Interview with Rhys Brown, General Manager at David Lloyd Bristol Emersons Green

Rhys shares his journey from his first job as a part-time receptionist to leading a team at David Lloyd Clubs, along with the key influences on his career, the skills needed for success, and evolving industry expectations.

Tell us about your first job in hospitality?

My first job in hospitality was as a part time Receptionist in one of our Clubs, an excellent introduction to this incredible sector!

Has there been anyone who’s stood out as being a major influence on your career?

It is always tricky to pick a single individual and it is the obvious choice to look to your direct line managers. I have to say my biggest influence is always the team members I have the pleasure of managing. This industry is rich with diversity, and you learn something new from someone every day.

What skills do you think you need to be successful in hospitality?

Resilience is key in my opinion; this word can often suggest a challenging environment and it is not meant in this way. Hospitality is fast paced, ever changing and there is a large variety in each day so the need for resilience is ever present.

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in people’s expectations of working within hospitality?

We are seeing a huge focus on work life balance and our teams expectations to focus on their balance in life. This is a positive change and something that will enrich the sector. Long gone are the conversations around who can work the longest and we are looking at ways to continue to enhance our team wellness. The expectation of the generation coming through is pushing us to have a healthier sector in which to work.

Why should someone choose your business to work for? 

David Lloyd Clubs is a genuinely People Focussed place to work and I have seen an amazing growth in this focus throughout my 15 years in the company, the progressive nature in this area amongst many others makes it an exciting place to work. We are also a Times Top 10 Big Company to work for, we can’t not mention that!

What advice would you offer to someone coming to interview for a job in your business?

Focus on your passion to serve members or customers and why that excites you. Remember, all skills can be taught but character cannot! Focus on YOU and why YOU will enhance the company you are interviewing for. Also make sure you have studied the culture and that it aligns with you.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

I am excited to watch the growth of my team! I am lucky enough to work with some incredible new talent and I have a team full of people that I know will take the next step in David Lloyd Clubs. Also, I cannot wait to take a summer holiday with my family, everyone needs some down time!

What’s your worst vs best experience working in hospitality?

Both of these answers are uniquely the same answer, the recent pandemic. Managing a Club and a large team at this uncertain time was incredibly challenging, in truth there were some very mentally tough moments. This period also taught me how great David Lloyd Clubs is and the people that I work alongside, it highlighted the importance of what hospitality brings to our community. This period certainly shaped me as a leader and enhanced my desire.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone working in hospitality who wants to be successful? 

Everyday is an interview, the development will come if you ensure you are impacting the people around you in the right way. Do not be shy to roll you sleeves up and always be kind!

You can find out more about David Lloyd Clubs and browse their latest vacancies here.

For more like this, subscribe to The Ladder here for the latest tips, advice and insights to help you build a successful career in hospitality.