In this episode of 'It's Personal Stories,' Dorothy Dowling interviews Abhijit Patel, VP of Revenue Management at Choice Hotels International, discussing his diverse career journey. Abbat shares his experience of emigrating from India to the U.S., starting in hospitality by washing dishes, and his trajectory through various industries, including Geico and Mars, before finding his fit at Choice Hotels. He reflects on significant moments that shaped his career, strategies for fostering partnerships with franchisees, and the importance of problem-solving and continuous improvement. Abhijit also highlights the value of preparation for public speaking, managing work-life harmony, and the importance of learning from various industries to stay ahead. He emphasizes tolerance for failure and self-reflection as key components of personal and professional growth.