We kick off the very first edition of our new, “Get to know” series where we will feature interesting personalities who help making Abu Dhabi special
The Experience Team speaks to Catalina Susan the highly accomplished General Manager at the Marriott Hotel al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Can you tell us about your background and how you started your career?
I have always been passionate about finance. My career began in 1993 as an Economist at the Romanian Bank of Foreign Trades, Bancorex, where I worked for two years. I then transitioned to the role of Chief Accountant for the owner of Sofitel in Bucharest for four years. My journey in the hospitality industry started in 2000 as the Assistant Director of Finance at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. I later moved to the Warsaw Marriott Hotel for a year before returning to the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel as Director of Finance. Afterward, I spent three years as Director of Finance at the Warsaw Marriott Hotel.
In 2016, I achieved my first General Manager position at the Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center. Following this, I held three GM positions at various prestigious properties: the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, the Sheraton Sopot Hotel, and currently, the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi. Since August 2023, this role marks my first experience in the Middle East.
What was the biggest challenge in your career, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was during the pandemic when I had to lay off associates. It was a difficult time, but I also had to find solutions to keep the hotel operational. We managed this by quarantining half the property and focusing on special offers for long-term stays. This strategy helped us navigate through the crisis and keep the business running.
What exciting projects are you currently working on?
Yes, we have many ongoing projects, one of which is the renovation of the Appaloosa sports bar. This will commence at the beginning of next year and feature a new Food and Beverage concept while preserving the distinctive Appaloosa vibe and essence. Additionally, the pool will undergo renovation by Q4.
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?
I have been blessed with many mentors in life; however, my biggest inspiration was my previous vice president, Pankaj Birla, who was the Area Director of Finance at the time and then VP for Eastern Europe. He motivated me, saw my potential, and pushed me hard with challenging assignments to strengthen my skills. His guidance has had a lasting impact on my career.
What are some misconceptions about women in leadership that you have encountered, and how have you addressed them?
I thought moving from Eastern Europe to the Middle East would be challenging. I feared I wouldn’t be accepted as a woman in such a leadership role in a male-dominated world. However, I was welcomed with open arms. I felt at home in no time and quickly integrated into the community. I plan to continue my journey in the Middle East and Africa region.
What personal values or principles guide your work and life?
My love for my job fuels my passion. Engaging with people and listening to their needs and dreams inspires and energizes me. Most importantly, resilience under challenging situations empowers me to reach for the stars.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I live a healthy lifestyle, giving all my heart to what I do. When I am at work, I am fully present in the moment, and when I leave, I make sure to hit the gym before or after work to stay focused and refreshed. I regularly also make sure I visit my daughter every chance I get. It’s always important to live life fully and achieve everything in my career that I can accomplish while not forgetting that I am a parent as well, and my health is the number one priority.
What do you consider your most outstanding achievement so far, and why?
Witnessing my daughter thrive at Stanford University surpasses any personal milestone I could imagine, and my aspiration for her success exceeds my accomplishments. On a professional level, I derive immense satisfaction from instilling the Marriott Culture in every establishment I’m involved with.
Can you share a significant setback you experienced and how you turned it into success?
While working in Armenia, I experienced firsthand a revolution, during which my property became the focal point for daily protests. Enduring five intense weeks, this event transformed the area into a bustling hub, establishing it as a prominent landmark that attracted even more business to my property, particularly government events and official delegations from different countries.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Two invaluable lessons have become my guiding principles wherever I venture. First and foremost, prioritize the well-being of the people; secondly, acknowledge that success is attainable with an exceptional team by your side.
How do you see the role of women in hospitality evolving in the next decade?
I see more and more remarkable women being in leadership and GM roles. We started having women GMs in Saudi Arabia, and if that indicates anything, women are ready for such positions. We are, by nature, empathetic while having the courage to deal with difficult situations. The world is ready to let women lead for a change.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Composing poems in Romanian, my native tongue, brings me immense joy. Though I’ve yet to publish any of my work, I hope that one day, my words will find their way to the world.
What specific skills or qualities do you think have been most important to your success as a GM?
Honesty and integrity, dedication to the task at hand, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to prioritizing people are the hallmarks of our work.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership positions in the hospitality industry?
They must possess the bravery to relocate to diverse countries, adapt to varying cultures, and embrace new assignments and obstacles. I thrive on challenges. The routine doesn’t appeal to me, so I continuously push my limits, using these challenges as benchmarks for my success.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter hospitality?
For me, it’s the most exhilarating career. Boredom is a foreign concept in hospitality; each day brings new experiences. I’m thankful for the chance to interact with people from diverse countries and cultures, forging lasting friendships along the way.