Being Successful in the People Industry

Written by Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business Management ambassador students Valentina Stefanini and Charlotte Vrignaud.

In today’s Era, technology is shaping and changing the identity of all industries, but it does not have influence on the core principle of Hospitality: it’s all about people. For Joost H.P.E. Folkers, a proud Les Roches alumni and the Director of Operations at Waldorf Astoria Doha, this principle has been the foundation of his career. As the hospitality landscape evolves day by day, he has taken the time to share with two current students the importance of resilience and authenticity that the people industry requires to thrive.

The beginning of a career at Les Roches

Joost H.P.E. Folkers is a distinguished Les Roches alumni. He joined Les Roches Marbella in 2000, becoming part of the third intake batch ever at the newly opened campus. Only 50 students were part of his class. The program was rigorous, with a significant emphasis on discipline – a factor that caused half of his peers to leave in the first year. Despite these challenges, Joost graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with Honors, having written a thesis on international green hospitality with a focus on green tourism in Andalusia.

Twenty-four years later, the Les Roches of Joost’s era has remarkably changed, with the programs having evolved according to the new requirements of the industry. Nowadays, the curriculum has expanded to include a broader business focus, reflecting the variety of sectors based on hospitality today. Furthermore, Joost witnessed the student body grow from 150 to over 1000, which highlights the increasing demand for hospitality professionals.

However, a few things will never change at Les Roches: the community and the discipline. With practical classes held in small groups, students get used to working at any time of the day and in teams, fostering the family spirit that is so important at Les Roches, otherwise defined as the Les Roches Way of Life.

Joost himself shares his love of being part of this community: from spontaneously meeting with alumni in Doha to giving speeches at the Les Roches Marbella campus during his trips in Europe.

Joost graduated in the year 2003, a tough time for new graduates, with a downturn in tourism, a lack of new hotel openings, and the hospitality industry facing a drop in demand for hoteliers.

Because of that, Joost started his career as a head waiter at a beach club of Marbella – a humble beginning that taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability in hospitality. This led him to grow within the spheres of hotel management in the F&B Department, until becoming Resident Manager of a members club – equivalent to a five-star resort – in Hong Kong in 2015.

Today being the Director of Operations of the stunning Waldorf Astoria Doha, Joost is the only one from his class who still works in hotels. His classmates diversified into other sectors, such as television, banking, and real estate, proving that the hospitality umbrella offers endless opportunities.

Reflecting on the ups and downs of such an impressive international career, Joost shares a powerful message to Les Roches students and young professionals wishing to grow within the people industry.

What Does It Mean to be Successful?

Generally, being successful is defined as accomplishing a certain result – whether it is wealth, fame, a job position, social status…. But for Joost, success is something more personal. Being successful is about continuous growth: constantly surpassing yourself and your expectations. “It is the excitement of waking up each morning with a sense of excitement for the day to come, and the drive to move forward, knowing that each day brings new opportunities.”

Curiosity

And here comes his best advice: “Curiosity about the next step is crucial. Losing curiosity can lead to a loss of confidence, which leads to a loss of control.” He believes that success is about always having new goals in mind, seizing opportunities and being willing to take on various roles, even if they do not align with initial career aspirations. “You don’t know where your luck is, but you’ll find out if you’re curious”.

When talking about Les Roches students, Joost emphasizes the importance of internships for gaining real-world experience. He advises young professionals to be careful with overconfidence, especially among new graduates seeking management positions without substantial experience. Instead, students should stay motivated and active, stating that “Les Roches students will have a top university name on their CV, but experience and showing your dedication is what’s most important to an employer”.

Perseverance

Joost also warns us about “playing it safe”, encouraging students to take risks and embrace the uncertainties of the industry. Days may not always go as planned, but recognizing setbacks as part of the journey is crucial. It is vital to keep moving forward, even during tough times, as they also

contribute to personal and professional growth. Mr. Folkers encourages all students that insecurities and challenges are present in any career, and encourages all graduates that setbacks do not define you or your path ahead. Challenges are opportunities to become a better person tomorrow. Success involves resilience, perseverance, and passion. Although the journey may take time and include obstacles, being curious and open to new opportunities will eventually lead to success. Understanding this is key to personal and professional development.

Human Connections

Mr. Folkers emphasizes that “Your job does not define you. When things go wrong, remember that you are a person who works in the people sector. You can turn it into something positive.” His perspective reminds us that personal well-being and human connections are just as vital as professional development. The importance of building genuine connections with people, whether it is with guests or employees, is a necessity in Hospitality because it is fundamentally a people-centric industry.

While Les Roches courses have changed and updated over the years thanks to technology and innovation, the core principle of The Les Roches Way of Life remains: it is about creating genuine connections. Joost reminds us that success in hospitality lies in the ability to connect effortlessly with people, “using both the mind and heart”. Digital tools can assist, but should never replace the human touch. In the hospitality industry, we have access to people and their knowledge, making hard work as important as human connections to succeed. The future of the industry depends on maintaining and nurturing these personal connections, ensuring that genuine human interaction remains at the center of every endeavor.

Conclusion

Joost H.P.E. Folkers’ journey from a Les Roches student to becoming a respected professional in the hospitality industry shows that the recipe for success in hospitality is a blend of curiosity, resilience, and determination, always with a human touch from the heart. His experience offers invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in the very social field of hospitality. It also is a testament to the values of Les Roches and the transformative power of a career dedicated to connecting with others.