Karl Hala is currently the Group General Manager of Continental Hotels in Nigeria with over 50 years of work experience across Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Europe. His exceptional work ethic got the attention of Exquisite Magazine so let’s read about his life journey as a hospitality management professional.
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND BRAND
Certainly! I’m Karl Hala, and I’m passionate about the world of hospitality. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, I’ve dedicated my career to transforming hotels and resorts into unforgettable experiences for guests. Currently, I have the privilege of serving as the Group General Manager of Continental Hotels in Nigeria, overseeing properties at Lagos Continental and Abuja Continental.
My journey in hospitality began as a night auditor with InterContinental Hotels Group and since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work across various InterContinental and Crowne Plaza properties in regions spanning Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Europe.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My decision to enter the hospitality industry was deeply influenced by my family’s background in the hotel business. Growing up in Austria, I witnessed the dedication and passion that my mother and her sisters poured into their hotel. I was inspired by their commitment to creating memorable experiences for their guests.
This early exposure instilled in me a genuine love for hospitality. I saw how it could bring people from diverse backgrounds together, create moments of joy and connection, and provide a sense of comfort to travelers far from home. I wanted to be a part of that, to contribute to making people’s journeys and stays special.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL?
I’ve been part of the hospitality industry for over three and a half decades. My journey started in 1977 when I joined InterContinental Hotels Group as a night auditor. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in various capacities across different continents, gathering invaluable experiences along the way.
TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED (your academic and professional background)
My journey in hospitality began with my academic pursuits. I studied Tourism and Hotel Management at the Hotel School Vienna “MODUL” in Austria from 1972 to 1976. This education laid a strong foundation for my career and provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this field.
From there, I joined InterContinental Hotels Group, where I started as a night auditor and steadily worked my way up through the ranks, gaining practical experience and insight into the industry’s inner workings. This hands-on experience, combined with my academic background, has been instrumental in shaping my career.
From there, I joined InterContinental Hotels Group, where I started as a night auditor and steadily worked my way up through the ranks, gaining practical experience and insight into the industry’s inner workings. This hands-on experience, combined with my academic background, has been instrumental in shaping my career.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT STYLE?
My leadership style is built on a foundation of collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. I believe in working closely with my team, fostering open communication, and providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. I’m a firm believer in leading by example and being hands-on when necessary.
In the hospitality industry, attention to detail and a dedication to service excellence are paramount. I instill these values in my team by setting high standards and creating a culture of continuous improvement. I also value innovation and encourage my team to explore new ways of enhancing the guest experience.
YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN AFRICA’S HOSPITALITY TERRAIN, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
My journey to becoming a prominent figure in Africa’s hospitality landscape has been a combination of hard work, dedication, and a passion for excellence. It began with my early experiences in Europe and expanded as I had the opportunity to work in diverse regions like Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Europe.
I’ve always been driven to not only meet but exceed guest expectations. This commitment to excellence has led to the success of the properties I’ve managed and contributed to my reputation in the industry. Additionally, my ability to adapt to different cultures and markets has allowed me to thrive in the dynamic and rapidly growing African hospitality market.
HOW DID YOU EARN THE NAME AFRICA’S HOSPITALITY GURU?
The nickname “Africa’s hospitality guru” is a humbling recognition of my contributions to the hospitality industry in Africa. It was bestowed upon me by colleagues and peers who recognized the impact of my work in redefining luxury and service standards in the African hospitality sector.
This title is a testament to the dedication and passion I have for this continent and its potential in the global hospitality market. It’s an honour to be associated with such a vibrant and dynamic industry, and I’m committed to continuing to raise the bar for hospitality in Africa.
FROM A NIGHT AUDITOR TO A GENERAL MANAGER, HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY BEEN? WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES YOU FACED?
My journey from a night auditor to a General Manager has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any career path, it required hard work, perseverance, and a continuous commitment to personal and professional growth.
One of the challenges I faced was adapting to different cultures and markets as I worked in various countries. Each location had its unique dynamics and customer expectations. However, I viewed these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and they ultimately enriched my experience.
Another challenge was managing large-scale refurbishment projects, such as the one I undertook as the General Manager of InterContinental Budapest in Hungary. These projects demanded meticulous planning, resource management, and the ability to lead a team to successful completion.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that challenges are part of the process, and they often lead to the most significant personal and professional growth.
YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE GROUP GENERAL MANAGER AT CONTINENTAL HOTELS NIGERIA, WHICH INCLUDES LAGOS CONTINENTAL AND ABUJA CONTINENTAL. HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN? HAS THERE BEEN ANY REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT?
My experience as the Group General Manager at Continental Hotels Nigeria has been both fulfilling and challenging. It’s a role that requires a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and a commitment to delivering exceptional service in a highly competitive industry.
One of the remarkable achievements during my tenure has been the repositioning of Lagos Continental Hotel as one of Africa’s foremost luxury hotels. We’ve focused on enhancing the guest experience, investing in infrastructure, and implementing innovative service concepts. As a result, we’ve seen increased guest satisfaction and revenue growth.
Additionally, I’m proud of the expansion and growth of the Continental Hotels brand in Nigeria. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication and the market’s receptiveness to our approach to hospitality.
I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of Continental Hotels in Nigeria and setting new benchmarks for luxury and service excellence in the region.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success, to me, is about more than just financial achievements or career milestones. It’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives and leaving a lasting legacy. In the hospitality industry, success is measured by the smiles on our guests’ faces, the memories we create for them, and the loyalty we earn.
Success is also about continuous growth and improvement, both personally and professionally. It’s the ability to adapt to change, embrace innovation, and inspire those around you to strive for excellence. Ultimately, success is the result of passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in everything you do.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
If I had the opportunity to start my career over again, I would embrace change and innovation even more readily. The hospitality industry is dynamic, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, guest preferences, and sustainability practices.
I would also place a greater emphasis on mentorship and team development from the early stages of my career. Nurturing talent and empowering others to excel is crucial for long-term success in any field.
Overall, I wouldn’t change the path I’ve taken, but I would approach it with an even greater hunger for learning and growth.
WHAT SETS YOU APART IN THE HOSPITALITY FIELD?
What sets me apart in the hospitality field is the combination of my extensive experience, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a deep understanding of diverse cultures and markets. I’ve had the privilege of working in various regions, which has given me a unique perspective on the industry.
Additionally, my hands-on approach to leadership and my dedication to creating memorable guest experiences have helped me stand out. I believe in leading by example and instilling a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within my teams.
Lastly, my passion for Africa’s hospitality market and my commitment to elevating the standards of luxury and service in the region have earned me a reputation as a leader and innovator in this field.
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I draw inspiration from the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with throughout my career. From dedicated hotel staff who go above and beyond to make guests feel at home to the guests themselves who share their stories and experiences, there’s a wealth of inspiration in the world of hospitality.
I’m also inspired by the potential for growth and development in the African hospitality market. Africa is a continent of immense beauty and cultural richness, and I’m motivated to showcase its potential to the world.
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
If I were to write a book about my life and career, I think the title would be something like “Journey to Excellence: Redefining Hospitality in Africa.” This title encapsulates my lifelong commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in the hospitality industry, with a special focus on Africa.
PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL WITH US.
When it comes to the secrets of my success, I’d say it all starts with passion and dedication. You’ve got to absolutely love what you do and throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. Your passion is like fuel for excellence; it drives you to constantly strive for the best. Learning is another big one. Always stay curious and open to learning. The hospitality industry is a dynamic one, always changing and evolving. Those who keep learning and adapting are the ones who thrive.
Now, let’s talk about the guest. Make them your top priority. Happy guests turn into loyal guests. That’s the golden rule. Treat each guest as if they were your family coming to stay with you. Empowering your team is crucial too. Encourage collaboration, and innovation, and most importantly, empower your team members. A motivated team is often the key to success in this business.
Don’t shy away from change and innovation. Embrace it. The ability to adapt is a superpower in this industry, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and changing guest expectations. Never forget the power of details. It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference in service. So, attention to detail is a must.
Building strong industry relationships is vital. Networking can open doors and provide you with valuable insights. You’re not alone in this industry, so connect with your peers. And leadership, well, it should start with you setting high standards for yourself. Be a leader who leads by example. When your team sees your dedication, they’re likely to follow suit. Persistence is key because success often involves overcoming challenges and setbacks. Stay resilient when things get tough.
Lastly, gain exposure to different cultures and markets. It broadens your perspective and enhances your ability to connect with diverse guests in our global world.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW IN YOUR EXPERTISE?
First off, education is essential. Invest in your learning and training. Build a strong foundation; it’ll serve you well. Now, before you jump into hospitality, make sure you truly love it. It’s a demanding field, and passion will be your driving force. Hands-on experience is gold. Try to get practical knowledge early on; it’s invaluable.
Mentorship is something I can’t stress enough. Find someone experienced who can guide you, share their wisdom, and help you navigate the industry.
Networking is your secret weapon. Connect with people in the industry; it can open up doors to opportunities you might not have thought possible. Stay flexible and adaptable. The industry’s always changing, so being open to new trends and technologies is a huge plus. In hospitality, the details matter immensely, so develop that keen eye for detail. Communication skills are a must. Building strong relationships with guests and colleagues is a big part of success. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Persistence pays off. You’ll face challenges, but they’re part of the journey.
Lastly, if you can, gain international exposure. It broadens your horizons and makes you more adaptable in our globalized world.
PLEASE SHARE CONTACT DETAILS YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
You can connect with me on LinkedIn under the name Karl Hala.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with you. I hope my journey in the hospitality industry serves as inspiration for others looking to excel in this dynamic field.
