Today we’d like to introduce you to Bertrand Mangeot.
Hi Bertrand, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born on a French Island, so my career began in France. My background is mainly in accounting. After business school, I took a job at KPMG but quickly found it was not what I wanted to do. My last position overseas was a bank branch manager on the French Island Martinique. There, I worked for a hotel’s financial arm and it was a great experience! I didn’t want to start my career in Martinique, but the owner offered me a contract, and I decided to take it. I took a trip to the United States soon after and went to New York City, where I met my now-wife. I then went back to Martinique for two months and after those few months, I quit my job there. That’s when I decided to fully move back to New York City and begin working there. I was offered two positions, one at the Four Seasons and one at The Intercontinental at Barclay. I said yes to The Intercontinental, and they were shocked that I declined the Four Seasons offers.
I started working at the front desk there, barely speaking any English at the time, but you learn fast! I loved it there. I moved to working in housekeeping for one year and that’s where I learned how to manage people and give them the attention and respect they deserve. I was still young, freshly graduated from business school, and learned quickly that you are nothing without your team –you work for them and they work for you. I learned to be very diplomatic during my role in New York. As soon as I started working in hotels, my priority was to become a general manager and now I’ve finally reached that goal. I worked in New York City for five years total and had the opportunity to move to Cleveland for a new position with The Intercontinental. I was the youngest executive member in the company at the time and helped open a billion-dollar building with them. I took care of just about everyone you’ve seen on TV – from Oprah to Nikki Minaj to Prince. It was my first experience with delegation. It was a very intense, eclectic, and interesting experience. I stayed in Cleveland for six years before moving to Toronto to open the first-ever Kimpton Hotel in Toronto (and the only one in Canada). I oversaw all aspects of the food and beverage operations and stayed for seven years until moving to Atlanta very recently to step in my role as the General Manager here at The Kimpton Sylvan.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s a question of being ready, having the right opportunity, being at the right location, and being lucky. When all these things fall into place, it gives you a chance to grow. If you have someone trusting you, you can grow. No one is born as a President or General Manager; you grow and have trust in yourself to become what you want to become. You need to have the reliance of a team behind you that supports you and pushes you up. I feel it has been a smooth road because of the dedication I’ve put in over the years and the team I’ve had surrounding me. It’s always about teamwork. No one can be motivated for you–if you find that within yourself, you can succeed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As General Manager of The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta, I oversee all hotel departments and operations. I’m most proud of promoting other people. I love working with my team and being supportive of everyone reaching their goals. If someone I know is looking for a job — I want to help. I put a focus on promoting others to achieve their dreams, and they know I am someone they can rely on.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am still in touch with two of my mentors –one from my time in Cleveland and one from Toronto. I try to emulate my mentors and lead by example. I’ve learned not to shy away from being part of the action. They have taught me to be available and respectful to others. I took advantage of my past experiences with my mentors and learned to become a bit humbler. Even when you think you’re great, mentors can make you realize that maybe you have a few more things to learn along the way. You make mistakes, you learn from them, and you try not to repeat them.
Pricing:
- Essential Rooms: Starting at $265 per night
- Hospitality Suite: Starting at $1,500 per night
- Nested Collection: Three guestroom adjoining hotel suites for those wanting a spacious hotel suite stay: $549 per night + taxes for up to 6 guests
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesylvanhotel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesylvanhotel/
Image Credits:
Lobby Image – Cris Molina St. Julep Image – Cris Molina Willow Bar Image – Cris Molina The Betty Image – Cris Molina
