Hospitality sector is growing rapidly in Nepal. Many local, national and international businesses are competing to grab their share of the market. Taj Hotels or IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited) has entered the market and is climbing speedily to the top. The job to lead this expedition has been given to Esakki Kumar Konar, the General Manager of Vivanta Kathmandu. He is here to deliver nothing but the best. His ambition is to make Vivanta Kathmandu the number one hotel in Nepal. Vivanta Kathmandu is a luxury hotel that goes out of its way to accommodate its guests. The credit of the success that Vivanta Kathmandu has enjoyed in recent days goes largely to Esakki Konar. That's why Nepal Traveller declares him as our Personality of the Week (26th February- 4th March 2023).
Esakki Kumar Konar has all that it takes to be a great leader. He is motivated, dedicated, creative, and disciplined. He thinks out of the box to solve problems he encounters. Right now, his goal is to take Vivanta Kathmandu to the very top. He is excited about this challenge. Apart from his phenomenal professional success, he is also a man with a heart. He has led his company to carry out its social responsibilities. We had a tête-à-tête with him about his personal as well as professional life.
What inspires you to work so hard?
The fact that I have been trusted to lead the only IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited) property and introduce Tajness in Kathmandu, which is a completely new market inspires me everyday; and yes- service par excellence and seeing a smile on the faces of our associates.
What sets your hotel apart?
At IHCL, we strongly adhere to our 5 TATA values of Integrity, Unity, Excellence, Responsibility and Pioneering. We work in a team with utmost respect towards each other, irrespective of our backgrounds, and strive for excellence to reach new heights while setting examples for others. I believe this sets us apart.
What are the challenges you face at work and how do you handle them?
Everyday is a new challenge in the hospitality industry. The country’s dependency on other countries for imports is problematic. We try to incorporate locally produced products as much as possible. We try to maintain a positive mindset no matter what.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
IHCL made an overall profit of INR 0.383 crores in the last quarter. Even though small, the fact that our unit was able to contribute to this amazing figure is our recent achievement. Since there is a long-term vision for Vivanta Kathmandu, our biggest achievement is yet to come!
What has been the most memorable instance in your job so far?
Being promoted to the Operation Manager at such a young age and getting to lead the only IHCL hotel in Kathmandu was definitely the one.
How has your journey to become a General Manager been? Did you always wanted to become a GM? Any ups and downs?
Ofcourse! Like any hospitality graduate, my dream was to become a GM began as soon as I got out of college. It was a tough road with many diversions. I have always been blessed with a very supportive team. This has helped me a lot in moving ahead.
How do you keep yourself motivated? What do you say to yourself? Any motivational quote, line, motto, slogan or core belief?
“Tajness is the soul of our culture. It is an implicit trust in people to forge invaluable relationships by creating an emotional connection with our various stakeholders.”
This line of tajness strives me to stay motivated. It’s not only about me but the trust of our stakeholders that rely on us.
If you had to choose any of the services or features of your hotel, what would you choose?
I would say Koko, our Asian-pop culture inspired rooftop bar. It’s one of a kind and offers a panoramic view of the city!
Who are your targeted customers?
Vivanta Kathmandu is one such unique hotel which caters to all customers, irrespective of budget. We have various packages which meet all expectations. But since we are a business hotel, corporate clienteles are our stronger forte.
What is the best response you have got from any of your customers?
We once had a 5-year-old guest leave a cute drawing in his room post checkout thanking us for the services. That touched the entire team! We still have it framed on a wall of our back area.
Do you have any grievances about this industry or about work in general?
The recent verdict of removing service charge was a tough one on the entire hospitality industry.
What is your dream?
To turn Vivanta Kathmandu to the most iconic address in the city. We’re almost there! This is in line with the overall aspiration of IHCL- AHVAAN 2025 which is to become the most iconic and profitable hospitality company. We are re-imagining, re-engineering and restructuring ourselves every day.
How do you unwind after a busy day of work?
Well, on some days, I run on the treadmill while listening to music. On the rest, I watch serieses on Amazon Prime.
What are your interests and hobbies? Do you believe in maintaining a work-life balance?
I am an avid reader. I love reading novels and articles. I make sure to separate at least 30 minutes of reading time in the morning or before going to bed.
What is the recipe for success according to you?
To imbibe myself with IHCL VALUES – TRUST, AWARENESS & JOY.
What makes your day?
Seeing good figures on reports at the end of the day.
What is the toughest decision you have had to make in your career?
As a hardcore Mumbaikar who had spent all his life in one of the busiest cities, Mumbai, the decision to move to Taj Tashi, Bhutan, was very tough. For me, it was a new country, new culture and new working styles. That was a tough but a good decision I had taken on my own.
Is your company socially responsible? What is the social work it does?
IHCL has introduced and redeveloped its global responsibility called the PAATHYA initiative. Following the same, we are on the verge of turning into an eco-friendly hotel. We conserve every possible energy and recycle almost everything possible. We also ensure to give back to the community. We regularly organize blood drives, donations, cleaning campaigns, plantations and various other activities.
What are your future projects?
We are coming up with a new event space which will be almost twice the size of our current one.
Any advice you want to share with our readers?
Whatever you do, give your 100% and never doubt yourself.
What is the downside of being the leader of such a large company?
Practicality over emotions. You have to grow a thick skin.
Also Read:
.jpg)
