Tell us a little more about yourself and your career to date.
My name is Paresh Vara, I am the Talent Development and Learning Manager at PPHE Hotel Group, Member of the IoH and have been in hospitality for 18 years, during which time I have grown and developed working with many passionate professionals who inspire in hospitality. I started as an Office Coordinator at the PPHE Hotel Group Head Office and progressed into HR and Training.
You recently took part in a panel discussion as part of our AGM. How was it?
Being on the panel discussion as part of the IoH AGM was a fantastic experience. It was great to be part of it and share my experiences and thoughts of hospitality and the IoH. I was pretty nervous, however Phil and the other IoH members put me at ease.
You’re an MIH… what does this mean to you?
Being an MIH means for me, being part of a wide network of hospitality professionals. Being a member of the Institute and being included and recognised in the industry. I’m very fortunate that my company provided membership through Company Sponsored Membership giving all us an opportunity to be part of a larger network in hospitality.
Also for my own personal development to learn and explore what is happening in the hospitality world. Being able to attend events and webinars to keep updated with the trends and the future of hospitality.
What makes hospitality such a great industry to work in?
The world of hospitality is vibrant, lively, and always interesting. Every day is different. As well as being a people-oriented industry, hospitality is creative. You are creating a product… be that food, drink, or a people or guest experience… and there’s always scope to dream up new ways of making it more enjoyable. Every country in the world has a hospitality industry, and the skills you learn are readily transferable, meaning that a career in hospitality can very easily be the key to discovering new countries, new culture and new people. Being surrounded by like-minded people who are dedicated to providing great experiences. Being around positive people, the hospitality industry has one of the best work cultures and work atmospheres. Meeting new people, making new friends and networks. I love what I do and motivates me to inspire others and create!
Additionally, having inspiring and passionate leaders in the industry like Greg Hegarty (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & COO) and Daniel Pedreschi (Regional Vice President Operations) motives me and inspires me to love what I do.
If you could change three things about the Institute what would they be?
I guess this will come in time, when we can finally get back to more face-to-face and networking events; meeting more people to expand my network. Maybe focus groups with similar roles/departments as me. Meeting with groups of L&D professions in hospitality to share, connect and network with each other. More awards to celebrate the hospitality’s achievements and recognition of the industry.
What has been the most memorable moment of your hospitality career so far?
There have been many memorable moments of my hospitality career, the list is endless. Winning awards and recognising our team’s achievements really creates memories for me. Launching incredible, fun and inspiring learning initiatives with the business has been very memorable. Seeing our team at all levels in the business grow, progress and develop truly inspires me. Most importantly making close friends, relationships and a continuous growth in my network.
Which elements of Membership did you use most during lockdown?
During lockdown I joined the IoH Mentor Me Scheme as a mentor for two hospitality professionals… sharing my hospitality experience and help guide them in their careers.
I also watched a lot of IoH Webinars – I love the fact that you can re-watch past webinars, this functionality lets me watch them at my own pace and time. Some of my favourites are, Picking up the Pieces by Hilary Cooke, Hospitality in the Post Covid World, The Future of Hospitality: Reopening and Reactivating Safely.
HQ magazine via the IoH Connect app. Interesting reads from professionals, which is full of news and views from the hospitality industry!
#IoHTogether’s many resources and guide that have supported me during the coronavirus crisis, for example health and wellbeing, management guides, keeping teams motivated and many more useful templates.
What change in government policy is crucial to help the recovery of the hospitality industry moving forward?
I believe International travel and the change to restrictions would help the hospitality industry move forward. Also businesses thinking differently in recruitment and selection, being creative with jobs and flexible. Bringing young people and graduates back to work and upskilling them to develop them.
What is your hope for the hospitality industry as the year progresses and for the beginning of 2022?
My hope would be for the hospitality industry to continue growing, be back at the top and people to enjoy what we do best. Provide inspirational service, create memories and experiences. Things won’t be how it was, it will be even better and unique!
What are you excited about for the future of the IoH?
New fresh blood in the team that will bring a different dynamic to the IoH and continue the great work that has been done so far. Taking the Institute to a new level with new ideas and focus areas. It is great to see two young leaders at the head of the Institute, Robert Richardson who has drive, commitment and passion in what he does. Also Kellie Rixon as a Chair who will bring motivation, drive, change and strong experience to the Institute.
Tell us three things about yourself that we don’t know!
‘’Follow your Passion and Success will follow you!”
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
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