Q: When and how did you get into the hospitality business?
I always believed that I was born to work in this exciting industry. My
family has been in the hospitality industry for a long time --- my grandmother
owned a small food shop selling “Pho” (a traditional Vietnamese noodle) and my
mother was also in the restaurant business, serving traditional food such as
mehoon with fish and rice noodles with crab meat.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working for Sheraton?
The business strategies and the training and development programs they
offer all of their associates. Together, this creates a culture in which
associates are able to take care of guests as well as colleagues.
Q: Describe your job.
It’s a mixture of “front of the house” and “back of the house.” I work
closely with the Executive Chef and other Sous Chefs. Part of my
responsibility is increasing revenue by creating an attractive menu and
promoting the restaurants. I also interact with guests to obtain their
feedback to understand what we are doing well and where we could improve to
achieve our guests’ satisfaction. For me, it is a really rewarding job with
a lot of opportunities for career growth as there are many General Managers
whose background includes being a chef!
Q: Do you have a favorite “crazy” work situation story?
The most crazy work situation that I remember was a four day event with
400 guests every day, and we needed to create a four-course menu for every
day of the event. There were several last-minute changes but we remained calm
and on top of things. It was a wonderful effort from the entire team.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
The great feeling I have when the guests are satisfied because we’ve met
their needs and expectations and helped create an experience that will be
memorable.
Q: How would you communicate Belonging?
Belonging is not only feeling that we belong to one team, one place or one
organization. It’s about owning our team, owning our place and our
organization. We will be successful only when we truly Belong.
