Alka Winter
It is Monday, July 19, and I am glad to welcome you to Season 5 Episode 2 of Monday Motivation – Felix asks. In today's episode, I am taking you to Ras al Khaimah (RAK), one of the seven United Arab Emirates and the most northern Emirate in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are still the main tourist destinations within the emirates, but over the last couple of years, RAK joined the league and is now an attraction of its own. With over 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture, and magnificent landscapes, and stunning coastlines, RAK is a great getaway from everyday life. The emirates’ potential was realized by many international hotel brands such as the Waldorf Astoria, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, and the Ritz-Carlton hotels, one of which is a luxury resort located amid the Al Wadi Desert, with around 100 villas and four dining venues.
My guest today plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ras al Khaimah is well placed on the map as a tourism destination. Please welcome Alka Winter, the Vice President of Destination Marketing & Communication at Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
I met Alka several times during my trips to Dubai while we were both working for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and later AccorHotels. It was always great fun working with Alka thanks to her positive attitude and her fantastic network of Public Relations and Media professionals. Alka brings more than 20 years of experience to the world of Marketing and PR, and I am extremely happy that she took the time to answer my questions.
During the interview, we talked about the start of Alka's career in Canada, where she first experienced the world of luxury hospitality at the Fairmont Royal York. We also discussed hospitality in general, and I am grateful for the story she shared regarding one of her former colleagues at the Fairmont Dubai. A story that made me think a lot as it shows the importance of life.
When the topic of mentorship came up, in addition to naming four of her former leaders, Alka also shared what each mentor taught her.
“I truly believe it takes a village and the people I have in my corner are leaders who lead with purpose and passion.”
Later in the interview, Alka shared some advice for the young generation and her book recommendation.
I hope you will enjoy the interview with one of my favorite people in the industry, and please keep her answer to my third question close to your heart. #sharepositivestories
Question 1: Where did you start your career?
Alka Winter (AW): “I started my career as an intern almost 20 years ago at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto. I saw it as an opportunity to fully immerse into some of my great passions – archaeology and history – while applying my newly acquired communications skills-set. As my internship came to an end after six months, my boss recommended applying for an entry-level communications role at the Fairmont Royal York. While I didn’t have a hospitality background via education or practical training, it was a wonderful opportunity not to be passed up. I had a chance to learn about the industry, from the bottom-up, while promoting an amazing brand (Fairmont) and getting stuck in a landmark Toronto hotel that dated back to 1929, hosted four generations of the British Royal family, operated the largest kitchen in Canada and physically measures a full city block. Amazing how these details still come to mind when reminiscing about my time there all these years later. It was (and still is) a truly special hotel in the heart of the city and an amazing experience that would later become a springboard to so many other opportunities later on.”
Question 2: What does Hospitality mean to you?
AW: “Hospitality means being natural, unscripted, thoughtful, and generous – with your time, with your attitude, and your approach in making others feel comfortable. It’s the small details and gestures that make all the difference and imparts amazing memories. I truly believe that you should leave a place – a hotel – better than how you arrived. For me, that’s the ultimate expression of hospitality.”
“ I truly believe that you should leave a place – a hotel – better than how you arrived.”
Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?
AW: “There are just so many but one that particularly stands out took place happened almost 15 years ago. I was working at the Fairmont Dubai at that time and we had an internal colleague recognition program where we would all vote for leader and colleague of the year. One gentleman who was shortlisted for the annual recognition was a steward working in the staff cafeteria and the kitchens. He won as a colleague of the year and was given the grand prize – an all-expense-paid trip to any Fairmont hotel worldwide. We knew that this prize was of great value, especially to him given that his role as an entry-level one. However, he asked for the cash value of the prize which we didn’t understand why at first. He explained that he wanted to send the prize money to the hurricane disaster relief efforts in his home country of Myanmar. How selfless is that? Instead of wanting the prize for himself, he decided to donate it to wider disaster outreach. But that’s just one example of so many acts of generosity and community-mindedness that I’ve seen throughout the years.”
Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it and did she/he gave you a piece of advice you still follow?
AW: “The beauty of our industry is that there you pick up several mentors along the way – people who serve as your advocate when you ‘level up’ to those who tell you to step back and think about whether a particular direction is the right course of action. The ones who come to mind include Philip Barnes (find his interview here) whose tough but fair approach drew out the best in me – it was sinking or swim! He’s the reason why I considered broadening my career beyond hospitality and transitioning into tourism, which is where I am now and truly love. Raki Phillips, whose team I joined over a year ago at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. He has an amazing ability to identify talent, nurture it and keep the lines of communication open for potential opportunities. To think that we first worked together over 15 years ago at Fairmont Dubai and again today with the tourism authority. From Sami Nasser, I learned a lot about the intricate nature of professional relationships, from operator to owner, and how stakeholder communication is vital for the industry to thrive. Lastly, Charlotte Thouvard is a communications pro who was not only a mentor but also a soundboard for so many communication plans that we launched together from brand acquisitions, brand integrations, internal communications, and a lot more.
I truly believe it takes a village and the people I have in my corner are leaders who lead with purpose and passion. “
Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?
AW: “In addition to having the requisite technical skills, I would recommend developing the intangibles; namely, a growth mindset. Hospitality and Tourism are two of the most rewarding industries but it’s really for those who have a genuine passion and a mental toughness, especially considering how fragile the industry has become over the past year with the pandemic. However, travel is in our nature and it is a psychological necessity. The green shoots of recovery are all around us and the industry will rebound stronger than ever. So, stay positive, keep learning and develop an expansive mindset.”
“Hospitality and Tourism are two of the most rewarding industries but it’s really for those who have a genuine passion and a mental toughness, especially considering how fragile the industry has become over the past year with the pandemic.”
Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.
AW: “I’m listening to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks lately, especially during my morning commute. I’m especially stuck in Bob Iger’s Masterclass on Business Strategy and Leadership. The way he clearly and succinctly articulates the vision of a multi-billion company such as Disney is an eye-opener. You also get insights on how he structures his day (from 4:30 am workouts to team meetings, family home time, and wrapping up) to his thought process on several game-changing deals and acquisitions, including Pixar, 20th Century Fox, Marvel, and much more. “
Dear Alka, thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. I am looking forward to seeing you again, maybe in Ras al Khaimah or here, at Lake Tegernsee.
Happy Monday, and don't forget to #sharepositivestories,
Felix
