“To do what people say you cannot do and be your own competition every day is what drives me”, says Kush Kapoor, Area General Manager – Roseate Hotels and Resorts

In conversation with Mr. Kush Kapoor, AGM – Roseate Hotels and Resorts

Please give us a snapshot of your professional and academic background. What responsibilities does your designation entail?

I started my career with The Trident, Udaipur after completing my ‘Hotel Management’ diploma from IHM Hyderabad. With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have covered some of the most iconic hotels during my career which include The Taj Group of Hotels, Oberoi Group of Hotels and The Leela Group.

My current role is to establish Roseate Hotels & Resorts as the Finest Luxury Brand in India for years to come.

Tell us more about your personal journey. Did you always aspire to work in the hospitality industry?

Born and brought up in a small town in Haryana (Nilokheri), I did my schooling from St. Theresa’s Convent School in Karnal. Being the son of a small time businessman, I inherited my qualities & values of life while being a part of a big joint family (45 family members living in one house).

I had neither exposure nor any knowledge about the hotel industry, it was through sheer chance that I stumbled into it based on a friend’s recommendation and I am proud to say that I have never looked back since.

Can you please describe what a typical day at office is like?

My day starts at 08:00 AM and continues till 8:00 PM. The day comprises of taking rounds in the morning, meeting guests & team members, attending morning meetings and numerous one to one interactions with guests and team members. Sales calls, show rounds, audits, review meetings, evening show rounds, mails, etc.  are also taken care of simultaneously.

Any achievement in particular which you are proud of? What was the key learning derived from it?

Being awarded as the Most Innovative Hotelier of India, completing Master Black belt Six Sigma are some of my significant achievements, which have helped shape my sensibilities. What I learned from these was that the word ‘No’ does not exist in my dictionary! Everything is possible. You need to change yourself to see the change.

What are the values that you look for, or wish to instill in your employees?

I follow the formula of TIPS – Transparency, Innovation, Passion and Simplicity. These qualities for me are of a great significance in any of my employees.

Having made an illustrious career by working with hospitality giants such as The Oberoi, The Leela and The Taj Group of hotels, what was the highlight or main attraction which made you join Roseate Hotels?

Well, it was time to move out of my comfort zone, as it is the only way to test your true capabilities. To do what people say you cannot do and be your own competition every day is what drives me. To work for Roseate Hotels meant to move out of an established zone and work towards making it the best hotel chain, as there is no second place!

 

(One of the many accolades won by Roseate Hotels and Resorts)

What are your plans or targets in terms of making Roseate Hotels scale new heights and achievements? What makes Roseate stand apart from its competitors?

It is my team which will make Roseate the best and different from others. With their dedication and hard work, my brand will soon be the best and I cannot wait to see my guests lining up in queue to check in to my hotels!

RAPID FIRE

The motto you live/work by?

Be your own competition, as what you give comes back to you.

Your hobbies/interests?

Finding ways to improve myself every day & developing my team.

If not in the current profession, you would have been?

A member of the Armed Forces.

One gadget you cannot live without?

My mobile phone with my selection of music.

Any relatable or favourite movie character?

 

Aamir Khan in ‘3 Idiots’ – For his ‘Enjoy life as it is not a rehearsal’ attitude.