Maram Kokandi is the hotel manager of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh (19459000) and she’s a woman leader in hospitality.
Maram Kokandi is the hotel manager of JW Marriott Riyadh. She was recognized as KSA’s first woman general manager. She discusses in this exclusive interview the challenges, developments and opportunities for women working as hospitality leaders.
What are your thoughts on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing women who work in leadership positions within hospitality?
The hospitality industry presents women with a number of challenges and possibilities, which can be influenced by internal as well as external factors. The key challenges are the complex dynamics of workplaces, diverse expectations from customers and maintaining a work-life equilibrium. Women in leadership positions face additional challenges, including networking, visibility, and mentoring, to their professional development. All levels of employees in the hospitality industry are affected by economic pressures. These include job security issues and pay gaps that persist. The severity and nature of the challenges are influenced by contextual factors, such as organizational culture, location and industry standards. It’s also important to acknowledge that men and women face similar challenges in their careers. Organizations can foster collaboration by promoting understanding and inclusivity. This will lead to new solutions. These solutions will ultimately improve productivity, employee wellbeing and equity, thereby benefiting all employees in the hospitality industry.
What has changed in the hospitality sector of KSA with regard to women leaders?
In recent years, Saudi Arabian women’s roles in the hospitality sector have changed dramatically. This is largely because of government initiatives. Vision 2030 played an important role in encouraging women to take on leadership positions. Education programs and hospitality-specific training are also supporting the increased number of women holding management roles. A change in cultural attitudes has also led to a broader acceptance for women as leaders, recognising their important contributions to the success of organizations. Women are increasingly able to access support and networking systems, which will help them advance in their career. In turn, this has led to the emergence of successful female leaders, who inspire future generations. This progress ultimately advances both the industry of hospitality and the larger goal to achieve gender equality in Saudi Arabia.
What is the importance of job-hopping for hospitality professionals?
In the hospitality sector, job hopping can be crucial to gaining valuable experience and acquiring diverse skills. It also allows you to expand your professional network. Women can improve their adaptability and visibility by switching jobs. This makes them more attractive for positions in leadership. This practice also fosters confidence and personal development, helping women to align their career with their long-term and passion-driven goals. Career hopping is a great way for women to stay current with the latest trends in today’s industry. It also helps them grow professionally. This approach ultimately leads to greater success and opportunities in the workplace.
What is your plan for JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh?
My primary goals as a hotel manager are to enhance the guest experience through excellent service and offering. My goal is to reduce the environmental impact of our hotel while optimizing efficiency. In addition, I will prioritize staff training to create a skilled and motivated team that fosters a positive work environment. In addition, I’ll focus on marketing to attract diverse clients and increase occupancy rates. Regular feedback from our guests will help us improve, and community involvement initiatives will strengthen local ties. My goal as manager is to improve the reputation of the hotel and its profitability.
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