The Hilton Effect

In this final episode, Yolanda meets with Evgeniya, Development Manager for Hilton in the Middle East and North Africa. Evgeniya is part of the team responsible for the company’s rapid growth into new locations. Having already signed one hotel, she is hungry to sign more. From Istanbul to London and now Dubai, we hear about her incredible journey so far on Hilton’s Elevator programme and hear why she thinks Hilton is a great place for millennial talent. Not something to listen on an empty stomach, she shares her food highlights from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan.

In this episode, Yolanda has the pleasure of meeting Maureen, an 81 year old with more energy than most 18 year olds; she is a breakfast host extraordinaire at Hilton Brighton Metropole. We find out what has kept her working for Hilton for more than 30 years and how it has led to her enjoying tea on the terrace in Parliament and shaking hands with Nelson Mandela. Creating incredible relationships comes as second nature to her, proven by her taking goody bags to the local hospital and knowing all the hotel gossip, she has earned her stripes as a Hilton celebrity

In this episode, Yolanda talks sales with Marwa, a cluster Sales Director from Egypt who has been working for Hilton for 17 years and never plans to leave. Listen to her put forward a convincing argument as to why hospitality sales is the most exciting and interesting job anyone can have! She talks about the incredible support she was given as a new mother and how she empowers her superstar teams.

In this episode, Yolanda witnesses the great passion of Shola, PR and Marketing expert from Transcorp Hilton Abuja in Nigeria, a hotel described by its guests as the heartbeat of the city. Shola’s career started at Hilton 28 years and he intends to end it with Hilton. It is a role that has led to him meeting his wife, welcoming the likes of Her Majesty the Queen and Nelson Mandela into the hotel and carrying out incredible projects that have benefited the community - we learn why working at Hilton has earned him well-deserved bragging rights.

In this episode, Yolanda speaks to Veronica, Regional HR Director of Continental Europe who shares her secrets on the attitude and values she looks for when hiring, and how it goes well beyond the words in your CV. Veronica tells us how she has furthered her career by never getting too comfortable, taking that next step, even when it feels scary to do so.

In this episode, Yolanda speaks with from Roberto, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and Hilton Amsterdam, who has been with Hilton for an incredible 50 years. It was always his dream to work for Hilton and he has never settled for second best. With a passion for luxury that he executes to perfection at his two hotels, Roberto shares his infectious enthusiasm and secrets to great teamwork.

In this episode, Yolanda meets the powerhouse that is Nayla, who has been working at Hilton for over 25 years and is now the General Manager of Hampton by Hilton in Dubai – the first Hampton in the Middle East and largest Hampton hotel in the world. If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, Nayla was the first appointed female General Manager in the GCC at Hilton. Nayla is a firm believer that there are no limits and barriers to what a woman can do. Listen to find out how she is using her platform and position to inspire other women to reach the top.

In this episode, Yolanda speaks to Antony Lynch, Head Concierge at the Hilton London Kensington and the former President of The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain. Tune in to learn why there is no request too big for Antony to solve – from sourcing British Bulldogs, to keeping shops open for his guests, his job is never the same two days running! Which might explain why what was only supposed to be a three-month job has turned into 21 years and counting.

In this episode, Yolanda hears from two very special Team Members from London Hilton on Park Lane. Executive Head Chef Anthony Marshall and Fred Sirieix Maître D of the infamous Galvin at Windows restaurant on the 28th floor, someone whose voice you might also recognise, as the star of many much loved TV shows! Listen to them discuss the culture of true teamwork in a busy kitchen that is used to serving a 1000 covers in an evening and the art of Michelin star service, from two men who never stand still.

In this first episode, Yolanda interviews Simon Vincent, Hilton’s President across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Simon joined Hilton back in 2007 and has been at the heart of huge expansions within the company. Tune in to hear him talk about some unforgettable moments during his time at Hilton and to get his advice on how to get into and succeed in the industry.