woman of the month
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What you see is what you get,” exclaimed the first female General Manager at Mövenpick Tower and Suites, Doha. Enthused with generosity and a strong focus, Ghada Sadek is the new muse of leadership in the country’s emerging hospitality market. As we settled in for the interview, we were immediately drawn to her charismatic aura, her warm hospitality and honesty. At the beginning of her career she said it was difficult for her to balance work and family but as she matured and grew wise over her 22 years of industry experience, juggling two ‘jobs’ at the same time has poised her to embark on her new role as the captain of 275 employees.
WE ARE ALREADY IN THE 21ST CENTURY When asked about taking over a male dominated position she replied, “We are already in the 21st century. The number of women in leadership positions is escalating. This is due, in part, to women's increased educational opportunities. We are seeing positive results, not to mention the occasional pressure from customers and other constituents. The real challenge is that GMs are no longer typical representatives for guests and department managers, they are serving outside stakeholders and this will be enforced in the future.” For Ghada, the wave of opportunities for women has started to rise and we are seeing this happening right this moment.
pollution caused by countries’ industrial emissions. As well, the development of sustainable building regulations underlines Qatar’s awareness and commitment to sustainable construction as the country prepares to invest over $70 billion in essential infrastructure by 2022.” She continued to describe Qatar’s vital position in saving the environment. For her part, she continuously prepares her staff to be educated and knowledgeable about ecological practices. “Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha is a certified green globe hotel. A yearly audit is conducted to check and evaluate green practices in the hotel through a professional team on all hotel operational aspects such as water, energy consumption and the employees’ awareness of the hotel’s role to increase green thinking.”
WORK WITH PASSION AND DELIVER EFFECTIVELY
GREEN & SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS ADVOCATE
These words had been her siren song when she started her career and the same tune applies to this day. Ghada doesn’t just sit on her office, she keeps on working on many projects, making sure that each has a set deadline so as not to overlook every detail. And when she’s in the car, she still works, answering the phone and closing her deals. “I am not advocating to be on the phone while driving, still be safe,” she cautions with a smile. “When working, give everything you have, pour your heart out and maintain a positive outlook, because it will show in all that you do. Some people will take advantage of you, however a clear conscience is still my haven.”
Qatar is pushing green and sustainable projects, as a Green LEED Associate she made sure her initiatives are linked to Qatar’s projects and her hotel. “Qatar played a major role in sustainable projects by hosting the largest conference COP 18 in its history last November. This is the 18th year the world’s nations gathered to discuss climate change and how to deal with environmental issues like
As we concluded our interview with Ghada, we found our answer. Riches are secondary. The mark of success is your character: maintaining a solid honesty, respect and love toward your family and people around you, discounting any position you may have.
Q&A
IN 30 SECONDS
1. When visiting hotels what is the first thing you notice? Staff smiles 2. What do you like to drink when welcomed in a hotel? Green tea 3. When sitting in hotel lobbies, what do you like to read, magazine or newspaper? Magazine 4. If you weren't working in hospitality, what would you be? An advocate 5. If you had to choose, where would you spend a free afternoon, Souq or Museum of Islamic Art? Museum of Islamic Art
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