Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: I filled the divots on a golf course, early mornings on weekends. Then filled and serviced the drinks buggy – at least that was the fun part.
It’s hard to pin down one particular job as my parents always worked in hospitality, so I was on call to do something, however this was my first real paid position. These jobs taught me resilience, commitment and respect from a young age.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Get to know the people. In our business, people are critical to our success so it’s essential to build strong foundational relationships.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in the hotel industry?
A: The world is your oyster and the industry is yearning for young, passionate individuals. There are so many varied and interesting career opportunities available.
Go and study the foundations of Hospitality Management and get a casual job in a hotel to understand the workings. This can lead you down many paths that will build a fabulous career for you.
Q: What did the pandemic teach you about yourself?
A: Slowing down is essential and make time for the important things in life.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: Make a coffee then read my emails while enjoying it.
Q: How do you think the hotel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: I think we are starved of fresh talent joining our industry, especially in the regional areas where there is a lack of motivation and incentives to get people to go there.
Our industry can’t survive on student and working holiday visas alone. We need to reignite the passion for a career in the industry and entice Australians back to grow a career in hospitality.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Someone that doesn’t talk to me! I enjoy the solitude of planes to do things I don’t get to – watch a movie, read a book, take a nap.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: I love Sri Lanka for the people, the food, the diversity. Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore and Japan for the food and shopping. Anywhere else where there are good friends waiting for a catch up.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: We recently went to Koh Samui for a friend’s wedding and our plane literally crashed into the cement wall on arrival – luckily, we were on the ground already! Unless we had a picture, I don’t think you’d believe it happened.
Hilton, Little Queen St, Melbourne
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Hilton?
A: I’m looking forward to the opportunities a new job always brings – new friends, new colleagues, new places to travel.
I am also looking forward to working with the renowned Hilton brand, which is synonymous with excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.
The chance to contribute to and learn from a company that has consistently set high standards in customer service and guest satisfaction is incredibly exciting.
