Face to face with Andrew Sawadipakdi
December 20, 2010 Tags: Andrew Sawadipakdi, interview, Renowned Resort hotel
Category: Interviews No Comments 
Andrew Sawadipakdi General Manager of the Renowned Resort hotel of Kata Beach, on the Island of phuket, one of 9 hotels which are on the beach as you can say. We shall let Andrew tell us his history and past.
Give us a brief history of your career and what made you decide to become a General Manager?
Rose up through the ranks from a dish washer/cleaner. Had one good mentor to look up to and that was the shining light for the career path?
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Mr. Peter Thomson. Renowned hotelier with the Sheraton chain in the former years.
What is your Managerial philosophy, and how this changed over the years, from country to country?
MBW – an old saying but still works today, Management by Walkabout.
What would you consider to be the qualities that make a General Manager who they are today?
Dedication with a lot of hard work and not to mention, being patient, being a good teacher, being a good listener, being a good giver, being very understanding and be true to one self.
How would you evaluate, schooling against Aprentiship in today world, and compare this to your time?
There is no such thing as short cuts.
What has been your proudest moment in your career and why?
Accidentally one day recently sitting next to Mr. Peter Thomson. Had the opportunity to express my recollection of my junior days when I was working under him back in Perth, WA.
Consider what has been your weakness that has proved to be guidance towards your strength in the course of your career?
Initially was the speed of decision making, now this have become the strength.
In the Hospitality circle what would you like to be known or remembered as or for?
A good person.
In your life time has there been a particular food item, you would not consider eating or have had a second thought to try?
Not at all, willing to try anything and everything.
We all have dreams and goals for the future, what ones would you say that you have yet to accomplish?
Build and own a dream resort.
