Daring To Be Great: Leadership Insights With Rana Alshami

Q&A with Rana Alshami Director of Rooms, Baker’s Cay Resort

Describe your professional development path at Davidson and Pivot – how did you get to where you are?
I got to where I am today due in large part to my amazing General Manager and mentor, Joy Boyd. In March of 2017, I came to Florida for a vacation and fell in love with the Keys. After interviewing with Joy, for a Front Office Supervisor position, I knew this was exactly where I belonged and never went back to Texas! In July of 2017, I was promoted to Front Office Manager, and shortly thereafter we closed due to Hurricane Irma. During that time I was able to assist many sister properties with task force, transitions and openings. The experience and knowledge I gained during this time is incomparable. Shortly after re-opening (for the second time) due to COVID, I was promoted once again to Director of Rooms.

What do you love most about being a leader?
What I love most about being a leader is simple – my team! It is rewarding to assist in their development and growth. I love pushing my team to reach their potential and succeed. I was given opportunities to prove myself throughout my career. I am grateful to be in a position where I can provide that same opportunity to others now.

What is your management philosophy?
I strive to put my team in a position to succeed. I motivate my team and inspire them while also encouraging them to improve their overall performance. It is key for your team to accept personal responsibility for their work and to work toward the overall success of our beautiful Resort!

What inspires you to be great?
At the beginning of my career, my family was my primary motivation. I am from Saudi Arabia. My family’s expectations were for me to move back home after getting my degree. My parents gave me the opportunity to stay in the United States and pursue my passion in hospitality. Needless to say, five years later, they still support my decision! Since then, my motivations have shifted to encompass all the amazing people on my team and the impact we can have on our guests!

How do you inspire team members? (Give us examples!)
I inspire my team members by leading by example. I only ask my team to do something that I am both ready and willing to do. The best part of my job is being on the floor with my team. Whether it’s doing a check in at the welcome gate, stripping a room, folding towels in laundry, or assisting a guest with their luggage.

What advice/tips resonated with you most from mentors throughout your career?
I believe sticking to your core values and staying true to who you are is important. After being introduced to our core values with Pivot, I knew this was a company where I would thrive. This is an organization that encourages us to let Love and Intuition inform our decisions. Another piece of advice, given to me by my first General Manager, was to always adapt to your environment. The best way to succeed in any career is to adapt to whatever situation life throws at you. Likewise, it is important to ask questions and seek out knowledge and information. Doing this, you can grow and thrive in your community.

What is the most pressing challenge you’ve faced and resolved in the past year?
Challenges in 2020? The list is quite extensive. The most pressing challenge I faced was closing the Resort once again and not knowing when we would all be reunited. We faced this challenge together and came out stronger. Everyone was so excited when we were able to reopen our doors and welcome back our guests. That was definitely the highlight of last year.