It was her childhood desire to be associated with peoples from all walks of life that led Suman Nanaiah to choose a career in hospitality industry. And she never regretted her decision.

Suman Nanaiah   General Manager,  Royal Orchid Metropole Mysore

How did you become interested in Travel & Tourism business? Tell us about the beginning of your career.

I was born a people’s person. Since I was a child, I’ve had a desire to be involved in activities which would give me access to people from all walks of life.  In 1996, when I shifted from Coorg to Mysore, the journey of my career started with Quality Inn Southern Star, (now The Regalis), in the Front Office. From the day I joined, there has been no looking back. Travel, tourism and the hospitality industry has become an integral part of my life.

What is your current role in your organization?
My current role as General Manager of The Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore, involves overseeing the business interest of the hotel entrusted to me. It involves planning and organizing; delegating responsibilities, forecasting future trends, budgetting, relationship management with both the guests as well as fellow workers. And most important, leading my team to achieve success in each of its endeavors.

What are your immediate and long-term plans?
My immediate and long term plans are integrated with that of the company. The company’s growth will add to my growth within the ambit of my professional abilities.

As a hospitality industry professional what is your ambition? Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now?
As hospitality professional it gives me great joy to interact with people. I would like to see myself in any position that keeps me in touch with people on a regular basis and people at large associated with the industry.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your professional life?
Upendra Singh Jamwal for being my mentor, a good teacher and one who has helped me to travel on the right path; Sanjay Wadhawan for giving me the opportunity to grow and face challenges; Chander Baljee the Chairman of Royal Orchid Group of Hotels, who, when I met him for the first time, asked me  to dream big and work on it and Sehar, Avantika and Ms. Sapna  who made me realize my capability and motivating me - they are my critics, and my dear friends whom I look up to.

As woman, what were the challenges you had to face in your professional life? What is your advice to young girls who enter the sector?
I have had my share of problems. Over the years I have learned to handle situations that could have become not only challenges, but obstacles, in my profession. My advice to young girls is not to fraternize too much and just be focused on their job, the recognition they seek will automatically follow their dedication to their work.

What is the secret of your success?
One of my earlier bosses once told me, “There is always scope to better your best, do not sit back on your laurels, and carry out each activity with pride so that no one can fault you at work”. I believe in myself, my values and my goal. I work hard, with complete focus, to achieve them.

What is your proudest moment (till date) in your job?
Each minute I spend at my work place.

Please tell us about your family.
My family consists of my parents, my sister and her lovely family who have always stood by me in everything that I have chosen to do, and my wonderful son, who truly is my ‘Rock of Gibraltar’.

What are your hobbies?
Going to places which I have not yet seen, gardening, interior decoration, listening to music and rescuing wounded birds and animals.