Stars: Awards

The Ultimate Leaders Programme was always going to be different for Marina, who has worked at Coworth Park for the past five years across all five F&B outlets. From the start, it was all about developing the skills she had already learned and becoming a leader to others around her. Marina spoke to her general manager when she signed onto the UL programme and said that she wanted to learn anything and everything, as well as progress in the areas that she was already familiar with. In particular, guest services and event sales were on her list, as they are two departments she had yet to work for. Becoming more of a leader and developing those around her is something that she takes to heart and improve on as these have a huge importance for her. Marina is a strong supporter of a piece of advice from one colleague: “It is very important to bring up those around you rather than just working on your own progress and ending up at the top alone.”

Ivana joined The Beverly Hills Hotel as a hostess in the Polo Lounge. Her energy and enthusiasm were quickly noticed and she volunteered for other responsibilities. When promoted to the UL programme, it was noticeable that she had a natural confidence. Ivana owned scheduling and the production of new processes and communicating these to employees. She considered all aspects of what is necessary to build the schedule, participated in labour meetings and understood labour law and tip cash out. This solidified her relationship with employees and created a trust that allowed for respect and confidence.

As a Nexus Champion, learning and development manager Ivana transferred her knowledge of the system to employees during hourly sessions, while her operational experience allowed her to connect with employees’ concerns and assist them in walking through the process.

“I feel extremely honoured and humbled to receive the Ultimate Leaders Programme award,” says Ivana. “I’m sincerely grateful for the support that my leaders have provided me throughout my journey. I would not be in the position that I’m in without their commitment to helping me achieve my goals.”

Niek is your perfect UL – full of passion for his job and career choice, and keen to learn. He is a joy to work with, as he happily takes on any project or task assigned to him and he is not afraid to challenge and question those above him. He contributed to so many projects during the first lockdown that were designed to make 45 Park Lane a better place for everyone both front and back of house, from cataloguing the art, to cleaning the roof of the hotel, to creating training videos and to helping out in whatever department needed his assistance, to walking every room multiple times to check light switches, lampshades and ceiling lights. Once he finished his ULP training, 45 Park Lane was lucky enough to retain Niek as assistant manager, nights, where his attitude and care of the guests has really been noticeable. Niek is always positive and happy, willing to try his hand at anything asked of him, and shows a sincerity of care and goodwill for the hotel that is second to none. He is definitely a UL who stands out from the crowd.

Receiving the award, Niek said: “The Ultimate Leaders Programme has been very rewarding for me – I feel privileged to have been able to work at both The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane during the programme, and the support during the time and after has been amazing. I feel honoured to be highly commended in the ULP category this year. It motivates me to keep developing myself – and I continue to learn and grow at 45 Park Lane and Dorchester Collection. Special thanks to John Scanlon for his support and mentorship during my ULP.”