In the Maldives, the hospitality industry thrives on the pulse of its people and Ismail Isam stands as a testament to resilience and growth. An unexpected twist of fate took his journey from the organised world of banking to the dynamic world of talent in the hospitality sector.
Ismail began his career at the tender age of 19 with the Bank of Maldives, juggling work with his studies at Villa College. However, life took a different turn when a knee injury and subsequent surgery forced him to step away from work, leading to a period of introspection. It was during this time that his elder brother Shyam recognised Ismail’s potential and suggested he move into the hospitality industry – a move that would forever change his future.
Ismail’s foray into the hospitality industry began when he signed a six-month contract as an HR assistant at One&Only Reethi Rah, thanks to Siyar Ismail, who spotted his talents as an HR professional. His dedication soon paid off as he was promoted to a full-time position and mentored by Alim Mohamed. Alim became a pivotal figure in Ismail’s career, encouraging him to step out of his comfort zone and guiding him through the intricacies of HR.
With a Masters in Business Administration under his belt, Ismail’s career soared – from Assistant HR Head at Dhigali Maldives to HR Head at Kurumba Maldives and finally to the prestigious role of HR Director – his rise was down to opportunity, hard work and the unwavering support of guiding lights like Ali Adam.
At Kurumba Maldives, Ismail’s approach to talent is as vibrant as the environment in which he works. Recruiting is about passion and attitude, with a keen eye for diversity and skills. Through initiatives such as the Universal Foundation’s Discover Hospitality programme and active participation in recruitment fairs, Ismail ensures that Kurumba remains a beacon of talent.
Understanding the importance of personal growth, Ismail has implemented a strategy that not only tracks individual growth throughout the year, but also provides scaffolding for career advancement. Mentorship and internal promotion opportunities are foundational to this philosophy, allowing team members to thrive within the Universal Resorts family.
In the multicultural atmosphere of Kurumba Maldives, Ismail promotes inclusivity and teamwork. He uses engagement activities, cultural celebrations and open communication as tools to build bonds of unity, respect and collaboration among a diverse workforce.
To keep up with technological advancements and changing guest preferences, Ismail leverages its Universal Learning Gateway to offer courses to help staff deliver a superior guest experience, plus international certifications ensure the team’s skills remain sharp and guest-centric.
Recognising the challenge of employee retention, Ismail’s strategy focuses on creating a nurturing work environment, listening to employees’ concerns and providing avenues for skill development and career progression. Performance management at Kurumba Maldives combines clear goals, regular reviews and constructive feedback, all aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Ismail’s role as Head of HR goes beyond work duties. He is the custodian of organizational culture, aligning HR practices with the company’s values and mission, ensuring a spirit of excellence permeates every aspect of the employee experience. In an industry with increasing awareness of its environmental impact, Ismail integrates sustainability into HR policies and engagement initiatives, ensuring Kurumba Maldives leads not only in hospitality but also in responsible stewardship of its paradise-like environment.
Looking to the future, Ismail envisions a situation where today’s challenges become stepping stones to tomorrow. Through strategic planning, community engagement and a commitment to professional development, Kurumba Maldives is poised to develop a workforce that is diverse, skilled and aligned with the company’s ethos of excellence.
Isam’s role as a people leader is not only to overcome current challenges but also to seize future opportunities. By fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity and sustainability, he is laying the foundation for Kurumba Maldives to continue its legacy as a premier hospitality destination.
