WIWIN HAKIM

Director of Public Relations at Mandapa, a Ritz-carlton Reserve

Q: Describe your responsibilities in under 10 words.

A: Promoting Mandapa, a Ritz- Carlton Reserve with the best two gentlemen on my team.

Q: What makes a typical day?

A: Write and prioritise the work or deadlines that need to be completed for the day. At 9.30am, it's the morning line up with the sales and marketing team, followed by a conference call with one of the PR agencies and a report to the Director of Sales and Marketing. After lunch, I check on the PR and marketing task list with the team, including brainstorming video content, social media plans, marketing executions and so on.

Q: What's the toughest part of your job? A: When something happens inside or outside of the hotel that has an absolute impact on the hotel business and, worse, is beyond our control, for example the current situation with Covid-19.

Q: What do you find most satisfying in your job?

A: When I'm travelling in a foreign country, it feels really good when I overhear strangers praising the hotel. Besides that, seeing my team grow and achieve their professional career goals is really fulfilling.

Q: Who has been the most influential figure in your career?

A: This is a very tough one! I am not able to skip anyone here, so I have to mention three names. First is Jack Widagdo, who saw great potential in me even though

I had never worked in an international chain hotel before. Second is Vincent Pauchon, who challenged and advised me to be a good leader and also promoted me to Director of Public Relations. Last, but not least, is Ali Nihad, who always believes in me and has helped me to develop my career outside my comfort zone.

Q: Name one really special thing about your hotel.

A: The ladies and gentlemen of Mandapa, a Ritz- Carlton Reserve.

Q: How do you unwind?

A: Enjoying good comfort food accompanied by another food enthusiast.

Q: If you hadn't taken this career path, what would you have chosen?

A: Even though Mandapa is only my second hotel experience, after Ayodya Resort Bali, to become a hotelier has been my dream since I was in high school. That said, if I wasn't doing this, perhaps I would be a restaurateur. mandapareserve.com