The year of gratitude

It's August. More than half of the year is gone. The pandemic is still affecting our lives and the hospitality industry, but this does not stop me to be grateful.

After describing my experience and learning with Aman Resorts, I now move on to my next one. This is the year 2009, the year I decided to invest in education (completed the GMP with Cornell), a year my wife and I went through some personal challenges, nearly breaking our marriage, but a year that definetely made us stronger.

During this time I was working at the (then Intercontinental) Al Bustan Palace. One of the most luxurious hotels in the Middle East and one that had a history.

I left a piece of my heart in Oman, its people are so friendly and nice and the country so beautiful and full of history.

During this time I worked under the leadership of several people and learned a lot. The first thank you goes to Martin Van Kan, he was a tough GM and one that knows how to take the best out of people.

Pierre Alexandre le Bihan, the Hotel Manager at the time, was one that tought me how not to be. Remember, there is always something to learn!

Abdullah al Balushi, the HR manager, although for only a short time, he made an impact on me. A real human being, one that cared for people.

Finally, Bernard Viola. Bernard was the incoming GM after the announcement that Ritz Carlton would take over the management of the hotel. I was one of the last managers to leave the hotel and he allowed me to stay on and finish my handover, he trusted me!

I was priviledged to see the ''military operation'' by the Ritz Carlton team on how to take over a hotel. What a show!

Oman and the ''Bustan'' has left a great memory forever.

Thank you everyone!

Till next time.

Rocco

#lessonsinleadership #yearofgratitude