International Women’s Day

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n celebration of International Women’s Day, the STAR will be paying tribute in the coming weeks to exceptional women in business. In recognition of the month that honours women, and the strides they have made over the years in all aspects of life, we will this week be featuring two powerhouses, both leading the charge for Bay Gardens Resorts!

Name: Waltrude Patrick

Designation: General Manager, Bay Gardens Beach Resort

How long have you been working with Bay Gardens? 

Waltrude: 17 years.

Describe a typical day in the office?

Waltrude: I start my day by following up with the Front Desk Agent to determine whether there were any concerns reported, and how they were dealt with. Then, the guests will be contacted for reassurance. Following that, if the guests are happy with whatever the report was, I will start making my rounds, talking to guests to find out how things are going, what their plans are. I’ll get a sense of what their expectations are, and work with the team on exceeding these expectations. Just walking and engaging with the guests you find out so much: who’s celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, and now you can say, okay, I’m going to make a difference today. I will call Housekeeping and send champagne to their room, or encourage them to have dinner on the beach, or maybe a couple’s massage. I’ll give them recommendations to make the day a memorable experience. I just really enjoy what I do!

What do you enjoy most?

Waltrude: In my job I have to mentor, nurture, coach and develop. What brings joy to me is when I read the comment cards from the guests and they say they had a memorable experience thanks to the team who exceeded their expectations.

Advice for career women making their way up the ladder?

Waltrude: Set goals, research your area of interest, and let a mentor guide you every step of the way.

How are you going to celebrate International Women’s Day?

Waltrude: First, attending service to give thanks to the Almighty for my achievements thus far, and secondly I’m going to have a forum with all the women on my team, giving advice on how to prepare themselves for the opportunities that exist within our organization.

Name: Cheryl Gustave

Designation: General Manager, Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn

How long have you been working with Bay Gardens?

Cheryl: In the first instance, six years. I started at the Hotel, where I am presently. I left and went into a smaller boutique hotel. In 2007 I returned to Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, so in all, 16 years total, with 10 years at the Beach Resort.

What’s a typical day in the office like for you?

Cheryl: Fun, fun, fun! The reason I say fun is because I’m passionate about what I do. Nothing is too difficult for me to do once it is to please my internal and external clients. With well-rounded internal clients we can accomplish so much more. That helps in being able to give out the type of service that needs to be given. As long as everybody is happy, particularly our internal members, the clients who walk into the company or resort would receive the same kind of treatment that would exceed their expectations. It’s all about going above and beyond, exceeding expectations.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Cheryl: I enjoy exchanging ideas and imparting knowledge. The younger ones coming in are the leaders of tomorrow within the industry. I love imparting knowledge to them, whatever I have learnt over the past 30 years or more. Secondly, I want to always ensure my clients get that ‘wow’ factor. The sky is the limit to what we can do for them. It should always be a concern whether we have everything in order, ensuring at the end of the day we can exceed expectations is what I strive for every day. So far, it’s been amazing. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Words of wisdom for career women making their way up the ladder?

Cheryl: Learn, and continue to learn. Everyone thinks it’s okay to just want to have a job, or a position, but a position comes with growth. The more you know, and take advice from those who have been there before you, the more you’re able to learn best practices. The way technology is now, they need to be knowledgeable about the product. They need to be in tune with every aspect of the organization. If not, what are you bringing to them? I would say to a young person, in everything passion has to be key, if not you will not be successful.

How will you celebrate International Women’s Day?

Cheryl: We have so many young ladies in this establishment I’ve just taken the helm of. I will be arranging to have someone come in to speak to them, and give them a pep talk. I would like to bring in someone who can empower them. Most managers at the resort are women, so this Women’s Day we want to celebrate as much as possible!