BANKING ON HER MOTHER’S BLESSINGS.......
“Obstacles
and hardships in life taught many a
things”, says Phagun Virmani,
Director Guest Relations & Training,
Heritage Village Resorts, Manesar, a perfectionist professional, who
doesn’t believe in taking short cuts at work.
Remember:
Phagun, a BA graduate who has not been to the Hotel Management School, started
her career as a Door Girl in ITC Mughal Agra.
When she was
six months old, her father passed away in an accident. Her Mother Madhu was 19 years old then. Life from hereon was with her
maternal grandmother. At the age of 17, Phagun was earning around Rs.4,000/-
per month by taking tuitions. She politely advised her mother to take rest, as
her mother was working till then in more than one private companies.
“My mother
is my inspiration. Very strong woman she is. Very practical too. She always
cathected me to face problems in life head on” admits Phagun.
“I was not confident at all in my initial
days. As I was Hindi medium student, I could not speak good English also. But
my mother’s grace was always with me. And I was very aware about the same”.
See the
incredible career graph of Phagun: At ITC Mughal, Agra she was invited to be
part of the front desk, in just three months after serving as Door girl. The
reason: after her Door girl duty, she had spent most of her time learning all
things related to Front Office. Her hard work and relentless optimism paid rich
dividends.
Leela Kempinski,
Mumbai was her next stop as Front Office Assistant...in seven months she lapped
up a promotion as Front Office Team Leader...in the next six months became an Executive-
that is two promotions in 13 months. After a year, she earned the stripes of
Assistant Manager at Leela.
The
biggest jump in her career came up in the “Out of the Blue” Restaurant at
Mumbai during the dinnertime. Hardeep
Marwa (presently, General Manager,
Hyatt Regency Mumbai) had invited her for the dinner along with another
lady. Many things related to hotel industry were discussed during the dinner
period. At last, the lady opened up: I am Ashima
Sharma, Director of Rooms at Grand Hyatt Mumbai. This was an interview. You
are hired”. So, Phagun joins this hotel as Assistant Manager Front Office. Case
in point: Grand Hyatt Mumbai is an iconic hotel with 700 rooms.
Fully
sponsored one month cross exposure training in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong was an eye
opener. Visit to Hyatt Regency Churchill at England enhanced her general fund
of knowledge further. Served in two hotels as Front Office Manager- Hilton, Mumbai
and Lalit, New Delhi. Stint in B L Kapoor Hospital lasted for 42 months. Joined
Heritage Village Resorts at Manesar in April 2018.
Travelling
is her hobby. Ganesha is her favourite God. Married to Faisal Khan, who is working as an Assistant General Manager in a
leather company in Manesar.
Phagun’s
husband Faisal is a motor rally driver. She is planning to join her husband as
his navigator in any of the upcoming rallies.
Says Sumit Gogia, General Manager, Heritage Village
Resorts, Manesar, “Phagun is a dedicated professional who would challenge
all obstacles to reach perfect results”.
Text and Picture: R Kesava Mallia in
Manesar
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