In the iconic setting of the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in London, over 80 St Julian Scholars met recently for their annual autumn meeting. With the title “Feel Good About You?”, the programme for the theme this year was one which invited delegates to focus on their personal well-being in order to counter the stresses of organisational life.
Experts provided advice on achieving work-life balance. Jon Quilter, the Food Busker, gave an invigorating presentation that called on the scholars to ‘reboot their lives; while Jamie Bristow, Director of Headspace for Teams, outlined the importance of quiet time and meditation in the working day.
Chairman of St Julian Scholars and General Manager of Wivenhoe House Hotel, Oliver Brown, commented : “Put simply, if you are not in peak condition, both mentally and physically, how can you expect to perform at maximum effectiveness? To ignore this basic fact is to put at risk the success of the business for which you are responsible.”
Meanwhile, Jurgen Ammerstorfer, Hotel Manager at the Shangri-La, provided an exhilarating presentation on the challenges and successes during the planning, construction and opening phases of the hotel. Scholars were able to experience the stunning results through a series of tours around the property.
St Julian Scholars “Feeling Good About You?” seminar is one of many challenging CPD sessions offered by Master Innholders, guardians of the scholarship programme. Master Innholders are the standard bearers of the hospitality sector, establishing best practice in hospitality for the benefit of the industry at large.