Gisele Clark. Gisele Clark.

HOTEL MANAGER/EAM OF THE YEAR

Gisele Clark, hotel manager, Mina A'Salam, Dubai

How has winning a Hotelier Award impacted your career?
It was a great honour to achieve such an award and great recognition. I am sure that it will stand me in good stead for my future career.

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Are you hoping to be nominated this year for an award?
No, but I will be nominating some members of my team who work endlessly and deserve the recognition.

What is the best piece of advice you can give other hoteliers who want to win a Hotelier Award?
It is very simple; always put yourself in your guest's shoes and never be complacent. Attention is in the detail.

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Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
It would be great to be general manager in a luxury hotel or resort in Dubai as 2020 will be an exciting time here.

What are you doing to achieve your goals and dreams?
We are currently finalising the full refurbishment of Jumeirah Mina A Salam and repositioning the hotel in preparation for the opening of the highly anticipated Jumeirah Al Naseem next year. This truly stunning property will be located next to Madinat Jumeirah, and we are all looking forward to its opening in 2016.

What’s your dream position?
I have been extremely fortunate as I have already had some amazing experiences and dream positions. I love working in luxury hotels and for Jumeirah, a company that allows you to make a difference.

Who is the one person that inspires you most?
My old boss, Carrie Wicks, operations director at Firmdale Hotels in the UK. She gave me my first general manager position but also taught me never to compromise. She is a tough lady to work for, but has a very refreshing approach to running hotels.

What is your life ambition outside of work?
To be a well-rounded person, gain new experiences through travel, learn about new cultures and help others.

Nominations for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2015 are still open, with a deadline of August 31, 2015. All of the information you need on how to nominate a colleague is available here: www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/awards.