Who is Natalie King?
I am a strong woman who is passionate about life and where it will take me next. I am grounded in my Christian faith and believe with God all things are possible.
What does a typical day for you entail?
I wouldn't say I have typical days to be honest. Everyday brings a new adventure so you learn to adapt your day accordingly, but my typical day is made up of finding solutions not problems. This can be within any of the departments within the hotel.
What was your first job?
My first job was at a restaurant, my mom got me that job over the summer vacation. It was an eye opener for me and I got a glimpse of the real world of work.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of working in Hospitality?
The most challenging aspect of working within the industry is your work life balance. The reality is the industry is a twenty four hour, three hundred and sixty five day operation, so there are times when your time is not your own.
We know this can be a challenging field, what keeps you motivated?
I have a love and passion for the hospitality industry. I love every aspect of it, meeting new people, seeing them come back year after year and doing my part in keeping Barbados on the map as one of the most desirable places in the world to visit.
What do you find most rewarding about working in the Hospitality industry?
I have a career that will forever keep me on my toes and constantly evolving as a person. Aside from seeing guests become passionate advocates for Barbados because they had such a memorable holiday, I am passionate about developing the younger generation who hold the future of our industry in their hands. To see them grow and start to make waves within the industry is one of the most rewarding aspect of being in the hospitality industry for me.
As a senior management professional, what are two (2) qualities you look for in an employee?
I value passion for the industry and someone who is willing to learn and can be moulded. You can have all the degrees in the world but without the passion and the right attitude, you will not make it in the hospitality industry.
What is your leadership style and why? My motto is "Leaders lead from the front, not the back". That is what my leadership style is all about, leading by example, providing coaching, mentorship and transformational leadership. I believe that you get back what you invest in your team, you have to develop them and train them to the highest standards. When they shine, so do you as a leader.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a career in Hospitality?
The advise I always give to the interns who are now learning about the industry is to develop a love and passion for it. To see the industry as more than sea and sand and ask themselves how they can contribute to the industry. Everyone is not a front of house person, find your niche and run with it.
