As the General Manager of The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore, Ratna Malhotra brings with her over three decades of rich experience in the hospitality industry. Her journey began with humble roots, inspired by the elegance of The Oberoi Grand in Calcutta. Despite initial setbacks, including an unsuccessful application to the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, she started as a Guest Relations Executive at The Oberoi Grand.
Key Milestones
My journey has been marked by several significant milestones. Starting as a Guest Relations Executive, I gradually climbed the ranks within the Oberoi Group, managing the esteemed Belvedere club for five years and contributing to the Harvard case study on Oberoi Group Service Excellence. As the General Manager of The Oberoi Vanyavilas for the past decade, our hotel has earned accolades from esteemed publications, consistently maintaining top positions on platforms like TripAdvisor and NPS (Net Promoter Score) within the company. My dedication to excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences have been the cornerstones of my career.
Overcoming Challenges
My journey has not been devoid of challenges, particularly as a woman from a non-hospitality background. I encountered skepticism and moments of self-doubt along the way. However, I persevered, leveraging each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Through relentless determination and a continuous pursuit of skill development, I defied expectations and ascended to the role of General Manager. Guided by mentors within the company, including personal encouragement from Mr PRS Oberoi himself, I overcame obstacles with resilience and unwavering focus.
Advice to Women
To my fellow women in the hospitality industry, I offer words of encouragement and empowerment. Believe in yourselves, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and seek support and mentorship along the way. Recognize your inherent worth and potential, and never underestimate the impact of your contributions. Oberoi Hotels provides an enriching environment for those passionate about service and eager to cultivate a global perspective. Embrace the journey with confidence and determination, knowing that the path to success is paved with resilience and dedication.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a harmonious work-life balance is essential, given the demands of my role. I prioritize self-care and well-being, incorporating mindfulness practices, regular exercise, and moments of relaxation into my routine. Effective time management and delegation enable me to fulfil my professional responsibilities while also nurturing personal connections and interests outside of work.
