Daniel Ilias

First hospitality job:

I was an Apprentice at 17 years of age on a cruise ship sailing the Mediterranean.

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Age you started working in hospitality:

17

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Your inspiration to begin working in hospitality:

My Dad. He was a hotel manager on cruise ships.

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My hospitality mentor:

My Dad to begin with. He taught me so many lessons that I did not even know! I developed the "Hospitality common sense" at an early age due to his expectations and seeing him how he treated his team and guests. Then a General Manager I had for many many years, taught me not only the business side of things, but the emotional side of leadership. I became a better, more humble type of leader and I owe all that to his leadership and mentorship.

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What are your favourite aspects of your job?

The chance to do good, help someone realize their dreams on a team level, and create unforgettable memories for my guests.

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What has inspired you to continue your career path in hospitality?

The growth that I experience as a human being, the learnings, the excitement of new experiences, the travel, the fact that there is not a single boring day in our business!

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Advice for students interested in a career in hospitality:

Follow your passion. Hospitality is not complicated, but does require one to be passionate. This is not just a job. You have to love serving others, from your guests to your colleagues. If that rings true, then you will not work a day in your life!