Caroline Trichet, one of the only GM women in the United Arab Emirates and the only one working for an upscale brand, shares with us her story in the 4 corners of the world that led her today to head Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Waitress, F&B director, GM of Sofitel Wanda Beijing and finally Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers... How did you get here and why did you choose to pursue a career in the hotel industry?
I started working in one of my dad’s friends restaurant to earn a bit of pocket money during the summer. I felt in my element & I enjoyed interacting with the FB team.
What was your best memory as a GM?
When I re-organized our planet 21 champions & inspired them to work as a team and use their initiatives to think out of the box. Not only the outcome showed us very original and great results but also the sense of ownership, pride and pleasure of being part of these changes in each individual was priceless.
A typical GM day for you... what does it look like?
Morning meeting with my managers, go around our hotel to observe outlets, teams & meet guests. Implementing & follow up on different actions which optimize our business, whether it’s on enhancing our product, delivering great service or implement new measures to improve our reputation & business.
A good General Manager is...
A source of inspiration, a role model for his/her brand. Someone who leads by example. A resourceful, determined & optimistic person who’s aim is to always obtain the best of him/herself. Be a great motivator to each member of his/her team member to achieve optimum results.
You are one of the only GM women in the Middle East... Are you committed to the values of equity and solidarity? What are the challenges you have faced as a woman in your career?
Absolutely, I’m a firm believer that we need to have an equal mix of gender and age as well as a diverse range of culture in our industry. This helps to insure that we remain aware of the different needs & expectations of everyone and to achieve a common goal whilst building a much better world.
Being a woman in this position mean that I have to apply even more pressure on myself and to deliver perfection so as not to let others have any opportunity for criticism. I must be assertive & confident in front of my future employer (all men) as well as visually smart. I must be able to demonstrate that I have multiple resources can also take difficult decision for our business if necessary.
A quick motivating speech to our future GM women…?
Follow your gut, don’t doubt your strength, share your passion & focus on what you want to do in life. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Never give up.A little bird told us that you are a fan of Harley motorcycle. So can we say you like adventure? What is your next challenge?
The zip line on the mountains of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah which is the highest point of the UAE at 1680 meters above sea level travelling up to 160 kilometers per hour.
What do you do in your spare time? Any addresses in Dubai to share with us?Enjoying the water, outdoor activities and discovering new FB outlet with friends. Hampton Café, Nola, Publique,the souk medina & many more...
If you were a hotel, which one would you be?
Small luxury boutique hotel, unique location, exclusive, premium outfit & design with personalised and friendly service.
Your everyday motto?
The only way to do great work is to love what you do | Look after your team, they will look after your guests | The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.
Waitress, F&B director, GM of Sofitel Wanda Beijing and finally Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers... How did you get here and why did you choose to pursue a career in the hotel industry?
I started working in one of my dad’s friends restaurant to earn a bit of pocket money during the summer. I felt in my element & I enjoyed interacting with the FB team.
What was your best memory as a GM?
When I re-organized our planet 21 champions & inspired them to work as a team and use their initiatives to think out of the box. Not only the outcome showed us very original and great results but also the sense of ownership, pride and pleasure of being part of these changes in each individual was priceless.
A typical GM day for you... what does it look like?
Morning meeting with my managers, go around our hotel to observe outlets, teams & meet guests. Implementing & follow up on different actions which optimize our business, whether it’s on enhancing our product, delivering great service or implement new measures to improve our reputation & business.
A good General Manager is...
A source of inspiration, a role model for his/her brand. Someone who leads by example. A resourceful, determined & optimistic person who’s aim is to always obtain the best of him/herself. Be a great motivator to each member of his/her team member to achieve optimum results.
You are one of the only GM women in the Middle East... Are you committed to the values of equity and solidarity? What are the challenges you have faced as a woman in your career?
Absolutely, I’m a firm believer that we need to have an equal mix of gender and age as well as a diverse range of culture in our industry. This helps to insure that we remain aware of the different needs & expectations of everyone and to achieve a common goal whilst building a much better world.
Being a woman in this position mean that I have to apply even more pressure on myself and to deliver perfection so as not to let others have any opportunity for criticism. I must be assertive & confident in front of my future employer (all men) as well as visually smart. I must be able to demonstrate that I have multiple resources can also take difficult decision for our business if necessary.
A quick motivating speech to our future GM women…?
Follow your gut, don’t doubt your strength, share your passion & focus on what you want to do in life. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Never give up.A little bird told us that you are a fan of Harley motorcycle. So can we say you like adventure? What is your next challenge?
The zip line on the mountains of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah which is the highest point of the UAE at 1680 meters above sea level travelling up to 160 kilometers per hour.
What do you do in your spare time? Any addresses in Dubai to share with us?Enjoying the water, outdoor activities and discovering new FB outlet with friends. Hampton Café, Nola, Publique,the souk medina & many more...
If you were a hotel, which one would you be?
Small luxury boutique hotel, unique location, exclusive, premium outfit & design with personalised and friendly service.
Your everyday motto?
The only way to do great work is to love what you do | Look after your team, they will look after your guests | The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.