About Me
Currently I am in England for my master’s degree in International Hospitality Management. This is something I always wanted to do but could not get a chance as I was enjoying learning and growing by working in the industry, until; December, 2019 and hospitality industry became one of the largest casualties of COVID-19. The hotel industry was on halt, hotels were closing down and that gave me the opportunity to pursue my degree. I decided to invest this time on me and be ready for near future, some say uncertain, I say certain but different.
During my working years, I have been fortunate to work with some of the best people and greats companies. These experiences provided me openings to develop communication and interpersonal skills, be detail oriented and focused, gain operational knowledge and business acumen. During the course of my career, I also learnt the importance of providing right leadership and forming teams for successful business.
In my opinion, satisfying your customers leads to profitability which can provide you resources to take care of your associates and that is the recipe of investors’ happiness.
I live by my values; Integrity, reliability, focused and usefulness. I feel they define me as person and I would not be me if I stray away from these values. Naturally, I would like to work for those companies who values these principles and run their businesses surrounded by these values.
My Work Experience
May, 2014 to Aug, 2020
Front Office Manager • Department Head • Four Points by Sheraton Downtown (242 Keys) • Marriott Int’l • Dubai, UAE
- As Front Office manager, I manage a team of 36 associates which consists of sub sections such as frontdesk, switchboard, concierge, swimming pool and health club.
- Drive activities to maximize room revenue by implementing effective room upsell program.
- Attaining high level of staff satisfaction, related to their job and work areas, also fell in my direct responsibilities.
- Responsible of preparing monthly & yearly front office budgets based on market trends, estimates of operating expenses and other pertinent data in coordination with director of revenue.
- Coach and support operations team to effectively manage occupancy and rate, payroll & controllable expense.
- In-charge of ERT (Emergency Response Team)
- Assigned as Fire Marshal the property.
Mar, 2008 to Sep, 2012
Night Manager/Complex Night Manager • The Westin & Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai • Marriott Int’l • Dubai, UAE
- Developed the role of Complex Night Manager and successfully managed overnight operation of both, 5*, properties with 294 & 211 keys.
- Represented senior management when required.
- Carried out rounds and supervised security teams to ensure safe and secure environment for guests and associates.
- In-charge of Night audit to ensure accurate accounts, revenue are recorded.
- In-charge of smooth arrival experience for guests in each property and deliver high level of service excellence.
Oct, 2012 to April, 2014
Assistant Front Office Manager • Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai (211 Keys) • Marriott Int’l • Dubai, UAE
- Part of re-opening team of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi after it’s refurbishment.
- Performed key role to organize the department & ensure staff readiness.
- Responsible for day-to-day tasks to make sure smooth and seamless operation.
- As we know that loyalty is key for any business, more in hotel industry, as Asst, FOM, I performed the role of loyalty champion where I looked after all loyalty related tasks i.e., benefit delivery to the member guests, team’s training on program’s various components.
- I was also in-charge of the training for all department related SOPs to ensure team is well trained and provides excellent guest service. Furthermore,
- I conducting periodic performance reviews for the team and development and growth for associates with potential to next level.
Nov, 2006 to Feb, 2008
Front Office Team Leader, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Dubai. • Marriott Int’l • Dubai, UAE
Trainings
- Emotional Intelligence by Marriott International.
- Certified Behavioural Interviewer
- Attended Six Sigma (OI) Green Belt Training
- Harvard Mentor – Online Trainings on; Managing Your Time, leading a Team, Decision Making, Leading & Motivation, Managing Difficult Interactions etc.
- F&B Management, June Term 2018 from “Hotel school the Hague”
Organizations i Have Worked With
Organizations i Have Worked With
Awards & Certificates
I am extremely honoured and earnestly grateful for the recognitions I have received for my work. Receiving these awards would not have been possible without the support that I received from my seniors and support of my team. I have the deepest respect for all the people that I have worked with as they have been the source of strength for me so I could challenge myself and perform better at every stage of my career. Below are few appreciation sheilds that I cherish the most.
My Education
Studying at Sheffield Hallam University which is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities: a community of more than 30,000 students, 4,000 staff and more than 250,000 alumni around the globe with the vision to be the world’s leading applied university.
Pursuing my MSc. International Hospitality Management which develops a depth of knowledge and understanding of management theories and specialised aspects of the hospitality business. We learn to critically evaluate and apply concepts to problems and issues in the international hospitality industry. Course provides opportunities to explore our own value and belief systems and share ideas with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, thus promoting internationalisation. It helps develop investigative research skills which will enable us to progress to research degrees or undertake consultancy.
- I also hold Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Karachi
I love Travelling
As is provides us our best stories, memories, and invaluable lessons that we may share with others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, broadens our perspectives, and forces us to refocus on what matters most.
I travel to explore because it pushes my boundaries and stimulates me to see, taste, and attempt new things. It continuously tests one’s ability to adapt and explore new environments, but also to engage with new people, to welcome new adventures as they arise, and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and family.
Another reason I travel for is to unwind. We are all aware that our lives are time-constrained and technology-driven, and let’s face it, we rarely take the time necessary to de-stress and completely turn off. Travel allows me to escape the daily obligations, tragedies, and deadlines of life and allows my mind to clear.
As a lifelong learner, I enjoy travelling since it allows me to immerse in geography, history, culture, gastronomy, languages, and biology, to name a few. Travel enlightens and educates us in ways that no textbook or travel guide can.
These are my reasons to travel! What’s yours?
