Frank Naboulsi is the Vice President of Operations for Egypt and General Manager of Fairmont Nile City Hotel. His journey in the hospitality industry began humbly as a part-time worker while pursuing his studies. Despite his academic background in business administration, Frank eventually found the world of hospitality captivating and chose to immerse himself in it after completing his university.
Frank’s career trajectory is a testament to his dedication and leadership. He has risen through the ranks, now overseeing a portfolio of 19 hotels and directly managing Fairmont Nile City. Additionally, he holds the position of Managing Director at the Accor Corporation in Egypt. His broad spectrum of responsibilities includes financial management, relationship building, and guiding each hotel’s general manager to meet their commitments and budgets set by owners and the corporate office.
“My leadership philosophy is to lead by example and to be able to ensure that what’s good for me is also good for my colleagues around the system and to be able to treat others in the same respect and way I would like to be treated. And to be able to challenge the status quo and to be able to push the envelope and allow the team to think outside the box,”– he explains.
Tackling Challenges
Frank recognizes the most challenging aspect of hotel operations is the scarcity of human resources. With an increasing number of individuals opting to leave the industry for roles offering much better flexibility and often higher compensation, attracting and retaining talent has become extremely competitive. However, he believes that the intrinsic rewards of the hospitality sector outweigh those of other sectors.
To address these challenges, Frank keeps his team motivated and actively engaged in the decision-making process. By involving team members in critical decisions and aligning them with the hotel’s success, Frank ensures they feel valued and integral to overcoming challenges faced by the hotel.
Awards and Accolades
Frank’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry has given him the opportunity to work internationally, gaining invaluable experience in major city centers across the world. Over the years, Frank has developed a profound affinity for the hospitality sector, which he also regards as his favorite industry. He firmly believes in the industry’s potential for growth, especially as the global population increasingly seeks luxury hospitality experiences while exploring the world.
Amidst the long journey, Frank has been extremely privileged to receive several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Eagle Award for the Best Sales Leader during his tenure with the Canadian Pacific Hotel, which at that point of time was owned by Fairmont Hotels. Additionally, he was recognized with the prestigious General Manager of the Year Award by the Texas Hotel Association. Notably, he was awarded the Best General Manager in the Middle East award in Bangkok, and presently he stands as the finalist for the General Manager Award, which will take place in Dubai later this year.
Beyond all these, Frank also takes his time out for several philanthropic works. Presently, he engages with organizations voluntarily to raise funds for underserved children and hospitals. He also plays a crucial role in supporting children without families, reflecting his commitment to society as a whole.
Taking a Step Further
Frank feels it’s extremely important that every colleague and every individual understands that creating a positive service environment is necessary by treating each guest as if they are coming to their home. At the heart of Frank and his team’s standards lies the commitment to surpassing their guests’ expectations at every turn. Frank and his team strive to ensure this goal remains paramount in all their endeavors by actively engaging with their guests and understanding their preferences. This personalized approach is instrumental in creating memorable experiences and forging meaningful connections with their guests.
Suggestions for Younger Self
Frank suggests that young leaders recognize that overnight success is not possible. Rather, they should focus on the overarching strategy and desired outcomes. Consistent effort and dedication are extremely important to achieving long-term aspirations. By remaining steadfast in pursuit and keeping clarity on objectives, young leaders can easily progress towards their desired goals.
