in the hospitality industry ? You might not associate hospitality with opportunities to exercise your creativity, but those who excel in the industry know how to add special touches to really wow their customers. Banquet managers dream up memorable events, chefs plan exquisite meals, and front desk agents think outside the box to solve customer issues. When you make it to the management ranks, there’s a certain prestige in handing out business cards with Marriott, Serena, or Radisson Hyatt printed across the top. They’re popular brands that most people recognize and often love. Of course, I feel proud to put UDS logo in the top as it is also a well-recognized brand in the travel and hospitality industry. If hopping on a plane and exploring a new country excites you, then hospitality could be your calling. International chains will often send employees to other countries for training or transfer them to a hotel in another part of the world. For any job, you need hard work, passion and willingness to change. Photos by Murukesh Iyer March 2019 Tourism India 41