Studying and continuous self-improvement can transform you

Written by Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business Management ambassador student Valentina Stefanini.

In an Industry characterized by rapid change and constant growing competition, the importance of studying goes beyond academic achievements: it becomes the key to personal and professional growth. Educated professionals truly make the difference in Hospitality and are the key to achieving Luxury recognitions.

For those seeking to thrive in their careers, the ability to learn, adapt, and innovate is invaluable. Mohamed Abu-Dagher, a hospitality executive with a remarkable career behind him, highlights how studying and continuous self-improvement can transform not only one’s career but also the lives of those around them.

From Humble Beginnings to Hospitality Leadership

Mohamed’s journey began with Four Seasons Hotels. After graduating university he was on the lookout for a position in the Front Office Department in Cairo, his hometown. HR asked him to wait for a new vacancy opening, but he was too eager to start and was open to join any department in need of a new member.

Mohamed became part of the Security Department as a safety and loss prevention officer and embraced the opportunity to gain knowledge in fire safety, evacuation plans, and the vital role of security in luxury hospitality. This unconventional start gave him knowledge that no other department could have ever given him.

Rather than being confined by his initial position, Mohamed sought to expand his expertise. After one year in security, he moved to front office operations starting a Manager In Training Internship (MIT) tackling roles in marketing, sales, F&B, and even Finance. He showed his advanced soft skill of absorbing every little detail of each department and this trait led him into managerial positions at premier properties like the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza and later the Ritz-Carlton in Cairo.

Study as Foundation for Progress

Pursuing advanced education, such as an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute and a master’s in International Hotel Management from Les Roches, equipped him with all the tools needed to make strategic insights analysis and be a true leader. He adopted innovative strategies to drive operational excellence, from planning for system failures to running successful spa promotions.

His approach demonstrates that studying isn’t just about gaining credentials, it’s about using knowledge to solve problems, create value, and inspire teams.

During his time with the Al Rajhi Holding Group in Saudi Arabia, he undertook the development of six hotels: Movenpick Hotel—Riyadh, Movenpick Hotel—Qassim, Golden Tulip Hotel—Riyadh, Rehab El Steen—Makkah, and two Coral Hotels in Al Khobar. Simultaneously, he managed operations as Cluster General Manager for three of these properties. He definitely is known to be the kind of man that loves to be busy and always with his hands full.

One of his most remarkable achievements was opening a 500-room hotel in Makkah from scratch within just two months. This involved crafting standard operating procedures (SOPs), hiring and training staff, refurbishing the property, and launching its operations. His proactive attitude pushes his creativity and always results in exceeding expectations.

Beyond hotel development, Mohamed also established three distinctive restaurants for the group, each offering authentic cuisines—Filipino, Indian, and Egyptian. He traveled to India to immerse himself in the culinary culture, hired a skilled Indian team, and successfully launched the restaurant. Similarly, he curated and launched the Filipino and Egyptian dining concepts by ensuring cultural authenticity and hiring specialized teams.

Mohamed teaches that learning extends beyond academic achievements. There is so much to learn from others and understanding cultures and traditions is key to becoming open minded and acculturated. Travelling has enabled him to develop and deliver truly authentic experiences to his clients.

His approach illustrates that continuous education, whether academic or cultural, is essential for innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry.

Leadership through Growth

One of the most important lessons from Mohamed’s career is his focus on growing others. He believes that a leader’s role is not only to achieve results but also to elevate their team and identify and address mismatches in roles is essential. Ensuring individuals are placed where they can thrive is a hard task, but needed in order to elevate the quality of each team.

Some may think that being a leader is a natural trait, and it is partially true. There are so many different strategies of leadership and approaches that vary from personality to personality. Mohamed describes his leadership style as blunt and cold hearted at times, but always has interest in the greater good of the team. He has become a good talent scout and recognizes when someone is fit or not for a department rather than another. For example, his Front Office team had one member who simply was in the wrong place and Mohamed didn’t hesitate to let him go.

Of course it wasn’t well taken by the employee, however years later they met again and he thanked Mohamed. If Mohamed didn’t fire him, this person would still be a Front Office Agent instead of a Director of Sales.

Today, Mohamed serves as the Executive Director of Hospitality (Owner Representative) for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts at Talaat Moustafa Group Holding, a position he has held since the end of 2017. In this role, he oversees lodging development of the properties owned by Talaat Moustafa Group, with a particular focus on their Four Seasons properties.

His role has seen him lead new and existing projects within the luxury hotel sector. Beyond managing cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability, Mohamed implements innovative sales and marketing strategies that focus on expanding business and increasing market share.

As part of his extensive responsibilities, Mohamed represents the organization at industry conferences, develops strong relationships with key customers, vendors, and partners, and maintains P&L and ensures fiscal oversight. His leadership ensures that every stage of the project lifecycle—whether it’s conceptual design, contractor selection, or operational review—is executed with attention to detail and aligns with the brand’s values and standards.

Under his guidance, several exceptional projects have come to life, particularly within Alexandria, Egypt, where Talaat Moustafa Group Holding has developed stunning Four Seasons properties. One of these is the Four Seasons San Stefano Renovation Project, a complete transformation of a luxurious hotel spanning 16,239 m², featuring 118 meticulously designed rooms and suites, including Presidential and Royal suites.

Another notable project is the development of the Four Seasons Alexandria Beach Villas, which includes 22 exclusive villas, each with a private pool, set against the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, Mohamed led the development of the Four Seasons Alexandria Beach Suites, a collection of 30 exclusive suites that offer a refined and luxurious coastal experience.

These projects, among others, are the reflection of Mohamed’s vision of luxury and his hard work into shaping hospitality experiences that blend luxury with innovation.

Conclusion

Mohamed’s story highlights that true leadership is not just about achieving results, but about elevating others and creating lasting impact. In an ever-evolving industry like hospitality, his approach serves as a powerful reminder that education—both academic and cultural—remains the key to driving progress.