“I also had a firm belief in myself that I was no less than anyone,” says Shahnaaz. She sheds light on what it’s like to be a woman leading the F&B space of the hotel, her career highlights, success mantras and more…
THE TRIGGER IN F&B
“Hospitality has always been a part of our upbringing, and the people’s industry has always inspired me to opt for aviation and hospitality.
“Fortunately, Starwood was opening their first hotel in the city (The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace). Very few of us were handpicked for the concept developing and preopening of their F&B department in 2009 and I was one of them. There has been no looking back since then.”
CHALLENGES OF BEING A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED SEGMENT
“The perception of F&B is that it’s a physically demanding department. Being a woman, I was always judged if I was competent enough or just an eye candy. I had to grab the opportunities myself to be in the game as they would seldom come my way.
“I also had a firm belief in myself that I was no less than anyone. I faced challenges by focusing on the positives, holding my head high, and thanks to some of my role models who turned to be great mentors throughout my journey.”
GENDER BIAS – THEN AND NOW
“From the time I joined F&B to now, I have seen a steady increase in women opting for F&B. “Today women are supportive of other women and pull each other up. Fair opportunities are given based on calibre and not gender. Society has started accepting F&B as a respectable career for women.”
QUALITIES NEEDED FOR A SUCCESSFUL F&B MANAGER
“Clarity of goals, being committed and passionate, and keeping abreast of the latest trends in the F&B industry and its marketing.”
MY SUCCESS MANTRAS
“Being entrepreneurial; and having a passion for people, be it my team or my guests.”
