How do you start your day?
Mike: Coffee, breakfast and a chat with my wife and sons about what the day has in store for each of us. I’ll catch up on news and a scan through LinkedIn and if it is an office day, arrive at my desk early to review my plan and to do list.
Michael: I tend to be up most days around 5:30am (even at the weekend) starting the day with a Nespresso or two which has to be the Roma capsule. Then a catch up on the daily news, social media and emails before the rest of the house starts to wake up.
Stephen: Coffee, a run, porridge then a bike ride. All before my working day begins! When I arrive at work, I change into my suit and head for my nearest Nespresso machine.
What has been your highlight since joining the team?
Mike: I have not been here long, so I would say the warm welcome and exploring and learning about our venues. As well as boasting world class facilities, there are so many quirky facts and anecdotes to uncover. Learning that Raiders of the Lost Ark was edited in a suite at The Athenaeum excited me perhaps far more than it should have!
Michael: Many a highlight at Ralph Trustees, but one comes to mind. Welcoming back one of the first clients to use the events space at The Grove for their annual event, which now continues each year. A key message in this is not to get complacent with your clients, ensure each time they are back we strive to be better than the last, and why not recognise them by taking them to an event at the O2. Oh and one more, what other Director of Sales do you know who’s a qualified skipper! Being joined by clients for a memorable jaunt on the River Thames at The Runnymede is a highlight.
Stephen: About 20 years ago we converted a studio apartment in Manhattan into the US sales office for The Athenaeum. This was essentially me, several telephone lines and a fax machine set up alongside a bed. It was exciting and fast-paced – no other independent hotel was doing this at the time – although many followed!