Leading Stories

POSTCARD FROM KENYA

Mark Somen helped to run trendy Soho House in Manhattan before returning to his native Kenya as General Manager of equally cool Tribe – The Village Market Hotel in Nairobi. He sends Leader thoughts from home.

Why I’m in hospitality. Growing up in Kenya, tourism was everything, and I have never known anything else. I thought it was fun, different, I could travel the world, and the thought of sitting behind a desk for ten hours a day was a killer!

My most interesting career experiences. I am a firm believer in the fact that every experience is a great experience – no matter what. That it is often the toughest assignments or the most frustrating experiences that get us out of our comfort zone, and that really stretch us and make us grow. Working for Four Seasons was incredible, with a couple of mentors who taught me so much. Working for Soho House in New York was also amazing. My boss, Nick Jones, taught me how to spot a speck of dust at 500 yards! I believe all my experiences have taught me to believe in my heart, and follow it. My heart is here in Kenya.

My mentors. Nick Jones, founder and CEO of Soho House, definitely. Brian Flaherty, Assistant General Manager when I was with Four Seasons. Luke Rinaman, Corporate Executive Chef with China Grill Management.

Coming home to Kenya. It was very easy. However, the week we arrived back we had about two months of power and water rationing, so that was quite an experience for me and my family!

The thing about working here. Kenyans are naturally so warm and hospitable, that it’s a joy to have to focus on training the technical aspects rather than trying to teach someone how to smile. A lot of my staff haven’t travelled outside the country, though, so not having that international exposure is sometimes a challenge.

What makes Tribe special to me. My team. They are truly amazing! Warm, gracious, caring, hospitable, motivated, loving...honestly, there is a special energy here that is uncommon. And that’s the number one feedback from guests – the warmth of my staff.

Reasons to visit Tribe. I don’t think there is anything like it in Nairobi. The design, architecture and interiors are exceptional. It’s modern with a huge amount of warmth. We like to say Tribe has ‘New York chic with an African soul’. You could find Tribe in Tribeca in New York, but we have 800 pieces of original African art throughout the building, so the African soul is everywhere.

My typical routine. Try not to check my Blackberry when I’m shaving to see our numbers from last night, but invariably I do! In around 7.30am, walk through the building, check on breakfast, check email, morning operations meeting at 9.30am. After that the day varies a lot. I might meet with some managers or outside vendors, have outside sales calls, do rooms inspections, meet with regular guests, or irregular guests. I like to be around over lunch to see what’s happening. Then I sometimes leave at 6pm to have dinner with the family, and either stay home or come back to Tribe for a few hours. Sometimes I work straight through, or I might have to entertain someone. There is seldom a routine!

The first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning. Okay, I hate to be corny, but the beautiful Persian lying next to me. (Ed’s note – Mark is married to the beautiful Yassi, who was born in Iran)

Living in Kenya is great for the family. They are loving it! My wife can talk for hours about the rust coloured earth you see everywhere, the trees, the beauty, the people. My kids went from a nice but fairly concrete NYC public school, to a school with fields, trees, swimming pool and tennis courts. They love being outdoors, going on safari, being more connected to nature. We are thrilled.

To find out more about Tribe – The Village Market Hotel, visit www.tribe-hotel.com. You can contact Mark at gm@tribehotel-kenya.com .