Editor’s Note: Our Corporate Management Training program continues to produce great Hyatt leaders. Former CMT, Samantha Konner is one of them! In the blog below, Samantha updates us on year three of her Hyatt career.
So if anyone remembers about a year ago I wrote a quick blog (http://hyatt.jobs/blog/?s=Samantha+Konner) my first two years out of college. My first management position, my first real apartment and my first transfer within Hyatt. I thought I would write a quick update on how year three has gone; mainly so looking back I can remember this world wind experience.
Last time I wrote I was on an airplane flying to Reno, Nevada and days away from becoming the newest Assistant Director of Outlets at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino. I don’t think I will ever forget pulling into my new 422 room home and being greeted by 2 valets in full ski gear. That was the first moment I realized that my life was in for a big change, the second was being handed a glass of champagne by the front desk agents at check-in. It was a warmer welcome than I ever thought possible, who doesn’t love a glass of champagne to occupy them on the long walk to their room!
While exploring my new home the next day it really hit me that life was going to be drastically different. I went from the political hub of the country to a town with three traffic lights, from walking past the Nation’s Capital every day to looking at majestic sights of the lake, and from honking and yelling to birds and the sound of the lake waves… my life had officially been turned upside down.
I quickly realized that the busy season I had just left in DC was about to carry over and the summer madness was about to kick up into high gear at the Lake. It became very clear that regardless of the surroundings, a busy hotel is a busy hotel and guest still expect the same high levels of service. I spent my first summer working hard, learning to paddle board, kayaking and enjoying all that Lake Tahoe had to offer on my days off.
It was different moving to my first “non CMT” hotel. You have to get to know everyone on your own time, you don’t have the comfort of your mentor and you have to prove your self quickly!
That September I was given the opportunity of a life time. “Konner, we would like you to be our new Director of Outlets and have you assist with the reopening of the soon to be renovated Sierra Café.” When those words came out of my Food & Beverage Directors mouth, I think my mouth dropped to the ground. In the months that followed I was able to learn the ropes of being a 1st time Department Head and help reopen our 200 seat 3-meal restaurant. To this day watching the staff walk by in uniforms I picked out and guests using salt and pepper shakers that I fretted about for hours is an amazing feeling.
Today I have been the Director of Outlets at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino for about 9 months. I manage the 3-meal restaurant, Gourmet Grocer and Coffee Shop, Room service, Regency Club and the Mini Bar systems. I live a mile away from the lake and am enjoying some work life balance (yes it does exist in this industry!) After the culture shock wore off, I realized the gut reaction of moving across country was the best decision I ever made. Who knows where this journey will take me next… stay tuned!
