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
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