Aida Nunes

My career in the hotel industry can be summed up in a single word, full of nostalgia and symbolism, SAVOY! I was only 18 and anxious to grow as a person and a professional. With this great company, I had the opportunity to work in several departments, which boosted my career progression. Since the day I started at the Savoy, my motto has been ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way’. I used my lifelong weapons of humility, respect and dignity. At ‘my Savoy’, I experienced great fortunes and misfortunes. After many years of work, effort, dedication and transparency, I am very proud to tell the story of my career, in the following stages: 1. I began my career path in the telephone section, where I had the opportunity and privilege of getting to know all the hotel’s departments and employees, including management and board members. From my first day, I was made to feel welcome and a true member of the Savoy family. And that feeling is still the same today! 2. Later I was invited to join the Reception team. I worked in a number of sectors, such as bookings, customer care, billing and support for parties and other events at the hotel. 3. After three years in Reception, I was invited to join the Commercial Department. I am grateful for the opportunity to this day, as it was there that I felt fulfilled and, to be honest, it was where I developed and grew as a professional. The motto in the Sales Department was, ‘Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today’. I took this idea to heart to such an extent that I am still reluctant to postpone everyday tasks till the next day. 4. In 2009, I received another invitation. This time it was to take over as manager of the Savoy Gardens, where I have stayed until today. This is my home away from home and I feel the need to shout my feelings of empowerment from the rooftops. I have reached this level always with the saying by the philosopher Socrates in mind: ‘All I know is that I know nothing’, in the conviction that nothing is static and that alone we can do nothing but together we can achieve a lot… It is vital to know how to accept and respect differences, to know how to listen and to share successes and not just failures. All this means knowing how to work in a team, today, tomorrow and ALWAYS! As we all know, you need more than good intentions to achieve goals. You have to evolve and learn, and training plays an essential role here. Whenever I have had the chance to participate in training, I did it without hesitation, even at the expense of my personal life. I have no regrets and I don’t hold any grudges, because the sacrifices that we make in the present are investments in the future. Work, effort, dedication and the certainty that TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!