KAYO DE EDWARD OLABODE
For any major hotel, gearing up for the holiday season can prove to be a great challenge, yet one filled with the amazing opportunities of catering to new clients. All responsibilities concerning this and more of its kind falls at the desk of whoever holds the post of Director of Sales. And for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, that would be the ever buoyant and cheerful Kayode Edward Olabode. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, he lets us in on some trends to expect in the hospitality industry and also what turning 50 feels like.
How did you end up in your current role as Director of Sales at Transcorp Hilton Abuja?
Two things saw me to my current position; one, focus on purposeful career pursuit and secondly, the tenacity to succeed. Both complement each other. Salesmanship is a realistic and target oriented profession, in other words it’s a game of numbers and as in any game, the quality of your team counts.
So, consistently I ensure an annual sales strategy that is centred on teamwork, knowing that I have a team that can deliver always. I would like to state that my success is anchored on the team and my personal career principles. Indeed God has blessed me with the best sales team in whole world.
Did you have any mentors or people who deeply influenced your career?
I have rode on the mentorship of my superiors over the years. I consider myself blessed in this regards. Of these, those worthy of mention would be Peter Idoko, who is currently the hotel Manager of the new Hilton brand in Nigeria – the Legend Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Olufunke Olakunri, Ahmed Abdel Ghaffar, who sadly passed away four months ago. Also the outgoing Country GM Etienne Gailliez, a man of un-parallel attributes in the hospitality industry. Etienne exposed me in no small way to the treasury of his boundless professional wisdom. And I am definitely not forgetting my Late Dad, Otunba Anthony Olabode Obele of blessed memories who gave me hope in life.
What does this role involve exactly?
In a nutshell, my role as the Director of Sales is to ensure that the Transcorp Hilton commands fair market share in segments of the business and remain properly positioned on guaranteed profitability. On a broader spectrum; it rests on me and my team to formulate strategic steps pursuant to our set targets, which include building lucrative business relationships across accounts, sustaining old relationships and ensuring all clients/ customers, experience traditional excellent service delivery consistently. Tell us a bit about the Transcorp Hilton? The Transcorp Hilton is an iconic business entity that has defined modern hospitality business in Nigeria for its 31 years of existence in the country. As our vision statement goes, we aim, “To be the pride of Nigeria, consistently delivering world class experience by living the hospitality values whilst taking care of our community.’’
What cultural experiences does the hotel leave its guests with?
Our corporate philosophy is premised on the phrase, “think global, act local”. Being a global company that caters to an equally global community, we encourage our guests to savour Nigeria’s diverse but rich cultural attributes at every inch of their stay with us. The experience is one that always keeps you coming back.
What do you find most challenging about the hospitality industry in general?
Challenging? Not at all. I find it exciting and interesting. The fact that we are tasked to ensure the satisfaction of people from all walks of life is a
The fact that we are tasked to ensure the satisfaction of people from all walks of life is a thrill in itself. My favourite part of the hospitality business is the ability to keep customers.
thrill in itself. My favourite part of the hospitality business is the ability to keep customers.
Considering the rate of development in the sector and also technology, guest satisfaction is also changing at a very fast pace. The pace at which the hotel responds to customer changes in order not to lose them is extremely key. Also, the ability to keep and sustain good staff is very critical.
What leadership strategies do you apply while dealing with your sales team?
I operate a democratic leadership style. I carry everyone along and I also give room for feedback so that everyone will be able to have a feel of what is expected of them.
What are some common challenges faced by a hotel sales manager?
Asides being time consuming, striving to make each and every client happy sometimes at the expense of the hotel can be a challenge. Another challenge is the issue of ensuring you have a profitable full house. It is not always that a full house or 100% occupancy translates into profit.
How has the advent of social media influenced the hospitality industry and the growth of Transcorp Hilton?
Just like all of human endeavours that thrive on modernity, the social media has caused a revolution that invites all businesses to launch itself into greater height. For us at Transcorp Hilton, the social media serves as a veritable tool to gauge our performance and obtain feedback from our guests. We also use social media to project and advance our presence in the market. These days, you have no choice but to be in tune with all social media apps anyway. It helps keep you abreast of happenings around the world.
You recently turned 50, how did you celebrate and what does this new age mean to you ?
My 50th birthday party was a surprise one. I am sure that it must have taken months of well-crafted clandestine preparations. I was amazed at the level preparation that went by without my suspicion. Hmmm!! 50years attained to the glory of God. It’s not by my power or might but just by His grace and I am not taking it for granted at all.
My wife gave me a surprise birthday celebration, which indeed was the greatest shock of my life. My new age to the glory of God means a higher level of maturity in every sphere of my life and renewed commitment to the service of God and humanity.
What do you love most about being in the hospitality industry?
Exposure. The industry has exposed me to people from all walks of life and I have being able to network properly and create a good relationship with most of the people I come in contact with.
What are some of your most significant achievements in the industry?
I have had a very eventful career and I am indeed
very thankful to God for it. In 2013 I emerged the winner of Hilton Worldwide Deal of the Year’. In 2016 I also won the Hilton Worldwide Director of Sales of the year; Hilton Europe, Middle East and Africa. Those two were individual awards, but the most profound are the many departmental awards that we have won as a team. Severally we have won the Hilton Worldwide Sales Team of the year. GC&E Team of the year. Seven stars Award. We just won the World Luxury award as the Luxury City Hotel 2018, Circle of Excellence 2014 by Hilton Worldwide
Further to that are the relentless achievements of meeting and exceeding business targets against national economic projections.
Finally, hosting international events like World Economic Forum, CHOGUM, COJA, ECOWAS Heads of Governments Summit and a lot more.
How, in your opinion, do you feel this industry has given back to you?
Nothing is as rewarding as job satisfaction. The joy I derive in my job is a huge reward for me. Asides that, the exposure I have gained cannot be quantified.
On a general note, what are your observations on the hospitality industry in Nigeria?
In my opinion, the hospitality industry is a clear measure of the level of peace that prevails in any given nation. It is also an indicator of a nation’s economic development. I think for us a nation; our hospitality industry is growing and evolving. I would like to state though, that to maintain this growth, we would require more stability in our economy, good security and social development.
What would you say are the biggest trends for hospitality industry in the near future?
Trends in the hospitality industry actually do vary from society to society. In more advanced societies, celebrities are more inclined to boutique hotels, while for us here; we are more attracted to bigger and glamorous hotels.
So it really is relative. Here at Transcorp we have decided to have a mix of both flavours so we can easily cater to both markets. Also more and more hotels are embracing signature services that serve as a statement or identity for their guests. This trend is largely missing in Nigeria and I will like to encourage indigenous brands to try and embrace this practice.
What should young people expect from hospitality industry jobs?
The Hospitality industry offers huge and promising opportunities for anyone who decides to create a living out of it. Those who are endowed with good customer care skills can start a career in Front Office, House Keeping, Sales and grow from there. Those who are blessed with culinary artistry can have a fantastic paying career as chefs. I would like to use this medium to encourage the youths to come forward and express the vibrancy of this fast growing industry.
Trends in the hospitality industry actually do vary from society to society. In more advanced societies, celebrities are more inclined to boutique hotels, while for us here; we are more attracted to bigger and glamorous hotels.