In a session blending real-world insight with classroom learning, he reminded students that the pace of hospitality rivals supersonic travel, and success comes from balancing speed with skill and resilience
Increasingly, India’s luxury hotel executives are stepping out of boardrooms and into classrooms to mentor the next generation of hospitality professionals. This month, Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Leela Palace Hyderabad, visited the Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad (IHM Hyderabad) to engage directly with students preparing to enter the industry.
Rather than speaking in generalities, Rajesh shared the lived reality of running a luxury hotel in a highly competitive city. He described the industry as comparable to flying a supersonic jet exhilarating, fast- paced, and constantly demanding. For students, the analogy was a reminder that technical knowledge alone will not be enough; adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence will define their careers as much as operational skill.
Students were encouraged to view hospitality as a profession that demands both resilience and passion. Rajesh pointed out that the industry tests young professionals quickly, but also rewards those who learn to thrive under pressure while building meaningful guest relationships. His talk was peppered with anecdotes from daily operations, giving future hoteliers a glimpse into the decision-making and leadership challenges that come with overseeing a five-star property.
Faculty at IHM Hyderabad highlighted the importance of such interactions, noting that classroom learning becomes more relevant when paired with authentic voices from the industry. By linking academic preparation with professional realities, the session reinforced the idea that hospitality education is not only about service standards but about cultivating leaders who can handle uncertainty and rapid change.
For the students in attendance, the visit was less of a lecture and more of a mentoring moment. Rajesh Gopalakrishnan’s reflections on leadership, teamwork, and resilience provided a compass for young hoteliers who will soon be navigating careers in one of India’s most dynamic industries.
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