An Exclusive Interview with Nima Wangmo
The First Female Operations Manager

With unwavering determination and a passion for excellence, Nima has paved the way for women in the hospitality industry. Join us as we uncover her inspiring story, learn about her experiences, and gain insights into her vision for creating exceptional guest experiences.

Can you tell us about the background and how you became involved in the hospitality industry?

I was once a science student who took Zoology honors as my subject because I had the fascination to learn about the animal kingdom in depth. I was enrolled at St. Joseph’s College in Darjeeling, but during my second year, I faced challenges and unfortunately did not perform well in the course assessment. This prompted me to critically evaluate my abilities and ultimately led me to the realization that Zoology was not my true calling.

This is where the world of Hospitality entered the picture. I enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in the Hospitality and Tourism industry at Mangal Priyaa Hospitality College in Darjeeling. During the course, an exciting opportunity awaited us in the form of a six-month internship program, granting students the freedom to select the hotel of their choice. Driven by a desire to gain firsthand experience at a prestigious five-star property in Bhutan, I submitted internship applications to various hotels. To my delight, I was fortunate enough to be selected as an intern at COMO Hotels & Resorts: Uma Paro.

My journey as an intern at Uma Paro unfolded into a remarkable 10-year tenure with the organization. Uma Paro became my cherished second home, surpassing all expectations in terms of the level of care, professional growth, and personal development I received. Words cannot adequately express the immense gratitude I have for the grooming and guidance provided by the team. I owe who I am today to them, and my gratitude knows no bounds. My memories of COMO are nothing but cherished and filled with warmth.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Nara Thon, the F&B Manager during my internship, whose mentorship played an instrumental role in shaping my journey. My gratitude also goes to Mr. Saswata Banerjee, the F&B Manager when I served as the F&B supervisor, for his unwavering support and guidance. Lastly, a special acknowledgment goes to Mr. James Low, the General Manager, who has been my guiding light and my true mentor. Namey Samey Kadrinchey la!

Congratulations on your new role as the operations manager of hotel kaachi grand! How do you feel about taking on this position for the first time? Or what motivated you to join hotel kaachi grand as the operations manager

Thank you. For all these years, I have found myself comfortably settled within my routine, but deep down, I felt a yearning for something more. I knew that to grow and evolve, I needed to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a new challenge. It is my sincere belief that this change will not only bring personal growth but also present an opportunity for me to guide and groom a new team, just as I was once guided and groomed.

From the moment I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sonam Tshering, the CEO,I was captivated by his vision and inspiring stories of his entrepreneurial journey. His passion for what he do and his ambitious plans for the future left me in awe. The positive energy they exuded was infectious, igniting a fire within me to embrace this new role wholeheartedly.

Nima Wangmo is an absolute rockstar in our team! She embodies dedication and excellence in everything she does. Her unwavering commitment to making our operations smooth and ensuring our guests are beyond satisfied sets the bar high for all of us. With Nima by our side, we’re on an exciting adventure to revolutionize hospitality and create mind-blowing experiences for our amazing guests!
Sonam Tshering
CEO

What truly touched me was their fearlessness in taking on challenges and their unwavering commitment to a growth mindset. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and pursue bold endeavors resonated deeply with me. It was through their stories that I realized how my own aspirations and values aligned perfectly with the mission of the hotel.

Meeting a remarkable enterpreneur individual like the CEO was a pivotal moment that connected the dots for me and solidified my conviction in joining the team. Their leadership and inspiring outlook have instilled in me the confidence and determination to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the success of the hotel.

As a first time operations manager, what goals do you have for yourself and for hotel kaachi grand in terms of guest satisfaction and operational excellence?

I aspire for my team to come at work with more than just the intention of earning a paycheck; I want them to approach each day with a mindset of continuous learning. Together, we will learn and grow, supporting one another every step of the way. The success of our hotel is deeply intertwined with the strength and dedication of our team. I firmly believe that by cultivating a positive work environment, we can create a harmonious atmosphere where everything aligns effortlessly. I would like the positivity to be contagious to whoever crosses our way.

Could you describe your typical day as an operations manager at Kaachi Grand?

Within the realm of Kaachi, I embrace various roles, serving as a big sister, a friend, a colleague, and a teacher to everyone present. I adapt and shape my role based on the specific needs and requirements of my employees. I adapt my role based on the unique needs and aspirations of my employees, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

As the Operations manager at Kaachi grand during the pre-opening phase, what excites you the most about this new venture?

As opposed to being employed in a well-established company, a pre-opening Phase is very challenging which sometimes might tire you out but on a positive note, the learning and empowerment is immense. It is amazing to reflect on how involved I have become in even the minutest decisions for the hotel, such as determining the placement of a painting. When I initially joined, the hotel was still amidst construction, with dust and debris scattered throughout. Yet, through the passage of time and the collaborative efforts of our team, we have successfully transformed the hotel into a welcoming haven for our guests. Kaachi Grand has evolved into a true home for numerous dedicated employees, and I couldn’t be prouder of our collective achievements.

Could you share some details about the unique features and amenities that guests can expect at hotel kaachi grand once it opens?

Derived from the first Dzongkha alphabet “Kaa” and the first Dzongkha numerical “Chi,” the name “Kaachi” symbolizes our pioneering spirit. As the name suggests, Kaachi strives to be the first of its kind, offering a unique and exceptional experience. We cordially invite you, our esteemed guest, to personally witness and partake in this unparalleled venture. Rest assured, your visit to Kaachi will be nothing short of remarkable.

Can you tell us about the team you have assembled for Hotel Kaachi Grand?

Within our team at Kaachi Grand, we comprise a diverse blend of individuals hailing from various hotels and possessing a range of experiences. Among us are those who have recently graduated from esteemed hospitality institutes. Initially, we may have been a group of individuals wandering without clear dreams or goals. However, through our shared journey, we have evolved into a united Kaachi Grand Family. We now comprehend the significance of morale, and we deeply value one another. With optimism and unity, we aspire to form a team that will endure and embark on a prosperous journey together for years to come.

Finally, what are your aspirations and goals for Hotel Kaachi Grand once it opens its door to guests, and how do you envision it making a mark in the hospitality industry?

Our vision is to establish Kaachi Grand as a sustainable Bhutanese-owned hotel that actively supports the local community. We recognize that Bhutanese people have hospitality ingrained in their essence, running through their veins. This innate trait may lie dormant within each individual, awaiting the right catalyst to awaken its full potential. The team at Kaachi Grand consists of passionate Bhutanese individuals who are dedicated to going above and beyond, unlocking the depths of our hospitality and leaving a profound and enduring impact on the lives of those we encounter.

FROM 400 $