Krystel Irani, the passionate, people-driven hospitality leader at the helm of the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, believes that people are capable of anything once they believe in themselves. In this interview, the talented hotel manager discusses her journey to the top and what she has planned for the property.
What prompted you to return to the Four Seasons family after 12 years?
My professional journey began at Paris’ renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V. I rose through the ranks there, which served as my benchmark and heavily influenced my business approach thanks to the Four Seasons’ ethos of service excellence. Throughout my travels, I had the opportunity to experience different high-end brands, but I always had a deep-seated conviction that I would one day go back to the place that forged my aspirations and trained me to become a successful hotelier. I am beyond honored to serve as the general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre today.
What are your plans for the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC?
Since its debut in 2016, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai Downtown has established itself as one of the leading urban luxury hotels in the area. Our goal is to further enhance its reputation in order to maintain strong brand equity. Our guests are already very loyal, and we will continue to deliver Four Seasons’ signature intuitive service while using technology to create a seamless guest journey that meets the ever-evolving needs of today’s travelers. Hospitality is continually reinventing itself; my goal is to further enrich the guest experience by offering genuine, authentic and sensitive service at this exceptional hotel.
You have a rich and diverse background. What is the secret to rising through the ranks?
Dream big and work hard with a lot of drive, passion and intensity. Be ambitious and daring; nothing great ever came that easy. When you empower your teams and take good care of them, they will, in return, support your growth throughout every step of the journey. It is extremely important to inspire and encourage others to advance, drive progress and become a source of positive energy. Be consistent, and never lose sight of your goals. Be curious and continue learning and developing your skills. Above all, when you believe in your ability to achieve, anything is possible.
How would you describe your leadership style?
To lead teams and grow a business, it is crucial for leaders to act with the right intentions and have a vision that is translatable into goals and action. In everything I do, I put the needs of people first. My three core beliefs are authenticity, inspiration and integrity. Today, leading involves coaching your teams. While we put in long hours in the hospitality industry, success depends on creating a secure and encouraging workplace for coworkers allowing them to grow stronger than they already are. I think we need to foster the talent around us.
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