Exclusive Interview | Abhiishek Sharma Director & Chef Consultant,White Wood Hospitality
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
Innovations
Upgrade yourself with the latest trends
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-
Commitment
Active Participation
Communication
Attitude to gain more & more knowledge
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?
Global impact due to Covid-19
Over Digitization
Aggregators (Swiggy, Zomato, Dineout) Impact on profit margins.
“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.
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.
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.