In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Georgie Briota, manager at Café Parisien, which was among a host of eateries taking part in the most recent Belfast Restaurant Week (www.belfastrestaurantweek.org)
What was your first job?
My first job was as a customs officer in Brasov Customs House in my native Romania. It was not yet part of the EEC, so I was responsible for collecting taxes on goods coming in and preventing illegal import. It was certainly a challenging first job!
What qualifications do you have?
I grew up in a town centred on tourism, so I've always been involved in hospitality. After graduating from the High School of Tourism, I obtained my degree in international relations and communication, at Dimitrie Cantemir University Brasov. I learnt the basics of the industry in my home town and I have been building my experience as a hospitality professional ever since.
What do you attribute your success to?
On a personal level, I would attribute my success to my own drive and ambition, I would say. I constantly want to challenge myself and prove to myself that I can succeed! I could never reach these goals however without the help and support of a great team. Teamwork is the best kind of work and is definitely the key to success in hospitality.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Disciplined and hardworking, and always looking for the bright side of life.
Who do you look up to in business?
My father was always my example and inspiration, I looked up to him and I wanted to make him proud.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
By getting to know their key skills and motivations, thus tailoring my approach to each of them. I've worked hard to create an environment where people feel both valued and stretched to reach their potential and deliver.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Ease of access, both with regard to visas (especially after Brexit), but also easier access by airway - 70 per cent of air traffic comes currently into Dublin, that should change. I would also like to see a change in the current (antiquated) drink licensing procedure.
What website or app could you not do without?
I am addicted to my news app, it's how I start all my days. But if there was a coffee app I would probably be a huge fan.
What was the last book you read?
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo - an extraordinary piece of non-fiction, an intimate and compelling narration of the desires and sexual proclivities of three real women.
What car do you drive?
A white Nissan Juke. It also has a name, but it's secret.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I was a professional alpine skier until the age of 13. And I've recently taken up marathon running.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I love running and skiing. Also travelling, most of the time combined with sporting activities.
