Zee Bassila
It is Monday, August 9, and I am glad to welcome you to Season 5, Episode 5 of “Monday Motivation – Felix asks”. In today's episode, I will take you to Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Manama is the largest city in Bahrain, with an approximate population of 200.000 people. I had the pleasure to visit Manama various times and was always impressed by the extreme welcome I received during these visits. One memory that has stuck with me ever since was my visit to the Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Haydat). A 9.75meters high tree that is over 400 years old, located around 40km away from Manama. Until today, it remains a mystery as to how the tree survives. Bahrain has little to no rain throughout the year. Its roots are 50 meters deep, which may be enough to reach the water. Some say the tree has learned to extract moisture from grains of sand, while others claim that the tree is standing in what was once the Garden of Eden, and has a more mystical water source. It is a must-see during your next visit.
Please welcome today, Mr. Zee Bassila, the Complex EAM at the Westin & Le Meridien City Center Bahrain at Marriott International. During the interview, we spoke about Zee's career launch in Montreal and the beauty of his current role. He shared his definition of hospitality with his favorite books, as well as the best places to visit in Bahrain.
Zee also shared his favorite anecdotes with a brilliant Italian singer and his advice to the younger generation. While he never had a permanent mentor, he always had the right people around him at the right time.
I am thankful that Zee took the time to participate in this little project, and I hope you will all enjoy this week's read. Please do not forget to #sharepositivestories
Question 1: Where did you start your career? What do you love most about your current role?
Zee Bassila (ZE): “I started my career at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal as a management trainee then accepted a job as a banquet coordinator in the same beautiful hotel. This particular Ritz was part of the Kempinski group. It was a serene place for royalties from all over the world known as “La Grande Dame de la Rue Sherbrooke” Our back of the house featured stunning posters of Kempinski palaces and hotels in Europe.
As an Executive Assistant Manager today for 2 hotels, I enjoy the ambiance at work and the repetitive visits of our guests. It keeps me going and is a sign of the consistent service culture provided by our ladies and gentlemen.
I also enjoy meeting people from different industries and exchange information in vibrant lobbies.”
Question 2: What does Hospitality mean to you?
ZE: “Hospitality to me is an adventure-like life. It is the virtue of a great soul that cares for the whole universe through the ties of humanity. Hospitality is also the way people treat others, that is, the service of welcoming and receiving. Hospitality plays a fundamental role in the economy to augment or decrease the volume of sales of an organization.
It is a platform of different cultures that embrace people’s demands and serve them with style.”
“Hospitality is also the way people treat others, that is, the service of welcoming and receiving. ”
Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?
ZE: “Our industry requires great communication skills. It also leads you to meet all kinds of people. Your cultural awareness, attention to detail, and adaptability must run in your DNA.
I have many experiences and one of the best anecdotes is when I met with Mr. Luciano Pavarotti. His requirement list provided by his manager was quite impressive. The way we delivered the service to our guests was nothing but proud to host an amazing person. Upon his departure, he told me “Thank you for making my concert so successful. Staying and feeling comfortable with a good night's sleep are key elements for me to perform, thank you, thank you.”
I felt so proud and touched by his comments. From that standpoint, I felt that I must continue in the industry.”
Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it, and did she/he give you a piece of advice you still follow?
ZE: “I never had a permanent mentor, but I have always looked up to intelligent people in the industry whom I knew well. They gave me honest explanations that made me understand and realize where I stand in my decisions or career. They also guided me to stay on the right track. Thanks to Anthony Liddiard, Jean Baptiste Pigeon, Fabrice Collot, Raymond Khalifé, Robert Rosetti, Michel Tournière, Haitham Mattar, Denis Johnson, Sammy Gani, Arthur Kiong, Hoss Vetry, Pascal Duchauffour, Amine Moukarzel, Guido de Wilde and David Atkinson.”
Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?
ZE: “Be patient, listen carefully, ask, and if you don’t ask you don’t get. Commit to what you do, and most significantly, surround yourself with good people whom you can learn from. Do not let negative intensity bother you. Do not entertain gossip. Focus on the things that matter the most for your hotel, your team, and yourself.”
“Commit to what you do, and most significantly, surround yourself with good people whom you can learn from. ”
Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.
ZE: “Brothers by David Talbot.
The audacity of hope by Barack Obama.
The Aviator from the movie.
The gangs of New York from the movie.
The Ritz Carlton book.
The Four Seasons book.
The autobiography of Michael Schumacher. I read a lot about it.
And No Birds Sang by Farley Mowat
Nation Maker by Richard Gwyn.”
Question 7: Which other industry expert would you like to see to answer these questions as well?
ZE: “Fabrice Collot, General Manager at Radisson Luxury Collection, Nofa Resort.”
Question 8: What is your must-try/ must-see (e.g., restaurant, sight, etc.) in Bahrain?
ZE: “Clay, a Korean fusion with succulent dishes. Every bite is an experience.
Salero, Spanish cuisine cooked traditionally for connoisseurs.”
Thank you, Zee, for taking the time to partake in the Monday Motivation, and I look forward to seeing you soon in Bahrain.
Felix
