Winners Spotlight: Christelle Besnier, Four Seasons

This month we speak to ‘Spa Leader of the Year’ award winner on how it feels to win at the 2nd Professional Beauty GCC Awards

NAME: Christelle Besnier

JOB TITLE: Spa Director

SPA NAME: Four Seasons

CATEGORY WINNER: Spa Leader of the Year

Why did you decide to enter the   ‘Spa Leader of the Year’ category?’

As well as encouragement from business partners,  I decided to enter to share light on the spas I am representing at Four Seasons. Celebrating 9 years with my company and 3 years in the GCC, I had been promoted last year to Spa Director for the 3 spas in the UAE. This is the first time such a role exists and I am very excited by this challenge to create synergies with my 3 teams as well as offering distinctive and complementary experience to our guests across the Emirates. Being a Senior, I am also assisting few other Four Seasons properties in the MEA region and strive to position Four Seasons spas as the best in class.

How does it feel to win the award?

Winning the ‘Spa leader of the Year’ award is the result of my spa journey since 3 years I am now in UAE. This is indeed an amazing feeling to be recognized by my peers and this means so much for my team members! Delivering an exceptional and intuitive service every day to each guest needs true passionate individuals and great professionals and I am fortunate to be surrounded by such people.

Did you do anything specifically to prepare yourself for entering this award?

I did not do anything except to nurture my passion of achieving more by sharing my vision with my teams and brand partners. For the interview, I did not know what to expect so I decided to be myself and answer the questions with sincerity.

What does it take to be a good   ‘Spa Leader’?

Everyone agrees on the difference between leading and managing a team. Lead by example to me is important and creates the connection and the trust with your team. For instance, to be able to perform receptionist’s tasks, help an attendant in the facilities or assist a therapist for stripping a treatment room are the actions that make a big difference on the floor and in the hearts of your team. Showing them support and encouraging them to share their ideas is key to get a motivated and proactive team. A good business acumen is  also recommended as well as retail/merchandising/ marketing skills are also important to succeed.

What piece of advice would you give to a spa director who wants to enter this category for the 2020 awards?

I would say, don’t enter for the wall of fame but to share light on your achievements and your team. Work on your area of development such as financials or marketing, take this as an opportunity to reflect on your contribution and think about what’s next.

What lies ahead for you now that you have won this award?

This award allows me to connect with more professionals in the region now and it positions myself as a recognised expert in my field. I will continue my contributions for this industry with passion and remain a true believer of a global wellness approach in hospitality, so much to achieve there still! PB