Introducing this week’s #HotelierOfTheWeek!
Miriam Varoli is the General Manager at Hyatt Andaz London Liverpool Street .
As a hotelier, Miriam’s career began as a room attendant at the prestigious The Ritz London. This early experience provided her a solid foundation in understanding the importance of attention to detail and guest satisfaction. Miriam revealed how from there, her passion for the hospitality industry grew, leading her to pursue opportunities in various countries.
Miriam said, “My international career has taken me to Egypt, Singapore, and notably, I spent 10 years working in Japan. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of diverse cultures and their positive impact on hospitality. Working in different countries has allowed me to develop a global perspective on guest expectations and service standards.”
Speaking about what she loves most about her role, Miriam explained, “One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to forge genuine connections with guests, staff, and the local community. These connections are the heart of hospitality and remind me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.”
As a General Manager, Miriam also has the unique privilege of positively influencing the lives of her staff, “I take great pride in mentoring and developing my team, helping them grow both professionally and personally. By creating a supportive work environment, offering training opportunities, and recognising their efforts, I can contribute to their career progression and overall well-being.”
Moving on to perhaps the most exciting aspect of Miriam’s role is the ability to create what she likes to call a "happiness factory" in the hotels she works in. Miriam told us that this concept goes beyond just providing good service; it's about cultivating an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and positivity that permeates every aspect of the hotel experience.
When asked what advice she would give someone coming into the hotel sector, hoping to further their career within the industry, Miriam said, “Be curious and embrace continuous learning. It is also important to seek mentorship and networking opportunities by actively participating in networking forums and engage with mentors who can provide feedback, share their experiences, and offer advice on career progression.”
Recalling the pinnacle of her career, Miriam admitted “it isn't a single moment, but rather a collection of meaningful experiences and achievements that have shaped my journey in the hospitality industry.”
Miriam revealed that a high point has been the opportunity to mentor and develop talented individuals within her teams. She finished by saying, “Seeing team members grow, take on new challenges, and succeed in their careers has been incredibly rewarding and a testament to the importance of investing in people.”
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3moSo important to have the balance, that’s why we have a recharge day this Fri-YAY! IHG Hotels & Resorts