Name: Mohamed Wakeb

Title: Director of Operations

Organisation: Fairmont Hotels and resorts

A passionate and a veteran leader in hospitality industry with over 25+ experience . Specialist in pre-openings and I was fortunate to be envolved in some key strategic projects/landmarks. I am a good listener with great analytical abilities, believe in teamwork and enjoy the fact being the multiplier type of leadership.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Wakeb's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

In general, I enjoy dealing with challenges. I see it as an opportunity and believe that there are multiple and viable solutions to any challenge no matter how complicated It is. A specific example will be dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic as it was unexpected and had a huge impact on our industry.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Through dedication, discipline, major achievements and hard work. In the hospitality industry you naturally progress as you go by demonstrating different skills set at every stage and gain your team respect, confidence and trust in delivery.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I am a morning person, enjoying being early at work 0730 am. I already have a schedule in place, starting with a walk through the entire operations for general inspections and taking notes. Attending the excom morning briefing. Reviewing the progress of many projects with many departments leadership. Then, review the commercial side, how are we performing, month to date and Year to date?, are we on track to achieve our GOP and KPI's? How is our quality score? If I notice anything off track to request a meeting with the department concern and ask questions and listen carefully for feedback to work an action plan at the end to address the short fall if any. I have an open door policy so I make sure I have allocated time for that. Get in touch with key accounts and key business supporter from different segments for feedback and last but not least check my next day schedule and the week for planning and preparation.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Any feedback from staff or leadership that will have an impact on operations and guests experience should always be a priority and addressed accordingly.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Multipliers by Liz Wiseman. This book stressed on the importance of creating, building and supporting the multiplier type of leadership. It can be done by putting the efforts of preparing as many leaders as you can with similar skills for next role. If you succeed in creating this multiplier environment it will be contagious with an amazing satisfactory outcome on performance, quality and guests satisfaction. It also, create an empowerment and healthy mind sets for mid level leaders.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Listen more and never stop learning and development.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Always be prepared. Never take any job for granted. Plan B should be as good as plan A. Be strategic in your approach professionally and personally.