Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Reflections on the Leadership Conference in Bangkok and "Touching People's Heart"

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Leadership Conference in Bangkok, a significant event centered around the theme "Growth 2024: Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit Within." As the Country Manager for Cross Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, this conference was not only an opportunity to gain valuable insights but also a chance to reflect on my journey, my responsibilities, and my newly adopted motto: "Touching People's Heart."

The Importance of Entrepreneurial Spirit

The conference emphasized the critical importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit to achieve sustained growth. This principle deeply resonates with me. As a Country Manager, my role transcends overseeing the results of our hotels and the performance of the General Managers reporting to me. It encompasses a broader vision of steering the company towards its full potential. This vision is rooted in my unwavering commitment to developing our people, ensuring they are happy in their roles, and empowering them to run their respective hotels as if they were their own businesses.

A Commitment to People and Growth

One of my greatest sources of pride is witnessing the growth and satisfaction of my team. I firmly believe that when our people are fulfilled and passionate about their work, they contribute more effectively to the company's success. Therefore, my leadership approach is centered on building personal relationships with my staff and hotel owners, ensuring that I walk and talk results. Every day, I strive to touch the hearts of my people, fostering an environment where they feel valued, inspired, and supported.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

Creating a culture that is fun, honest, transparent, and most importantly, happy, is at the core of my leadership philosophy. I am dedicated to making our workplace one where everyone feels excited to come to work, where open communication is encouraged, and where we celebrate our successes together. This positive work culture is not only beneficial for our employees but also translates into better service and experiences for our guests.

Building Personal Relationships

Building personal relationships with our hotel owners and staff is essential. These relationships are the foundation upon which we build trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. By engaging with our team members on a personal level, I can better understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. This understanding enables me to provide the support and resources they need to excel in their roles and contribute to the company's overall success.

Walking and Talking Results

Ensuring that I walk and talk results is another crucial aspect of my leadership approach. It means being present, visible, and actively involved in the day-to-day operations of our hotels. It means setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, and recognizing and celebrating achievements. By doing so, I demonstrate my commitment to our goals and inspire others to strive for excellence.

Touching the Hearts of My People

Every day, I wake up with the intention of touching the hearts of my people. This means showing genuine care and concern for their well-being, acknowledging their efforts, and creating opportunities for their growth and development. It means fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, where every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference.

Hub and Spoke Model

Our operational model in Indonesia follows the Hub and Spoke structure. The Hub, our corporate office in Bangkok, provides overarching direction and strategic guidance. Meanwhile, the Spoke, our regional office in Indonesia, tailors this guidance to our local context, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. This model allows us to align with our corporate vision while adapting to the unique needs of our market. It enables us to leverage the strengths of our corporate office while empowering our regional teams to innovate and respond to local market dynamics.

The Leadership Conference Experience

The Leadership Conference in Bangkok was a reaffirmation of my beliefs and strategies. It reinforced the significance of nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within our organization and highlighted the pivotal role of leadership in driving growth. The sessions and discussions provided valuable insights into emerging trends, innovative practices, and effective strategies for navigating the challenges of the modern hospitality industry.

Embracing Growth 2024

As we look towards 2024 and beyond, I am committed to continuing this journey, ensuring that we not only achieve our business goals but also create a workplace where our people thrive and our company flourishes. The conference theme, "Growth 2024," serves as a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace change, seize opportunities, and drive innovation.

A Future of Sustained Growth

The Leadership Conference was a catalyst for renewed inspiration and focus. It was a reminder that true growth stems from the heart of our people and the spirit of entrepreneurship. By embracing this mindset, we can unlock new levels of performance, creativity, and success. I am excited to lead Cross Hotels & Resorts Indonesia into a future of sustained growth, guided by our shared vision and driven by the passion of our incredible team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Leadership Conference in Bangkok was an enriching and transformative experience. It underscored the importance of touching the hearts of our people, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and creating a positive work culture. As we move forward, I am dedicated to building on these principles, ensuring that we continue to grow, innovate, and succeed together. With our collective efforts and unwavering commitment, I am confident that we will achieve our goals and make a lasting impact in the hospitality industry.

"Touching People's Heart" is more than just a motto; it is a way of life, a guiding principle that shapes our actions and decisions. By embracing this ethos, we can create a workplace where our people feel valued, inspired, and empowered to achieve greatness. Together, we can unleash the entrepreneurial spirit within and drive Cross Hotels & Resorts Indonesia to new heights.

Harry Thaliwal Jeremy O'Sullivan Prangtip Nanphatharanithi Ramneek S. Lamba Iman Lubis Ni Kadek Widyantari Komang Artana Angelo Marconi Ika Yuliari