Logging On With . . . Kathrine Ohm Thomas
CONTINUING our ‘Logging On With …’ series, we talk to Katherine Ohm Thomas, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, who tells us about her drive to get things right first time…
Organisation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham
Employees: 155 and 43 nationalities
Job title: General Manager
Career highlights
Opening a brand new hotel in a building like Beetham Tower was a huge project for me – but I did it. I succeeded in getting a fabulous team that has grown as the business has grown and our year-on-year results are better than I ever dreamed of.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?
There’s not been any one person who has had a big influence on me. I have been influenced by lots of people I’ve met – of all ages and backgrounds – who have been inspirational in many different ways.
What are your key responsibilities?
Everything to do with running a hotel. Our parent company, Rezidor, empowers its general managers to deal with all aspects – from sales and revenue, guest issues and marketing to bottom line and market share. There’s no head office to hide behind in that sense.
What do you enjoy most and least about your role?:
The people. And by that I mean the team I work with and the guests I welcome to the hotel. My least is when we don’t get things right first time.
As a business leader, what’s the key to managing people?
Having the courage of your own convictions, especially when the going gets tough. People admire and respect you for that.
What are the biggest barriers to your organisation’s success?:
The fact we have 45 different nationalities working in the hotel means communication sometimes breaks down. However careful you try to be, there are times when the message comes out totally wrong.
What would make the West Midlands an even better place to live and work?
Being closer to the coast. Coming from Norway, I love the sea, so it would be fabulous to not have to drive for two hours to get glimpse of it. Otherwise, though, the West Midlands has pretty much got everything.
How has technology changed your life in the last five years?
I don’t think it’s changed it that much. I’ve always gone to bed with my mobile phone next to my pillow, because of the nature of my job.
How has it changed/impacted on your business in the same period?
I guess in the same way that it’s affected every business.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you chose and why?
I’d love to run Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. I adore fashion and shopping and it would be wonderful to be manager of one of my favourite shop’s flagship store.
Which sectors do you think will thrive/ struggle in the coming years?:
It’s difficult to say because the economy is still languishing and who knows what the next government will do to address that. But I think businesses that are flexible and able to diversify when necessary are bound to do well. Those that are more rigid in what they do are likely to be less successful.
What do you feel are the key skills/qualities needed to run a successful business in the 21st Century?:
The same skills and qualities that were needed in the 20th century and the 19th. Technology may change, but the core skills that make a good business person do not. One of those is to pick the strongest team you can – and then give them wings so that they can fly.
Which public figure do you admire most and why?:
I’m afraid I don’t sit around admiring public figures. What I do admire is the energy and determination to succeed that I see in many of the young people who come to work for us.
In five words, describe your character:
Impatient, impatient, impatient, impatient, impatient!
Where’s your favourite holiday destination?
Wherever my next holiday will take me!
See other profiles in our ‘Logging on with…’ series
