In the Hospitality Podcast today, we have Mr. Rajat Sethi. In this podcast, we have discussed the importance of embarking on a career journey that often takes unexpected turns. He shared with us his journey and how he started his career in hospitality. He told us that back in 1998, he was a science student aspiring to become a doctor. As Fate had a different plan he shared with us how he stumbled upon a luxurious hotel in Delhi and this encounter helped him in reshaping his destiny and led him into the dynamic realm of hospitality.
Then, moving forward, he discussed how the hospitality industry has always made him curious to learn more and how he decided to shift his focus from the medicine field to becoming a hotelier. Joining the hospitality landscape in 1998 was no cakewalk. Landing a spot as a management associate with Carlson Rezidor Hotels marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. With this, he also shared with us how the initial years were tough, but the thrill of learning and growing in the industry fueled his passion.
His Shift from Medicine Field to Hospitality
Moving from Radisson to Taj and then to the esteemed Oberoi Hotels, he shared his experience in diverse roles, from front office to food and beverage. The Oberoi philosophy of exposing individuals to various hotel operations sculpted him into a well-rounded hospitality professional. Eight years with Oberoi, traversing from assistant F&B manager to handling revenue, etched memories of remarkable successes, including achieving a remarkable 98% occupancy.
Further, his journey led me to Hilton Hotels, where he embraced the unique challenge of opening a hotel as a pre-opening GM. The experience was transformative, making decisions on concepts, market segmentation, and assembling the right team from scratch. Subsequently, joining the MBD group and managing the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel in Noida broadened his horizons.
Yearning for a different experience, he ventured into publishing with a role at a hospitality-focused publishing house. However, the call of a big city hotel lured him back, leading to a fulfilling stint as a result manager at The Grand New Delhi.
The longing to explore resort operations drew him to ITC Hotels, known for its unparalleled expertise in Indian cuisine. The transition from city hotels to the enchanting world of resorts provided him with new insights and challenges, enriching his journey in hospitality.
As I reflect on my 25-year odyssey, each chapter has been a testament to passion, perseverance, and the ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry. The lessons learned, the successes celebrated, and the challenges overcome have shaped him into the hospitality professional that he is today.
Additionally, his journey into hospitality began unexpectedly in 1998, when a visit to a luxurious hotel in Delhi changed his career trajectory from aspiring doctor to passionate hotelier. Over the past 25 years, I've witnessed the industry's evolution, facing challenges and embracing transformations.
Running a resort like ITC Mughal brought a new set of challenges, especially during the pandemic. With guests spending from their own pockets, every penny counted. The fluctuating clientele in Agra, driven by the allure of the Taj Mahal, made each day unique. The pandemic forced a total industry reset, introducing variable costs and a significant shift in how the hospitality business operates.
Summing Up
Coming to the end, he shared how, after the pandemic, the industry has bounced back, with high demand surpassing limited supply, leading to increased hotel rates. The evolution continues, emphasizing the importance of aligning with owners' expectations and the changing dynamics of decision-making in a field that requires not just skills but also a good dose of uncommon common sense. Moreover, he shared that by taking a pause after 25 years, he reflected on the challenges, changes, and exciting future ahead in the dynamic world of hospitality.
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