Leading the way: Insights from a Food and Beverage Team Leader at Accor

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Merhawit Tsegay, the Food & Beverage Team Leader at ibis London Shoreditch. Merhawit shares her inspiring journey in the hospitality industry and provides insights into what it takes to succeed at Accor.

Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and how you began your career in hospitality?

"I saw that I would be able to grow my career at Accor because I tried my hand in hospitality before. I had a part-time job alongside my studies. 

After I graduated, I interviewed at Accor and during the onboarding process they mentioned there was an opportunity to grow and that motivated me to learn everything I needed to know about my job." 

All leaders start somewhere - with experiences that allow them to flourish, grow, and become the best version of themselves. And our graduate opportunities offer just that. 

What are some of your responsibilities as a Food & Beverage Team Leader?

“My job as Team Leader involves supporting my team in the Food & Beverage department, developing their skills, and establishing a relationship with guests from the moment they join us for their stay." 

The responsibilities are varied and this is what makes the role so exciting and adds to the fun.”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

"I enjoy getting through a busy shift like the breakfast buffet and at the bar, working hand in hand with my team. I like providing good service and making sure guests have an amazing experience. 

I love it when they feel they belong and that is because of the connection we make with them. Sometimes they ask for a recommendation for what they can do or see during the day, and at the end of the day, they come back and tell me about their experience." 

At Accor, we obsess over our customers. Our guests are the drivers of our decisions and our actions. We put them first, we care for them. Do you have a passion for customer service? Then we may have a spot for you at Accor. 

What is your favorite thing about working in hospitality?

"My favorite thing is the flexibility of the scheduling; no two days are the same. I know there will be something new tomorrow, and that keeps me excited about going to work. 

I learn something each day – about myself and my personal growth, or my job – how to complete my tasks and upgrade my skills."

Can you share one of your proudest moments in your career?

"I have a lot of proud moments because everyday is a new challenge. But my proudest was when we were going through a transition because our Manager was leaving and we had a one-month gap until the new manager joined and that was when I got promoted to a Team Leader, working hand in hand with the Kitchen Supervisor. 

I stepped up to help our department to face those challenges as a team, running the daily operations with support from senior management." 

All our Heartists® are talents in the making, the future of our Group and our hotels. So, when you step up and take responsibility, you’ll always be recognized and feel valued. 

What does being a Heartist® mean to you?

"Being a Heartist® is about providing an amazing experience so that our guests feel welcome, and that they belong. 

That is only possible when our team feels valued, when they feel free to be themselves, so that they are inspired and are working towards a common goal – providing a quality service guests can remember and recommend."

What advice would you give to newcomers in the industry?

"My advice to newcomers is to form connections and build strong relationships with your colleagues because you spend many hours with them. 

Have the right attitude to work and ask a lot of questions, so that you can learn your role because you never know where it is going to take you."

Bring your passion for hospitality to Accor 

If you are passionate about hospitality and eager to develop your career, explore exciting opportunities at Accor. 

A place where you’ll enjoy every day and feel valued with a job in Food and Beverage in one of our hotel or lifestyle brands.

Become part of a team that values dedication, growth, and excellence.