Nola Collinson - Director of Sales at Staybridge Suites, Newcastle.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I was never ambitious when I was younger. So, I started life as a beauty therapist, at Ponteland Health and Beauty, I then went to Ivy Court, where I was lucky enough to be trained by of Lesley Aitken who helped me understand the world of sales. It wasn’t until I met Neal Crocker, who took me under his wing at Thistle Middlesbrough. His mentoring and coaching allowed me to develop my skills for all things hotels, this is when I got the drive to focus on a career.
Tell us about your current role.
I am lucky enough to work at Staybridge Suites Newcastle, out of all the four and five star hotels I have worked at, I never thought of Staybridge Suites was any competition. One day, Lisa, my General Manager, gave me the opportunity to join the team, I can honestly say it’s the best hotel I have worked at. I have been here nearly seven years; this is the longest period I have been in any role.
At Staybridge Suites Newcastle, I look after our corporate accounts implementing rates for accommodation. I collaborate with Lisa and our commercial team to create a strategy for the year that works for our hotel and the current market climate. Building relationships with our local community and the wider community creating awareness of Staybridge Suites Newcastle and Newcastle itself to our feeder markets and industry segments.
As the concept of Staybridge Suites is starting to be high on the list of companies sustainable and wellbeing agenda, having the advantage of living space and kitchen facilities in our suites, I have a broad scope of industry segmentation we work closely with.
What is your proudest business achievement?
I think one of my most rewarding achievements was being part of the team in North East Hotel’s Association. Engaging with local companies who contribute and support North East Hotels Association and our annual Excellence Awards.
To be able to recognise, highlight and celebrate overachievers in our industry is a great opportunity for everyone. To be part of the awards, knowing I was a very small cog in a big wheel that made it happen, is a great achievement for me.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Hotels are always changing, people’s taste change so inevitably so does the decor and the facilities we provide.
We are moving into a new era now, where our guest’s identity and requirements are the focus for any stay. This has always been the case in a human context, but we are now starting to deliver this with new technology, building on data from industry and social platforms, to create the appropriate environment for a guest’s arrival.
I am not scared of technology for our industry as I feel it will create more time for us to be engaging with our guests, our team members and building stronger relationships throughout our hotels and our communities. It’s an interesting time for hotels.
What are you currently working on?
I am doing a part time course at Newcastle University in Level 7 Senior Leadership. It’s a great opportunity to become a leader for the future, the world is changing and so should our leadership practice. Lisa, my General Manager, has been extremely supportive giving me the opportunity to be part of the cohort and implement some of my learning from the course into Staybridge Suites Newcastle.
Tell us about the team you work with.
Where do I start, family, friendly, just read our TripAdvisor reviews to see how great our team are. We have been number 1 on TripAdvisor for several years and there is a reason for that, not only are they all extremely friendly but they are also genuinely caring and considerate. I am very fortunate to be around such great people every day. I never get the Monday blues!
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Any best practice I have been given has come from Neal Crocker, my mentor, all these years have passed since I have worked with him (I’m not going to name how many) and still I use the skills he taught me. Its about understanding business, delving deeper, asking questions and actively listening….. Engaging with all stakeholders.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Obviously my General Manager, Lisa. She has the trust in what we do as a team and lets us try out new things, even if the strategy doesn’t work at least we have dared to be different.
Outside of business, David Attenborough, to have a one to one with him for a couple of hours would be so interesting and inspirational.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I am lucky enough to say I have an amazing group of friends around me, years of listening to my life’s woes… and they are still there! Our catch ups I am happy to say are not as much alcohol orientated these days, either going out for walks, lunches or a gig, life would be very dull and stressful without them.
www.ihg.com