We recently connected with Yury Viarenich and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yury, thanks for joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
When I embarked on my journey to Doha, Qatar, to work at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, I was filled with a sense of excitement and curiosity. Qatar, with its blend of traditional Arab culture and modern luxury, was a land of contrasts that promised a unique professional and personal experience.
Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the city’s stunning skyline, where sleek, futuristic skyscrapers stood alongside historic souks bustling with vibrant life. My role at the Four Seasons began at a Room Service and I quickly immersed myself in the dynamic hospitality environment. Working at a luxury hotel in such a culturally rich country was an eye-opening experience.
The Four Seasons in Doha attracted a diverse clientele from all corners of the globe, and our team mirrored this diversity. My colleagues hailed from various countries, including India, the Philippines, Egypt, and Europe, each bringing their unique cultural perspectives and work ethics. This diversity enriched our workplace, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration with each person bringing their unique touch to make guests experiences memorable.
One memorable experience that stands out was during the annual National Day celebrations. Qatar National Day, celebrated on December 18th, is a time of grand festivities, with parades, fireworks, and traditional performances. The hotel was fully booked, and we were prepared for an influx of guests eager to partake in the celebrations.
On the day of the event, we encountered an unexpected challenge. A last-minute VIP booking required an elaborate in-room dining setup, including a selection of traditional Qatari delicacies that we hadn’t planned for. With limited time and high expectations, our team sprang into action.
Drawing on my growing knowledge of local customs and cuisine, I collaborated closely with our chefs and service staff. Despite the pressure, we worked seamlessly, combining our diverse skills and backgrounds. I vividly remember the sense of unity and purpose that drove us. Our Indian chef, known for his creativity, suggested an innovative presentation for the dishes, while my Filipino colleague arranged the setup with meticulous attention to detail.
As we put the finishing touches on the setup, I reflected on the beauty of our collective effort. The harmonious blend of our varied expertise and cultural insights not only met but exceeded the expectations of our VIP guests. They were delighted, and the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork.
I learned that leadership is not just about directing but also about listening, learning, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
My time at the Four Seasons in Qatar profoundly shaped my leadership style. It taught me to appreciate the richness that cultural diversity brings to a team and the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges. These lessons continue to influence my approach in my current roles and my ongoing commitment to community engagement and educational leadership.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Greetings! I am Yury Viarenich, and I come from a long line family of dedicated professionals who have worked in the fields of business administration and community involvement. I have Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management and Master of Business Administration degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton.
I ventured into the business world through high-end hotel industry, where I worked on my interpersonal skills, team management abilities, and ability to streamline operations. Particularly formative was my time spent working at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Doha, Qatar. There, I led a team in the Room Service department, where I learned to thrive in a multicultural setting and the finer points of customer service. I learned the value of being flexible, sensitive to other cultures, and a leader from this experience.
My engagement with The Soup Kitchen located in Boynton Beach, Florida is currently one of the most satisfying parts of my career and personal life. I started volunteering there more than five years ago and have since been involved in various capacities. I am driven by a relentless pursuit of making a positive impact, whether it’s by streamlining operations, elevating customer service, or empowering vulnerable populations. Giving back is important to me, therefore I’ve made it my mission to help people who are least fortunate. I love working at the Soup Kitchen because it gives me the chance to meet individuals face-to-face and make a real impact in their lives. Donation collection coordination, supply organization, and inventory management are areas in which I take great satisfaction.
Compassion, honesty, and excellence are the pillars upon which my work rests. I strive to make a good difference and motivate others to do the same through creative social media techniques, strong team leadership, and impactful community programs.
In addition to my professional work, my brother and I are currently working on ours Doctorate degree in Leadership at Lynn University. This journey is driven by our shared commitment to advancing educational outcomes and fostering leadership in community-based settings. Collaborating on our doctoral research allows us to combine our expertise and passions, aiming to create impactful solutions for community programs.
I appreciate you looking at my background and my work. I am excited to get in touch and discuss potential ways that we may work together for the greater good.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I vividly remember my time at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Doha, Qatar. It was a place where the glistening desert met the modern skyline, and where people from all corners of the globe came together. Managing the Room Service department there was not just a job; it was a daily adventure in cultural diversity, high expectations, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
One particularly busy week, we were hosting an international conference, and the hotel was at full capacity. The stress levels were high, and my team was stretched thin. It was then that I realized the importance of maintaining high morale to ensure smooth operations.
One evening, just as I was about to leave for the day, I got a call about a VIP guest who had an unexpected request for an elaborate in-room dining experience. My team was already exhausted, but we needed to rise to the occasion. I gathered everyone and laid out the plan. I could see the fatigue in their eyes, but I also saw determination.
We started by dividing tasks based on everyone’s strengths. I paired our creative Indian chef with a meticulous Filipino attendant to prepare the menu, while I worked with our Egyptian and European colleagues to set up the dining area. As we worked, I encouraged everyone to share their ideas, making it a collaborative effort. This not only distributed the workload but also made everyone feel involved and valued.
During a short break, I took a moment to acknowledge their hard work. I thanked them individually, pointing out specific contributions they had made. This recognition wasn’t just about boosting morale; it was genuine appreciation, and it worked wonders. Their faces lit up, and the energy in the room transformed.
To add a personal touch, we incorporated elements of Qatari culture into the setup, which impressed the guests immensely. The result was a flawless dining experience that left our VIP guests delighted and the team beaming with pride.
Afterward, we gathered for a quick debrief. I asked for their feedback, what went well, and what we could improve. This open communication helped us bond and learn from the experience. I made sure to highlight their dedication and creativity in our internal newsletter, giving them the recognition they deserved.
This story from my time at the Four Seasons is just one example of how maintaining high morale can lead to extraordinary results. It’s a principle I carry with me in all my endeavors, whether managing a team at a luxury hotel or coordinating community programs at The Soup Kitchen. High morale isn’t just about happier employees; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to achieve their best.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Eric Ries’s “The Lean Startup” is an influential book that has changed the way I think about management and entrepreneurship. The significance of constant innovation and adaptation is emphasized by this book’s introduction of the build-measure-learn feedback loop. I have found that the most helpful approach in my work has been to build a minimum viable product (MVP), test it with actual consumers, and then iterate depending on their comments. Working with the LiftUp program at The Soup Kitchen has really put this concept to good use. To make sure we’re meeting participants’ needs and improving outcomes, we’re constantly testing and refining our approach based on their feedback, treating the program like a startup.
Another influential work on leadership that I like is “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek, a TED Talk. Beginning with “why,” Sinek’s Golden Circle notion strikes a chord with me. The significance of explaining the reasoning behind our choices and behaviors is highlighted. Sharing my reasons has allowed me to inspire and drive people around me, creating a bond of purpose and dedication. This strategy has worked wonders for The Soup Kitchen, where we’ve been able to gather support and participation by sharing our goal of empowering young adults leaving foster care.
