Join us on an enriching voyage with Mr. Barry Robinson, the President and Managing Director of International Operations at Wyndham Vacation Clubs and Travel and Leisure.
Recognized as a model leader in the leisure industry, Barry Robinson is renowned for his excellent sense of innovation and determination in turning obstacles into opportunities. This candid interview explores his unique management style, the trials of funding, and the significance of talent acquisition.
This is for everyone who seeks insight into the challenging yet rewarding world of hospitality business, and is keen on understanding how this industry operates, right from a leader's perspective. By learning from Barry's experience, you will be empowered to navigate similar challenges and understand the nuances of the hospitality industry.
Here are the reasons why you should listen to the full interview:
- Learn how to tackle different management styles and thrive in a diversified business field.
- Discover the importance of talent acquisition and the necessity of addressing non-responsiveness in the hospitality industry.
- Understand Barry's outlook on innovation, empowerment, the necessity of overcoming bureaucracy, and the survival of businesses in tight monetary situations.
Interview Highlights
Overcoming challenges with a different management style
- Despite being a tough task, Barry learned how to deal with different management styles in his company.
- Barry fosters a sense of ownership over his team's tasks and decisions.
- For him, investing in property and having their own capital has been a game changer.
- Barry believes that control of one's destiny is crucial to the survival and growth of a business.
Importance of funding and diversification with Barry Robinson
- During the times when the financial situation of the company was tight, they had to seek external funding.
- Barry emphasizes that if they had not been successful in securing those fundings, their company might not exist today.
- The importance of diversification in the business cannot be overstated in his words.
Focusing on innovation and empowerment
- One of the things Barry Robinson admitted they can improve is involving all levels of the organization in the innovation process.
- Another area for improvement is empowerment, as with the growth of the business, breaking down bureaucracy becomes more important.
Emphasis on talent acquisition and culture fit
- Barry believes that talent acquisition is key to their business success.
- He insists on thorough reference checking and responsiveness from potential hires.
- He values a good culture fit, believing that it is crucial in the hospitality industry.
Customer-centric Business Approach
- Barry Robinson encourages everyone to pay attention to their clients and respond immediately to the customer's needs.
- He sees the direct correlation between a business's success and the extent to which it places the customer in its focus.
"If you walk straight past a customer that's struggling with something, maybe your business isn't."