In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke, COO EMEA, at Frasers Hospitality.
• The best part of my job is…
“Mostly the variety – no two days are the same, from strategic planning, to speaking with a guest, to supporting staff and looking for new opportunities. Scale and variety make every day a real treat, as we continue to grow the brand and offering to suit traveller needs across the globe.”
• The most challenging part of my job is…
“People! Managing upwards and downwards. Delivering, influencing, motivating, encouraging, coaching, trying to drive people forward to the same goal. It is so hard to accept that not everyone shares the same passion for the business and I expect the best from all, working to extract that takes time and resources and that can be exhausting. That said, I never give up believing in the inherent good of everyone, even if it does not seem like that sometimes!”
• My biggest achievement in business is…
“Starting a company many years ago and for the small achievements every day that support the business and help individuals grow. Seeing some of my past teams grow and succeed in business, pulling a team together to deliver the results – what more can you ask!”
• My biggest mistake in business was…
“Not being courageous enough to ask when I did not know – took me time to find out and perhaps I could have moved further in my career if I had!”
• If I wasn’t working in our industry I would like to have been…
“A doctor.”
• The best piece of advice anyone ever gave me was…
“Have a goal and be focused. Break things down, little by little so you achieve the whole. Always start something hard before you end the day so it looks easier tomorrow!”
• If I could tell my 18-year old self one thing it would be…
“Listen, ask, learn and be more courageous.”
• The person I admire most in hospitality is…
“No one individual – it is always a team effort. There are too many individuals to mention all who have contributed, in so many different ways at every level to the whole.”
• The person I admire most in history is…
“Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Churchill.”
• I am surprisingly good at…
“Understanding people.”
• I am surprisingly bad at…
“Spreadsheets!”
• My perfect day off would be…
“Walking in the country with my family and having lunch in a great pub. Simple!”
