It’s hard to miss Elif Yazoglu at Doubletree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach. Withher pastel suits and warm persona, she can often be spotted walking around the hotel greeting guests with a warm smile, and acknowledging team members bytheir names. This is a trait she is fondly known for in the past 25 years of experience she has in the hospitality industry.
A multi-faceted leader, Elif embodies the empathetic leadership style. She is approachable, transparent, andat one with her team. She believes in an open communication style which gives the employees an opportunity to provide feedback and raise issues in a safe space without fear. A great example of this is the monthly GM meeting that Elif initiated at the hotel – a casual conversation with the General Managerwhere team members can have an honest and open discussion directly with her.
Everyone is like a family at the hotel;boththe guests and team members alike. Thisstatement is supported by high occupancy through-out the year and a 90% score on the ‘Trust and Leadership’ index on the internal survey. A simple gesture like eating at the staff cafeteria everyday strengthens the unspoken belief at the hotel that everyoneis united.
Elif is committed to endorsing Hilton’s sustainability vision by regular beach clean-up drives, mangroves tree plantation and supporting local farming products. She has also initiated and spearheaded several innovative practices at DoubleTree to further their sustainability goals, including the installation of an AI technology in the kitchens to monitor and reduce food wastage.
Elif is a staunch champion for inclusion and diversity. Be it a partnership with the SEDRA Foundation to create opportunities for People of Determination or her support for ‘Evolvin’ Women’ to create opportunities for unemployed women from less privileged economic backgrounds. Elif believes that people of determination are the pioneers of their own future.She ensures shegives opportunities to those who may not get an easy chance otherwise.
Amid all these achievements, her highest priority has remained concentration on guest services and leading by example and she is constantly looking at ways to enhance the guest journey in the hotel. ‘Devil is in the details’, is what you will hear her saying with a reassuring smile to her staff.
