Exclusive Interview | Abhiishek Sharma Director & Chef Consultant,White Wood Hospitality

““Learn- work- learn- work” that’s my simple philosophy for new candidates. Experience & Innovation is the best combination to grow. ”

— Abhiishek Sharma

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

From a young age, I had an interest in pursuing a career in the food industry but we say that life doesn’t work according to your choices. After my school days I was strongly influenced for pursuing a course in Bachelor in science also as my interest I joined as a crew member at Mc Donalds India in 2001 continuing my studies.
Thus after struggling in the initial days of college life and not performing up to the mark. I realized that I have been on the Wrong track in life. 

And thus the journey of my life begins from being a Normal College boy to Becoming Chef Abhishek Sharma.
Completed my Graduation with a Bachelor of science and entered my dream course for Rajasthan University to pursue Hotel Management and Administration.
“Success is all about changing Dream into Reality”.

 After becoming a part of Rajasthan University. I Have Performed Excellent during my course and thus has been the University Gold Medalist of batch 2003-2007

“It’s  Never too Early ”.

 During my Course in Hotel management and administration. I have started working with many big brands and have completed their Project as a Chef Consultant. 

Today Team Abhiishek has completed their 100+ projects in north India, and now extending their hands to other parts of India, by starting the projects in  Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of eastern and southern India.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

Success in Hospitality Industry is simply based on 

1. Innovations 

2. Upgrade yourself with the latest trends

3. Team Work

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?  If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

To date, I have Interviewed approximately 1000+ candidates and today I have 560+ employees directly or indirectly connected with me.

My selection is based on-

1. Commitment

2. Active Participation

3. Communication

4. Attitude to gain more & more knowledge

5. Leadership & Teamwork

Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?

“Learn- work- learn- work” that’s my simple philosophy for new candidates. Experience & Innovation is the best combination to grow. 

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

1. Global impact due to Covid-19

2. Over Digitization

3. Aggregators (Swiggy, Zomato, Dineout) Impact on profit margins.

4. “Zero-Knowledge- New Players” opening unusual concepts is impacting the soul of the industry.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

1. anyone who wants to enter our industry should be mandatorily qualified/ Skilled by some recognized agency to work in the industry as an employee or employer.

2. Government-based association to control aggregators margins.

Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?

What is My USP which turns me from Abhishek Sharma to a successful Chef Consultant Abhishek? 

I like this question because it makes me feel very energetic & motivated to speak about my hard work. About my upcoming Restaurant Concepts, also like to share the story behind some successful conceptual brands.