Aali Ghufran
It is Monday, January 31; welcome to Season 7, Episode 4 of “Monday motivation – Felix asks”. In today’s episode, I am taking you to the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi. A lot of international luxury hotel chains are operating properties in the city. E.g. Four Seasons, Rosewood, Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton or Mandarin Oriental, who has been managing the prestigious Emirates Palace since they took it over from Kempinski in 2020. However, today I am introducing you to the World of Hyatt. So far, 19 brands are part of the World of Hyatt. Brands like Andaz, Hyatt, Grand Hyatt or the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In the second season, I had the pleasure to welcome Till Westheuser, the General Manager of The Wellem in Düsseldorf, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, with me. But today, I am opening the doors of Park Hyatt for you. The most premium brand of all 19.
“Located in the world’s most desirable destinations, Park Hyatt hotels deliver luxury experiences perfectly tailored to those who expect nothing but the best.”
Currently, 45 Park Hyatt Hotels in 25 countries exist. The brands they are competing with, as per their website, are Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Four Seasons. (https://www.hyatt.com/development/ourbrands/parkhyatt)
In addition to the existing 45 Park Hyatt Hotels, eight new ones are in the current pipeline, including two openings in London. Park Hyatt London River Thames and the Park Hyatt London Trafalgar Square.
London played an essential role for my guest, as it was the city where he started his sales career. Please welcome Mr Aali Ghufran, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. Aali and I know each other from our times with FRHI (Fairmont Raffles Hotels International). He was the Director of Global Account before he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for his first appointment as Director of Sales and Marketing.
I enjoyed hearing about the start of Aalis` career and how this experience became part of his business life.
“Hire for attitude, not for skill.”
During the interview, Aali shared some valuable advice for the next generation and also gave a book recommendation. Aali shared his favourite place in Abu Dhabi and, in case you have any travel plans to Penang in Malaysia, Aali has you sorted.
I hope you enjoy the read and, please do not forget to sign-up for the newsletter to receive a summary of all highlights after every season.
#sharepositivestories
Question 1: Can you take us through your career? Where did you start and what do you love most about your current role?
Aali Ghufran (AG): “My career within hospitality spans over 20 years, across 8 different countries. I started in Culinary, as a pastry chef in Switzerland, later-on moved to the U.S. accomplishing several positions within Rooms Division and F&B, and finally I launched my sales career in U.K. nearly 15 years ago. I currently have the honor of heading-up the Commercial discipline at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. I love Abu Dhabi as it is the crossroads between two worlds and at the same time a place full of identity and charm. I learn every day from this city and I love experiencing its intercultural side, which is full of discovery.”
Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you?
AG: “Hospitality is all about making people happy, whether you are a concierge, a kitchen porter behind the scenes or even a General Manager, every time you come into work you are making someone’s day that little bit better. It gives me a great sense of gratification to know I contributed to someone’s happiness.”
Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?
AG: “The beauty of our industry lies in the fact that you welcome a new experience with the beginning of each day. From catering to high-profile political personalities to famous celebrities, fortunately my career is blessed with amazing experiences which fuel my passion for this industry, but one anecdote which brings a smile to my face and gives me a feeling of gratitude was when I worked in Mexico. As part of our Community Footprint activity we took over the dining area of the orphanage at Santa Maria del Mexicano, we curated a five-star dining experience for the children at the orphanage, decorated the room elegantly and our culinary brigade prepared a sumptuous meal for the children served by our Executive Leadership. I can never forget the look of surprise mixed with delight on the faces of the children when they entered the dining room, they were so happy and jumping with joy, a few of them came afterwards and gave us hugs! Those two hours have been the most rewarding in my career, makes me proud of doing what I do.”
Question 4: What was the most powerful advice you have received so far?
AG: “I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some great Leaders who saw the talent and ability in me, which I could not see at the time, and challenged me to bring out that talent and be a better version of myself. In my very first sales position in London, I was hired by a phenomenal Leader called Kellie Newman (Area Director of Operations Mid-America, Marriott International), I had no sales experience at the time and Kellie hired me for a regional position to sell a cluster of hotels, it was a huge responsibility and I felt I had to work twice as hard to prove myself, one day I asked Kellie what did she see in me, considering I had never worked in Sales and I did not have enough destination knowledge, Kellie replied saying she hired me for my attitude and not my skill, she saw my drive and ambition based on which she offered me the job. During my first year in that position, I was awarded Sales Manager of the Quarter and later-on achieved President’s Circle Award. I keep this advice close to my heart today when I am hiring sales talent myself and I have never been disappointed.”
Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?
AG: “You are in for the most amazing ride of your life, be prepared for the highs and the lows, one plus one will never equal two and what makes one guest happy would not work on another guest. Keep an open-mind and let life happen. You will meet some remarkable people, experience some beautiful cultures and create extraordinary memories which you will cherish for a life time. Stay ambitious, work hard, dream big and triumph!”
Stay ambitious, work hard, dream big and triumph!
Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.
AG: “I would recommend Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. It validates the power of determination, you can come from nothing but with hard-work, focus and determination you can be the force that could change the world. I particularly admire this quote from Nelson Mandela “a leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.” I feel this can very easily be translated to the world of hospitality.”
Question 7: Which other industry expert would you like to see to answer these questions as well?
AG: “I would suggest Meenaz Diamond (Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales, Accor). Meenaz is truly an inspirational Leader, she can identify raw talent and then built it up. Along with having an entrepreneurial mind-set, Meenaz is also a great human being and invests time in supporting the community and environment.”
Question 8: What is your favourite bar in Abu Dhabi?
AG: “My favorite place to hang-out in Abu Dhabi is Shala Beach Lounge, overlooking the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island. Derived from a Sanskrit word for ‘home’ Shala is a barefoot haven inspired by bohemian free spirits that enjoy a good life.”
Question 9: What is your favorite hotel to stay in and why?
AG: “I had one of my most memorable stays at Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion in Penang, Malaysia. Built on Feng Shui principles, The Blue Mansion is a 19th Century Chinese house which today stands as a landmark in the fabric of George Town Penang’s vibrant heritage as a boutique hotel and historical attraction, elegant and majestic.”
Aali, thank you for taking your time and I am very much looking forward seeing you again somewhere around the globe.
