Lead a life with a cause and have a legacy of your own.
My journey began with ITC park Sheraton in 2003 after graduating Gold Medallist in Hotel Management from Bharthiar university. I took my first role through campus placement and there on move on to ITC Windsor Manor in Bangalore. I then joined Grand Ashoka and shifted my base to Dubai in 2006 with Grand Hyatt. I was then selected to be part of pre-opening team of Raffles Dubai in 2007 and quickly moved up the ranks with my sheer passion and professionalism.
I took my directorial debut position as an Executive Housekeeper in Fairmont Cairo, then relocated back to Kempinski Mall of Emirates as Executive Housekeeper. Since then I won accolades within the industry and company. I became a regional rooms specialist within Kempinski. This allowed me to facilitate housekeeping training courses in Myanmar, Doha, Kigali, Vienna etc. I moved onto the role in Emirates Palace as an Executive Housekeeper. Then I held cluster roles with Marriott and Ajman hotels. I'm currently Director of Services with Peninsula London.
What's your greatest achievement and why?
That I'm able to strike the balance between my career and family till date. My two wonderful children and an amazing husband are the real blessing which I cherish every day. Out of my 12 international awards my most favourite ones have been the chapter of publishing my books. It gave me lot of solace and content.
Do you use affirmations, or have any kind of habit to help write your success story? I believe in my dreams, myself, and all that I am. “Some women choose to follow men, and some choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore." I have always loved challenges and have refused to fall prey to any comfort zone. I am at my best when I am challenged or put through difficult situations. I always admire successful stories and journeys especially the ones that breaks the mundane barricades.
What advice would you give to other women?
Be true to your values. Dream big and take tough decisions or else you will miss the fun! You don’t need to be told “You can do it”! It's obvious. Say no when you disagree. Make it a habit, it will give you a personality. Don’t settle for one position because you could be GM. VP, CEO or owner one day. Empowered women empower women. Emotional intelligence is a must! Life is not a destination; it’s a journey so please enjoy! Lead a life with a cause and have a legacy of your own.
How can we be more sustainable in your area of expertise in the cleaning industry? The sustainability movement has gathered momentum over recent years. Manufacturers now place a high priority on ensuring that their chemicals, machines and packaging are eco-friendly and have a minimal effect on the environment. But the recent pandemic crisis has shown the importance of sustainable hygiene for a hygienic, safer and healthier future. And there are highly effective solutions available that also prioritize hygiene and not just sustainability. Hygiene and cleaning standards have not just become the highest priority for all. I absolutely believe that hygiene and sustainability can co-exist.
Which books do you recommend to read?
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel PhD. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg My life in Full by Indira Nooyi and my own published books – SAY NO & DARE by Pamini Hemaprabha.