INTERVIEW WITH ANDERS LUND, GENERAL MANAGER OF EASTIN ASHTA RESORT CANGGU
What does a day-in-the-life of a General Manager look like for an international hotel chain?
The beauty of Iyaa s job is that no day is ever the same. I have my morning routines which include breakfast and meeting guests in the restaurant, walk around the hotel and review the reports from previous day. After morning briefing with the team anything can happen and it is completely depending on what’s going on that specific day.
How would you describe your management and leadership style?
I always try to lead by example. I believe that when your employees see that you put 100% of your effort and passion into your work, they will be motivated to do the same. Having worked myself up from being a waiter and a bartender as well as a front desk agent to where I am today, I can easily relate to the issues and challenges that my team face on a daily basis. Therefore, I always listen to their ideas and concerns. I guess you can say it’s a mix of leadership styles – sometimes democratic and when needed also more authoritarian. This hotel is my ship, I am the captain and the team is the crew.
Do you believe there is a type of “personality” needed to do the job you do?
I don’t believe that anyone is born with leadership skills and therefore I think anyone can become a great leader. Success always requires effort, determination and passion so whoever has that combined with a burning passion for hospitality can surely become a hotel GM.
What are the top highlights of your professional journey?
There are too many to mention all but celebrating 5 years in Indonesia earlier this year and having the privilege of managing Eastin Canggu is definitely a highlight.
Have you always known you would go into hospitality? What initially sparked your interest?
No it wasn’t always obvious to me. When I was a lot younger than today I dreamt of being a musician. Then by coincidence I got into the hospitality industry, working during a gap year as bartender. From there my passion started growing.
With Bali being a hot tourist spot, how does the island’s hospitality industry go above-and-beyond to WOW travelers from all backgrounds and walks of life?
That is a very good question. Considering that Bali is facing increasing competition from upcoming destinations in the region as well as domestically, this is something that we in the industry need to consider. The unique culture and the friendly people is what in the end really makes Bali stand out. I believe people want authentic experiences paired with comfort and great service. Bali has so much to offer in terms of cultural experiences, varied nature and some of the world’s best resorts.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Somehow it feels like they always intertwine. Which is ok since I love my job! But of course it’s important to have a full and meaningful life outside work and time management overall organization skills are important factors in ensuring that I have this balance.
Do you like sticking to a routine? Or going with the flow?
Both. I think routines can be healthy and help you to cope with every day stress. However, I can’t put my entire life into routines. In this job, things often just happen and you have to deal with issues suddenly and unexpectedly. Also I always need some element of spontaneity in my life.
If you could go on a long holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go, and what would you do?
I have a list with a number of destinations that I haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting. This includes India, Mexico, Japan, Peru and many more. When I travel, the highlights are always the food, getting some authentic experiences of the local culture. Love walking around and getting lost in big cities. Also of course nature – love hiking and trekking, beaches etc.
What do you do for fun during your day off?
I enjoy what Bali has to offer in terms of beaches, nature, good food and nightlife. I often take daytrips around the island on my scooter in the weekends. Still finding new places to explore!
