70 // inspiring how to... the next-gen
Why I love my job… As onboard hospitality businesses worldwide open their doors to new recruits, we ask four stalwarts of the industry how they got where they are and why they love the sector… THE AIRLINE Iris Anna Groeneweg Manager for Onboard Service and Procurement, Icelandair I've been in the industry for 15 years and find it a fascinating, ever-changing environment. Airlines constantly need to adapt to external changes – be they economic, technical, political, legal or environmental – and this means there are many diverse projects to get involved with. With a background in economics and international business I started in the In-flight Safety and Service department working on daily accounting, cost management and budgets, but I have always had passion for food, wines, art and design and I soon got involved in the service and product development side of the business. My passion for customer service grew and I became the department's purchasing manager, proactively strengthening relationships with suppliers, innovators and passionate individuals in similar roles. Projects can be driven by very different elements: food and beverage, technology, sustainability, brand and product development to mention just a few, and they all need problem-solving skills, creativity and resourcefulness. Time constraints and limitations on space and supplies add further challenges, and it is important to have strong communication skills to align
all the stakeholders that impact the customer journey. I studied for a Master of Project Management degree to build my leadership skills and it is also good to have strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop viable, cost-effective
The possibilities in the onboard sector are infinite. It is so rewarding and strategic procurement strategies. The aviation sector is growing and that will continue – I encourage everyone to join. You need to be solution-oriented and happy to embrace change but most importantly to be passionate and proud of what you do.
THE DESIGNER Manoj Pridhanani Chief Design Officer & Head of Sustainability Kaelis Ting ting ting…Welcome onboard my career flight! This was initially due to be a short haul flight covering a maternity leave but it has turned into a long haul life-changing journey that I love. Throughout my childhood creativity was my passion and I was fortunate to be able to nurture those skills through
college and make it an integral part of my career. I started as a junior designer with Kaelis, just as I was ready to spread my wings, and being a part of the airline industry meant my career took off and I was able to soar through the clouds and explore fascinating new horizons. Looking back, I am truly grateful for the opportunities offered and deeply cherish the friendships I have made along the journey. One aspect of the role that really continues to fire my enthusiasm is showing how design has the power to change perceptions, elevate emotions and enhance experiences. This is particularly important in a world where numbers dominate. Creativity is a hidden tool to resolve complex problems with simple solutions. Sustainability has always been an integral part of our design process, and with the technological advances today, we can now take the idea of transforming waste into functional products, and make it a reality. We add in the challenge and can succeed at this whilst still keeping stock of those important numbers. The possibilities in the onboard sector are infinite. It is so rewarding to be able to enhance the travel experience for billions of people the world over. Had I kept my seatbelt fastened, I believe my flight would have landed a long time ago, so to anyone looking to be a part of this field, my advice is unleash the artist inside, and fly!
onboardhospitality.com
Why I love my job v11.indd 70
9/29/22 05:56 PM