Having strong support works for me

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20: As the director of rooms at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, a typical day begins bright and early at 7:45am when I can be found diligently preparing for the daily operations’ meeting.

After that my focus shifts to the departments that are my responsibly, which include the front desk, Fairmont Gold Floor, house keeping, bell desk and the night team.

This requires management by walking around and surveying and keeping the big picture in mind for my team while addressing the day-to-day tasks of running a hotel.

After that, I will spend the remainder of the day making critical decisions, and providing direction and key advice to my team.

The nature of my job is non-stop. I am available 24/7, day or night to address issues dealing with anything from guest concerns such as diverted flights to facilities crisis management issues.

Another part of my job is to coach and mentor individuals who report to me to help develop and strengthen their capacities.

Every department meeting adds priorities, challenges and new responsibilities to my constantly evolving to-do list.

My Blackberry rarely leaves my side, allowing me to respond to e-mails and answer calls from guest and colleagues efficiently.

A knock at my office door could be a colleague asking for a quick word, which can then easily turn into an hour.

Then it’s back to finding where I left off, which is usually handling several things at once. Did I remember to send that -mail? Is the department head meeting on schedule? I evaluate, organize and act on a continual basis.

I often wonder how I will accomplish everything. Are there enough hours in the day?

It may sound crazy, but after 20 years in the industry, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Working in hospitality and helping to create a memorable experience for guests at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is truly my passion.

The rewards of my career far outweigh challenges of time management.

Does this scenario sound similar to you? So many successful women are just as stressed and stretched and wonder how we make it through the day. What sets us apart is our dedication, strong support system and work ethic.

I am a part of a growing subset of accomplished women who are not afraid of the boardroom, and who thrive on adrenaline and overcoming challenges.

We strive to create balance between career and personal commitments. Like me, most can point to the support of their families to preserve that balance.

After a long day at work, I can go home to a husband who has already started to prepare dinner. I feel extremely fortunate to have his support and understanding to help ease the burden.

I do not take this for granted and I make sure he knows that I appreciate it. In addition, finding time for romance is as equally important, thus my husband and I set aside time for date nights, strolls on the beach, or even to fly to exotic locations to unwind, unplug and get away from the corporate world.

The second part of my support network is my wonderful daughter, Ashley.

She grew up with the understanding that mommy may not be there all the time; but dad will be there to fill the gap and he has performed admirably.

I believe that my career has actually helped strengthen the familial bond and has made the moments spent together even more precious.

Ashley is studying to become a doctor and I believe that the example set at home of persistence with a strong work ethic has laid a firm foundation that my daughter can now emulate.

I want to help women dispel the myth that mothers are not in a position to hold key positions within the corporate world. By having a work life balance, and a strong support system, women can have successful careers. I have been able to excel in my career as a key executive while successfully maintaining my family responsibilities as mother and wife, by doing just that.

Roydell Neverson is the director of rooms at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.