Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches Podcast

Luxury, Humility and Human Connection: Hospitality Careers at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

In this live episode from Career Day at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy, Les Roches [https://lesroches.edu/campuses/abu-dhabi/], host Juliette Nicholls speaks with Edwin Calimano, Director of People and Culture at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world. With more than 30 years in global hospitality, including over two decades in the UAE, Edwin brings deep insight into what defines true luxury, how Mandarin Oriental blends Asian heritage with local culture, and what it really takes for students and graduates to thrive in a world class environment. In this episode... • What Mandarin Oriental stands for in the luxury hospitality landscape • How Emirates Palace defines luxury as something unique to each guest • The blend of Asian influence and Arabic cultural identity that shapes the guest experience • The essential qualities Edwin looks for in new talent, including openness, eagerness and cultural curiosity • Why attitude, kindness and a willingness to learn matter far more than a perfect resume • What students can expect when they join the Emirates Palace team, from personalised onboarding to confidence building and skills development • A standout success story from a Les Roches intern who became a role model through humility and dedication • Why collaboration between education and industry is essential for developing future leaders • Edwin’s simple formula for the future of hospitality: connection, relationships and unforgettable service • The rise of Emirati talent and how it will transform the guest experience over the next five years • The increasing role of AI in recruitment and operations and how future professionals should prepare Recorded live during Career Day, this conversation offers powerful guidance for students, graduates and young professionals entering luxury hospitality. With insight drawn from three decades of experience, Edwin shares how to prepare for the industry, how to cultivate the right mindset and how to build a meaningful career rooted in kindness, humility and human connection. Whether you are beginning your hospitality journey or aiming for leadership roles in the world’s finest hotels, this episode provides clear, inspiring advice to help you grow, believe and achieve. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Authenticity, Culture and Career Growth: Inside Rotana Hotels

In this live episode from Career Day at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches [https://lesroches.edu/campuses/abu-dhabi/], host Juliette Nicholls sits down with Rory Coote, Corporate Director of Learning and Development at Rotana Hotels, one of the region’s most respected homegrown hospitality brands. Founded in Abu Dhabi and built on warm Emirati hospitality, Rotana has grown from a family-rooted concept into a major player across the Middle East. Today, Rory shares what makes the brand unique, how it protects its cultural DNA while expanding internationally, and what students, graduates and future talent need to succeed. In this episode... • The origins of Rotana as a homegrown Emirati brand and how its cultural DNA shapes the guest experience • Why authenticity and genuine personality matter more than technical skills • How to show your spark at a career fair or internship interview • The importance of building a true sense of belonging from day one • How Rotana develops talent through powerful learning pathways, cross training and long-term progression opportunities • Why so many colleagues stay 10, 15, even 20 years and rise into leadership roles • A real success story from a La Roche student whose attitude, proactivity and maturity stood out immediately • The future of hospitality in a world of AI, and why human connection will always remain at the heart of great service • Rotana’s growth philosophy for the next five to ten years: quality over quantity • Why patience is the foundational skill every hospitality student should master Recorded live during Career Day, this conversation brings together industry experience and academic preparation to help young hospitality professionals understand what truly matters when starting a career. Whether you are stepping into your first internship or planning a long-term path in hotels, this episode offers honest insights into culture, growth and the future of hospitality in the UAE. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Entrepreneurship, Empathy & Opportunity: Career Insights from ADNH

In this live episode from Career Day at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches [https://lesroches.edu/campuses/abu-dhabi/], host Juliette Nicholls sits down with Ziad Makhlouf, Vice President of HR at Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), one of the UAE’s most established hospitality groups. With 50 years of experience and a portfolio spanning hotels, transport, catering, retail, facilities management and more, ADNH plays a major role in shaping the region’s tourism landscape. Today, Ziad shares what truly makes a student, graduate or intern stand out, and how the next generation can build meaningful, future-ready careers. In this episode... • The 50-year journey of ADNH and how diversified business pillars give them a competitive edge • Why emotional intelligence, soft skills, and multicultural communication matter more than ever • How Gen Z’s digital fluency is reshaping HR, service, and guest experience • The balance between AI, digitalisation and the irreplaceable human touch • What “ambitiously patient” really means, and why it’s crucial for long-term career success • Real success stories, including Emirati graduates who have risen to leadership roles • The UAE’s unique position as a global hub for innovation, agility and hospitality excellence • The future of the sector over the next 5–10 years - technology, empathy, and growth • The one skill every graduate should master: entrepreneurship Recorded live during Career Day, this conversation bridges classroom learning with the realities of the hospitality world. Whether you're a student preparing for your first internship or a young professional navigating early career choices, this episode offers invaluable insights into what employers are really looking for, and how to position yourself for success in a rapidly evolving industry. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.