Luxury, Humility and Human Connection: Hospitality Careers at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

In this live episode from Career Day at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy, Les Roches, host Juliette Nicholls speaks with Edwin Calimano, Director of People and Culture at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world.With more than 30 years in global hospitality, including over two decades in the UAE, Edwin brings deep insight into what defines true luxury, how Mandarin Oriental blends Asian heritage with local culture, and what it really takes for students and graduates to thrive in a world class environment.In this episode...• What Mandarin Oriental stands for in the luxury hospitality landscape• How Emirates Palace defines luxury as something unique to each guest• The blend of Asian influence and Arabic cultural identity that shapes the guest experience• The essential qualities Edwin looks for in new talent, including openness, eagerness and cultural curiosity• Why attitude, kindness and a willingness to learn matter far more than a perfect resume• What students can expect when they join the Emirates Palace team, from personalised onboarding to confidence building and skills development• A standout success story from a Les Roches intern who became a role model through humility and dedication• Why collaboration between education and industry is essential for developing future leaders• Edwin’s simple formula for the future of hospitality: connection, relationships and unforgettable service• The rise of Emirati talent and how it will transform the guest experience over the next five years• The increasing role of AI in recruitment and operations and how future professionals should prepareRecorded live during Career Day, this conversation offers powerful guidance for students, graduates and young professionals entering luxury hospitality. With insight drawn from three decades of experience, Edwin shares how to prepare for the industry, how to cultivate the right mindset and how to build a meaningful career rooted in kindness, humility and human connection. Whether you are beginning your hospitality journey or aiming for leadership roles in the world’s finest hotels, this episode provides clear, inspiring advice to help you grow, believe and achieve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.