This month, OHLALA had a chat with Carolina Campita about her new position as Associate Director of Public Relations and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, her career and life.
“Don’t let self-doubt stop you from reaching your dreams. Embrace the challenges that come your way, as they will make you stronger.”
Carolina Campita
OHLALA – How long have you been working in the hospitality business, and how did you end up going in this direction?
Carolina Campita – I have been in this industry for 11 years now. However, I was not always in marketing. When I joined The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, I started in the Reservations Department as an agent and then eventually became an Executive Reservation Services Administrator before I moved to marketing as a coordinator. I did not plan to move as I was not interested at first, but once I got the opportunity to start content creation for the hotel, I loved every minute of it. It has been a rollercoaster but I wouldn’t change a thing.
OHLALA – What are the things you enjoy most about your job, and what are the most challenging aspects?
Carolina – I love the brand and its evolution, ensuring that it keeps up with the ever-changing demand of our guests. I also love that this job lets me grow as a person. I used to be an introvert and I never thought that I would be in public relations, but connecting with people became second nature to me and I love that I can attract guests through storytelling, making them want to come here to our property. Of course, it’s not easy and it takes a lot of time to create compelling content and run campaigns, but I love what I do and that makes all the difference.
OHLALA – You recently got promoted. Can you tell us more about this new position? What are you looking forward to the most?
Carolina – There is not much that has changed. The good thing about the company is that it prepares you for the next level, so I was already taking most of the responsibilities even before the promotion. I am also very grateful to my leader, Jeremy Canivet, the Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Sales, Marketing and PR, for giving me all the support throughout this transition. I believe that it is essential for anyone’s success to have the unwavering support of their leader, even our PR-minded General Manager, Bernard de Villele, has always been there for me. Of course, it will not be the same without my team, especially Victor Grafilo, Assistant E-Commerce Manager, who has been my right hand from the start. But I am very excited to continue elevating the hotel and keeping our position as the leading luxury resort on the island.
OHLALA – Working with a brand like The Ritz-Carlton is a big responsibility. What do you do to keep focused, and how do you turn off work matters and relax?
Carolina – Keeping a balance can be a challenge, but you have to find small joys in what you do. Sometimes, when it gets overwhelming, I have to remind myself that I have to live in he moment and limit distractions. In this type of work, it is a must to establish a to-do list, otherwise, you will be lost with the never-ending demands of the job. Bear in mind that we have 14 food and beverage outlets, a spa, beach club, banquet spaces, 245 rooms, and 23 villas that I need to promote. It’s a lot of moving parts, so I also need to prioritise. At the end of the day, I disconnect and recharge for another adventure the next day. My dog, Max, helps. He is my stress buster.
OHLALA – You are growing your career; what are your tips to other women wanting to succeed? Any special advice?
Carolina – Define your goals and be passionate about them. One of the things that I learned moving up the ladder is that you have to make things happen for yourself. Don’t compare yourself with other people. Only compete with yourself instead. Vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a reliable tool to empower yourself more. Don’t let self-doubt stop you from reaching your dreams. Embrace the challenges that come your way, as they will make you stronger. Continuously learn and adapt accordingly. And, of course, love what you do!
OHLALA – You have a privileged view from your ‘office’, working by the beach with awarded restaurants and facilities. However, do you have a favourite spot at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain?
Carolina – Yes, you can call it privileged. When it gets overwhelming in the office, I just step out of the hotel, walk around the resort and come back refreshed. I also spend a few minutes, whenever I get the time, visiting our longstaying pink-feathered friends, the flamingos. They are so pretty and relaxing to watch. Restaurant-wise, I am fond of Mexican food, so you would always see me at Cantina Kahlo for a casual meal, and I also love Italian food, so I would occasionally dine at Primavera. The resort is massive, and I love exploring every corner.
OHLALA – What do you like most about Bahrain?
Carolina – Bahrain is laid-back and that is what I love about living here. Although a small island, Bahrain’s scenery is always vibrant and the people are incredible. I also feel safe here and although it has a liberal social climate, I would say the local culture is still preserved. I personally promote Bahrain to the international market as the Maldives of the Middle East. The only difference being Bahrain’s nightlife and culinary scenery are far more developed.