Pathways: Tiago Simoes, cluster manager of easyHotel

The cluster manager of easyHotel reveals how a love of travel helped him to move up the ranks

 

Did you study a hospitality-related course at university?

 

I studied tourism. Afterwards, I got a degree in hospitality and hotel management, and I finished my studies in 2013. All my studies were related to Portugal, where I’m originally from. I worked in a five-star resort in the south of Portugal. We normally do [apprenticeships], which are fantastic because it helps you understand what you are studying for. You can start completing the puzzle.

 

Did you do any work experience in the industry at a young age?

 

No, because as soon as I finished my studies, I got lucky and started working straightaway, so [the resort in Portugal] was my first job.

 

What initially attracted you to working in hospitality?

 

It was my desire to travel. It’s good to explore new places. And I love hot weather, so I really like the Caribbean.

 

Who was your first mentor or role model in hospitality?

 

My first role model was my first manager. I started at Old Street easyHotel as a night receptionist, so my first manager was of course my mentor. He was so relaxed and great at solving problems. He made difficult things super-easy, so I was really influenced by his style of leadership.

 

At each opportunity, I always looked to my senior line managers. I tried to be close to them so I could be guided by experience, because when we are young we are very ambitious.

 

Can you talk through some of your past roles in hospitality?

 

I started working night shifts in London and then I was promoted to hotel supervisor in Birmingham, and afterwards I was assistant manager and hotel manager at the same hotel. Birmingham really was a crucial time when I made my name in the company. I helped to open hotels and I became a cluster manager in 2021, so I had Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Oxford. The hotels have more than 400 rooms in total, which is a great challenge.

 

What are the main challenges?

 

Daily operations, where we try to meet every customer’s needs.

 

How have you been impacted by the energy crisis?

 

We cannot let that situation impact the customer expectation or the customer journey at all. That will be dealt with internally, so we are going green now. We have some decisions in place to control the cost of utilities.

 

Do you have any regrets?

 

I do not believe in regrets in life. I just make the best decisions and that helps me move on. I have one sentence that I keep in mind: I like to think of myself as a proton.

 

What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry now?

 

First, you need to have passion to be working in hospitality. I would classify hospitality as one of the most difficult industries to work in. We need to be surrounded by positive people. Negativity doesn’t really bring anything. Become a proton, stay positive, listen to advice. Everything that is difficult is going to lead you to something great. You strive for good people, you talk to people, you talk about frustrations. If you have passion, join. If you like a challenge, join. It’s a great sector to work in.

 

Do you have future career goals?

 

Step by step. I would like to continue my hospitality career at easyHotel and become an operations director – that will be my big aim, my big shot.

 

Who inspires you in the industry?

 

The industry is what inspires me, I think that is what it is. It inspires me with the daily challenge. Every day, you’ve got different issues and different situations you need to deal with, and again that is what makes the day go faster – you don’t even realise the day has finished. You can speak three languages in one day. It’s just impressive.