The year of gratitude

It's the year 2008 but this time, and to avoid repeating, I am featuring some of the leaders of Aman Resorts, a company regarded by most in the industry as one of the world's most luxurious (if not the most) and one I was privileged to work twice.

I remember when I was first described the opportunity to join the pre-opening team in New Delhi, at the time the first city resort for Aman, as EAM and I didn't need to get too much of it. My first question was ''where do I sign?''. It was such an honour to join this brand.

The location was quiet challenging to live with the family, I must say, but it definitely was worth it.

The second time round with Aman was in the Caribbean, this time in Dominican Republic and as GM for their newest resort.

In both times I had the priviledge to work with some amazing leaders and when the brand was under different ownership (the first with Adrian Zecha, its founder, the second with Vladislav Doronin). In both occasions I have very fond memories as I have been able to understand what real luxury and personalization is.

For this I would like to deeply thank Antony Treston, my GM at the Aman New Delhi, for teaching me about due diligence and professionalism, Monty Brown for showing me how diplomacy and negotiation works in times of conflicts. I wish you will manage that Aman in the Hawaii one day.

I owe an apology to Blaise Montandon for nearly killing him (LOL). He knows the story very well.

And another apology is to Marco Frank for possibly letting him down, although I would have appreciated some support and guidance during this first assignment as GM with the brand.

I did not work nor interact much with Ferdinand Wortelboer, however i guess he too deserves a note, as without his green light I would not have had the chance to work with this amazing organization.

Finally Debbie Cross. Debbie and I had been in contact while in previous companies and it was a delight to meet again in different circumstances. I did not have the chance to work with you for very long and my short impression reflected exactly the one I was expecting of a kind ''human-led'' director.

I salute this group of leaders, I wish them all the best and hope our paths will cross again at some point and be able to cheer over a glass.

Till next time.

Rocco

#lessoninleadership #gratitude