Director of the ibis Kolkata Rajarhat (India) since 2018, Mizan Uddin first worked all over the country in Accor addresses. Its must-have for working in the hospitality sector? Creativity, sensitivity and communication.
Why did you choose the hospitality industry? More specifically Accor?
As curious as it may seem, hospitality was never my first choice, as I always wanted to get into a creative field. However, once I learned all about the industry and started exploring more, I realized that it had so much to offer. There are so many creative ideas to put in place and so many opportunities to think out of the box. Hospitality allows us to think, imagine and improve the guest experience. It’s constantly evolving and there's always something new. There' s no way to get bored! If you look at the long career paths at Accor, you know it’s the right choice: Associate in 2009, I am now Hotel Manager since 2018. I think it sums up the Accor way of developing the talent and leadership of its employees.
What do you like the most about your job?
I love my team! At Accor, we collaborate and share the same vision: work-life balance, a great degree of control and freedom.
As a Hotel Manager, what I appreciate most is to allow everyone to be autonomous, so that they can be innovative and challenge existing processes.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
I think we’re a bit too impatient these days, and tend to want everything, right now - whether it is training or promotions. In my opinion, people should be ambitious but yet realistic. Stability is the key to success and it’s a much-desired parameter for recruiters.
What advice would you give to anyone willing to pursue a career like yours?
What has worked for me may no longer be valid for future generations.
But I would say… be open-minded and adaptable. The industry of the last decade and today's industry are not the same - guests’ preferences have shifted from standardization to personalization. Today, the customer experience is more based on emotion and lifestyle, and it will continue to evolve. AI (artificial intelligence) will probably have a key role to play. Creativity, sensitivity and soft skills will remain the most sought after skill sets in days ahead.
Would you say that Accor fosters international mobility?
International mobility is one of the most essential part of growth and development within Accor. I have had the chance to move across 4 cities and I have held several positions in the past 10 years within Accor, in India. International mobility is open to all, and everyone can enjoy enriching experiences through Accor properties across India. I have experienced it myself and the road ahead is exciting.
What are your sources of inspiration?
In my case, my father is my biggest source of inspiration. I have always looked up to him. He instilled values in me, not through words but by following what he preaches and that has inspired me a lot.
I can also mention a quote that is close to my heart: “I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.” Jimmy Buffett.
Why did you choose the hospitality industry? More specifically Accor?
As curious as it may seem, hospitality was never my first choice, as I always wanted to get into a creative field. However, once I learned all about the industry and started exploring more, I realized that it had so much to offer. There are so many creative ideas to put in place and so many opportunities to think out of the box. Hospitality allows us to think, imagine and improve the guest experience. It’s constantly evolving and there's always something new. There' s no way to get bored! If you look at the long career paths at Accor, you know it’s the right choice: Associate in 2009, I am now Hotel Manager since 2018. I think it sums up the Accor way of developing the talent and leadership of its employees.
What do you like the most about your job?
I love my team! At Accor, we collaborate and share the same vision: work-life balance, a great degree of control and freedom.
As a Hotel Manager, what I appreciate most is to allow everyone to be autonomous, so that they can be innovative and challenge existing processes.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
I think we’re a bit too impatient these days, and tend to want everything, right now - whether it is training or promotions. In my opinion, people should be ambitious but yet realistic. Stability is the key to success and it’s a much-desired parameter for recruiters.
What advice would you give to anyone willing to pursue a career like yours?
What has worked for me may no longer be valid for future generations.
But I would say… be open-minded and adaptable. The industry of the last decade and today's industry are not the same - guests’ preferences have shifted from standardization to personalization. Today, the customer experience is more based on emotion and lifestyle, and it will continue to evolve. AI (artificial intelligence) will probably have a key role to play. Creativity, sensitivity and soft skills will remain the most sought after skill sets in days ahead.
Would you say that Accor fosters international mobility?
International mobility is one of the most essential part of growth and development within Accor. I have had the chance to move across 4 cities and I have held several positions in the past 10 years within Accor, in India. International mobility is open to all, and everyone can enjoy enriching experiences through Accor properties across India. I have experienced it myself and the road ahead is exciting.
What are your sources of inspiration?
In my case, my father is my biggest source of inspiration. I have always looked up to him. He instilled values in me, not through words but by following what he preaches and that has inspired me a lot.
I can also mention a quote that is close to my heart: “I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.” Jimmy Buffett.