This is my ninth year in tourism industry. After completing my studies from IHM, Kovalam, (from where I got a degree in Hotel Management and catering Technology) I joined The Avenue Regent, Cochin. From then on I have worked with the Le Meridien, Cochin; Leela Bangalore and now for the past two years I am with the Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam.
Being in sales always throws new challenges day in and day out. From meeting guests to countering the competition to formulating strategies for the hotel, all these enthuse me daily. You are also seen as the face of the hotel to the outside world. In this present scenario of global meltdown and cut throat competition, sales becomes the life line of any industry and to steer this department, I think is the greatest challenge of them all.
 |
My inspiration has always been mine seniors in the industry. To top the list is Sanjay Sharma General Manager of Le Meridien, whose has single handedly created wonders for MICE business in the state and Thomas Rulin, who is considered the face of Taj in Kerala
TV is my favorite past time. I do not like to strain myself by watching TV soaps or crazy reality shows. Discovery, National Geographic and NDTV take up my major relaxation time. Going for short biking trips is also at the top agenda for filling the free time.
I love cars and fascination for this had made me drive almost to all parts of the country. Formula one is a sport that I have been following since child hood. And my sports hero is, of course, Michel Schumacher.
I have travelled quite a lot through out India, but nothing comes even close to Kerala Wayanad always amuses me every time I go there. But when it comes to my dream holiday – it is a calm and quite place, preferably a hill station ideally with no mobile range!
After my college it was my dream to work for Taj, which is synonymous with Indian Hospitality. I went for an interview for the post of front office assistant at the Taj Malabar, in Kochi and to my agony I was told that I did not have the credentials and charm to work for the Taj. Totally shattered, but determined to get to my goal, I worked hard with other organizations and slowly but surely started climbing the professional ladder with a dream of working for Taj some day. Now I am proud that I achieved my goal and have shown to this organization that I am an integral part of it.
My father inspired me to take up a job in hospitality sector. During the early part of my career when there were a few setbacks he supported me and I will always remember his words that "the world does not end with this failure and there is much more that you can conquer". The unforgettable moment in my life is when I gave my first salary to my father. I had a feeling that I have truly grown up to take the challenges in life.
