In the latest of a regular series, we check in with leading hoteliers and general managers to get an exclusive glimpse into their careers, their lives and their ambitions. This time, we speak to Eva Mount, general manager at The Guardsman.
I enjoy my job because…
I am opening a new hotel for Shiva Hotels, their first five-star hotel which is incredibly exciting. Whilst it’s not my first opening it’s the most interesting. Every day is different – from being on site setting up sample rooms, sourcing and checking the guest room items are the right quality, meeting with all the suppliers and partner companies to develop our strategies and business relationships.
I find my job challenging because…
It’s an opening so there are lots of balls spinning at the moment.
My best achievement in business was…
I’ve been involved in achieving many awards over the years from AA rosettes and stars, Forbes, TripAdvisor, Catey nominations and Boutique Hotelier nominations and awards for my team. I think we’re on the cusp of it. The Guardsman is proving to be one of my best achievements; to be named on the hotlist of openings for 2020 by worldwide publications is very really exciting and The Guardsman is going to be very special.
My worst mistake in business was…
Oh there have been many, many of which are anecdotal at this point. My first big mistake was breaking the master safety deposit box key in my first job in London at the Cumberland Hotel – no one could access their safety deposit boxes for hours. Who knew I was that strong?!
What I am yet to accomplish is…
Learning to ride a bike… strange, but true.
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be…
Having a monkey mind – whilst this works opening a hotel, I can be a little distracting to be around.
If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be…
Its perception. I’m proud to be a hotelier, it’s a great industry to work in and not as antisocial as it’s perceived to be.
My top three bucket list items are…
I couldn’t possibly stop at three and they would change by the time I’d written them down!
My life philosophy is…
Balance.
My favourite song, book or film is…
Any audible book by Marian Keyes – they’re always read by someone Irish which is both hilarious and comforting when I’m feeling homesick, which still happens after all these years on occasion.
My ideal weekend would be…
Lunch at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons on a warm day after having a long walk in the countryside with my dog, Alfie.
