ALTAAB KHAN

Altaab Khan is the director of Learning and Development for Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.

‘Learning should never stop, keep learning and keep empowering others to learn and grow and radiate at a higher frequency.’

From flipping burgers at McDonald’s to being the Director of Learning and Development for Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Altaab Khan is an advocate for continuous self-improvement.

A man with a vision, Mr Khan has been an inspiration through his Training and Development webinars.

He once lived and worked in Hawaii, “But I feel that there is nothing better than being home, or beautiful isles of Fiji.”

To him the deadly COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise. “COVID-19 gave me the push to upgrade my skillset and I am very happy that I’m pursuing my studies in counselling as I plan to be a future Cognitive behavioural therapist.”

Below is an excerpt of interview with Shahzad:

Tell us more about yourself (about your life story, age, family and how has this influenced your career choices)?

A passionate learning transformer , who is people centric and loves to coach, mentor, train and change the mindset of people.

My Mum was a long-serving primary school teacher and taught three generations. She was well known in the community and was well supported and respected.

Tell us about your educational background?

I have a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Management, hold a diploma in hotel management from Hawaii, a registered training officer with the Fiji National University, Cert IV in Training & Assessment, workplace assessor by Fiji Higher Education Commission, currently pursuing certifications in counselling from the University of the South Pacific, Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, and many other certifications.

Can you tell us about your role and experience as a business executive?

I specialise in learning and development and currently plays the role of director of learning & development at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.

How do you manage the demands of professional and personal commitments?

I am very passionate about my role, hence most of this is also a big part of my personal commitment.

What are some of the challenges faced by the industry?

Stagnation, resistance to change, mind-set.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

The absolute inner happiness you get when you see your learners growing in their careers and becoming skillful.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

I love the idea that I am deep diving into psychology studies, I am learning a lot from the Fiji Psychological Society as they do amazing continuous professional development for its members.

My career is a story of flipping burgers at McDonalds to being accountable for Training & Development for various organisations in Fiji. I am also a Fiji Business Excellence Awards Evaluator.

Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?

Yes I have met some great mentors like Mr Kanti Tappoo, from Tappoo Group, Mr Dilip Khatri from Jack’s Group, my current area general manager, Vincent Macquet, and not forgetting some of the amazing team members and colleagues such as Sharol from Tanoa Group, Swaran Ravindra from Fiji National University, Zareena Bi from Energy Fiji Limited, Ronald Reddy from Roosters and many more.

I run webinars for USP Careers

Chat, FNU Careers Chat, Youth Fiji Group Webinars, I do motivational write ups on social media especially LinkedIn where I have 24K connections. I am the chairperson for the APTC Alumni – Fiji Chapter.

How do you think you are as a leader?

I think I am a “work in progress” continuously learning, unlearning and relearning.

Things I love to advocate are psychological safety at workplace, inclusion and diversity, influencing skills, mind reframing, emotional intelligence and adaptability.

In light of COVID-19, how is the company faring?

My organisation has been working very diligently and setting great frames around the situation. Our general manager is very strategic in his approach towards the business and successfully aligning it with its objectives.

What Business plans do you have in place once everything returns to the new normal?

Returning to normal is a big question, however, we have restructured our business.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is one of the Resorts with the highest level of hygiene and sanitation with a refurbished property.

I want to do a shoutout through this article to the Founder of Youth Fiji Group, Shanil Chetty and his team for the amazing job supporting many people free-of-charge.