Hospitality industry can be revealing and transformative for those who choose to follow it intentionally and wholeheartedly. Hospitality and the extended Tourism industry is not just a job. It is a lifestyle. It is a way of thinking, a way of acting, a way of being. Through your occupation in this field, you can develop precious, soft skills that can benefit your life personally and professionally.
We asked Hospitality Leaders from different positions and areas of expertise in Greece, to tell us one thing that they discovered for themselves through their occupation in this field. Here are their answers presented in alphabetical order:
Empathy
One thing I ‘ve learned for myself after dealing with the hospitality business for over 15 years now, is that empathy is the key to success for any human interaction. There is always a reason for every thought or emotion expressed. Trying to truly understand it will solve most of the challenges you face.
Alexakis Dimitris, Area General Manager at Empiria Group
Diversity & Inclusion
Coming from a culinary background, evolving to F&B and eventually to the GM positions, I have had the privilege to work closely with people from very different social and cultural backgrounds. For me, this has been and still is, a huge learning curve which has humbled me professionally and personally. Hospitality is a People first business!
Ananiadis Sotiris, General Manager at Dukley Hotels & Resorts
Continuous improvement
Being involved in tourism helped me improve as a person. I improved in almost all the levels that make up our character. Educational, communicative, work, social, emotional etc. It also keeps me up to speed on continuous improvement and development.
Anastasiadis Dimitris, Area General Manager at Y. & T. Daskalantonakis & Hines Group
The power of kindness
It costs nothing to be nice. Just being in principle nice to colleagues and guests can be an excellent basis to build up better understanding, equity & inclusivity within our business environments. I find it very transformative that i now ‘need’ and does me more good, to be nice for my (inner) self , rather than doing as part of the role.
Antonatos Makis, Regional Head of Operations at Soho House & Co
Flexibility
The key point that I have discovered through my work within the hospitality, was the key element of flexibility. Flexibility that runs across many aspects of my prof life and reflects also now to my personal life. Hospitality is a demanding industry that professionals in order to succeed need to adapt, learn, deliver and since things change constantly then flexibility is needed.
Brousalian Charis, Business Development Manager at Celestyal Cruises
Human Relations
The human relations between the employee in the tourism industry and the customer, are the greatest experience that a person can have. When I develop people’s relationships, I also develop myself.
Daouliaris Argiris, Director of Operations & Quality at Amalia Group of Hotels | Founder Innjobs.net
Leadership
The hospitality industry revealed to me the transformative potential of simply caring for others and developing leaders. It’s not just a job, it’s a fulfilling vocation where you can touch people’s lives and make a positive difference.
Dimos Evangelos, Area General Manager at Empiria Group
Impact & Inspiration
The most revealing part of Hospitality to me was when I witnessed the power of impact and inspiration that Euphoria Retreat brought into multiple people’s lives, not only guests but first and foremost employees. Being in an environment where healing is a primary concern, they have grown exponentially in self-awareness, emotional intelligence and empathy. They have come not only to anticipate guests’ needs but to genuinely care for their wellbeing.
Efraimoglou Marina, Owner at Euphoria Retreat
Adaptability
Things can change quickly in hospitality. You learn to be flexible and adapt to evolving situations. Adaptability is a valuable life skill, enabling you to thrive in a dynamic environment. By using this skill, you can enhance guest experiences, build strong relationships, and pave the way for personal and professional growth.
Frantzikinaki Maria, Director of Human Resources at One & Only Aesthesis
Fulfillment
There is no other place where you will receive and offer more cordial smiles than in a hotel. In addition to gaining a wealth of unique experiences, you gain great fulfillment by being a part of other people’s happiness. Being able to meet people when they’re at their best moments and knowing that you have the power to make them even better, makes working in the industry, far more than just a job. It’s a gratifying lifestyle.
Gkika Petroulaki Elena, Director of Human Resources at Costa Navarino | Author at Psichogios Publications
Finding joy in the journey
I have discovered for myself that it gives me immense pleasure to create space for joy, space to explore and discover, to relax and rebalance; space in relationships, but also space as opportunities, giving room to grow and shape to ideas.
Konstantinidou Kalia, Vice President at Empiria Group
People Empowerment
As an HR Leader in the hospitality industry, the most transformative revelation I experienced was the profound impact of fostering a culture of care and support. When employees feel valued, motivated, recognized, supported and empowered, they become the heart and soul of the organization, driving it to new heights of success and setting the stage for exceptional guest experiences.
Labropoulou Lilian, Director of People and Culture at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Sense of Duty
Working in hospitality helped me discover some values on ethics basis. I started feeling the commission to all those travelers who strive to save money for their holidays and we all have to respect this when it’s time for us to welcome them in our country.
Leontopoulos Panos, CEO at Hotelistas
Emotional Intelligence
The hotel industry serves as a remarkable catalyst for human connections. Through my job, I discovered the incredible power of human connection. To build genuine relationships, I have had to develop skills such as active listening, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand and meet the needs of others. Building genuine relationships brought a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and an appreciation for the beauty of the hospitality industry.
Santikou Katerina, Managing Director at Workathlon
Self-Confidence & Determination
My hospitality journey led me to the confidence and determination I value in myself today. Having to make decisions which would affect many people and the financial vitality of the companies I worked for, kind of inevitably takes you there.
Seizis Christos, General Manager at Santo Collection
Embracing Change
If I could describe the experience during my 20+ years in Tourism & Hotel business, I would only use these two words. Speaking from a Revenue & Online Sales perspective, which is my expertise, we all know how fast, competitive, challenging and hands-on things can be. Expecting and embracing change gives us the power to improve, understand and cope with unforeseen challenges and events.
Tsantila Stella, Co-Founder at INcrementUM Hotel Online Sales Management
Togetherness
Through the hospitality industry, I found that genuine connections with guests and team members create profound impacts. I realized that empathy, kindness, and attention to detail are catalysts for transformation, making the journey in the industry fulfilling. One thing that can be undeniable in hospitality is the following quote: Alone, we can do so little; together, we can achieve greatness.
Vogli Christina, Director of Hotel Operations at Cavo Tagoo
Creativity
To me hospitality has a magical way of amplifying competencies you hardly knew you had. In my case, I think creativity has become one of my biggest attributes through the constant strive to find solutions and make peoples’ lives better.
Zampetoglou Lia, Director of People Experience at Sani/Ikos Group
* If you liked this article, you can also read this: Hospitality: a self-discovery industry
