Australian hotelier and mum-of-two, TASH TOBIAS, explains how a great support system, time management and living in the moment enables her to run both a five-star hotel and household with finesse.
TF: What brought you to Singapore?
TT: My husband and I relocated from Saigon to Singapore with our five-year-old son and daughter, aged two, when I accepted the position of General Manager at InterContinental Singapore. My job is to ensure the hotel lives up to guests' standards - we have a great brand and it requires our great staff to bring it to life. This business is all about people so I dedicate most of my work time to creating a culture where my colleagues are inspired to deliver a memorable and authentic experience to guests at every interaction. It's hard work, but I find it tremendously rewarding.
TF: How do you juggle work and family?
TT: It's all about discipline and teamwork. At work I'm focused on job excellence and the tasks at hand, while at home I focus on being a great mum and wife. For balance, I aim for early starts with the family and I often work from home in the evenings once my kids are in bed. But what really makes it all possible is my husband's support. He's the one who keeps everything humming along at home, allowing me to give my best at work.
TF: Any tips for other working mums?
TT: Choose to make every moment count, rather than "feed" the constant guilt about not spending enough time at work or home. This way you'll always reap maximum rewards.
TF: Any Singapore survival tips for fellow expats?
TT: People here seem to never look over their shoulder, or check their mirrors when driving. So always be ready to stop in a hurry!
TF: Favourite hot spots?
TT: db bistro moderne (www.danielnyc.com/dbbistrosingapore.html) for a great steak and Pizzeria Mozza (www.pizzeriamozza.com) for delicious authentic Italian fare and lovely ambience. We also enjoy visiting family-friendly Pasir Ris Park and Singapore Botanic Gardens with our kids to feed the turtles.
InterContinental Singapore dedicates a weekend to mums with a host of activities...
High Tea Treats May 7 & 8
Bake cookies with your kids under chef supervision. Knead dough, use the cookie cutter and while your creations bake, dine on afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge and snack on sandwiches, salads, pastries, English scones and Singaporean delights. Mums enjoy coffee or tea, while kids receive ice cream and milkshakes! Tickets: $55 (mum and child aged three to 12 years) and $28 (additional child). InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road. Tel: 1800 787 1221 www.singapore.intercontinental.com
Posted May 2011
