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Skål International Koh Samui hosts first Ladders for Leaders workshop

The afternoon began with a Guanxi Networking activity.

Scott Michael Smith
Koh Samui, Thailand, May 9, 2013 - The Skål International-Samui club welcomed international councilor for Skål Thailand, Scott Michael Smith to the island. Scott, Assumption University’s Course Coordinator in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism and popular industry trainer organized a very special training seminar for future leaders. The Ladders for Leaders workshop included attendance at the Skål International-Samui dinner held beachside and expertly hosted by Doeke Bonga, general manager of the Imperial Boathouse- Samui.

Future leaders gather for a group photo after the workshop.

The afternoon began with a Guanxi Networking activity followed by The Spirit of Hospitality program, offering the latest training strategies to deliver exceptional service. Imperial Boathouse GM Doeke welcomed participants and while multi-tasking, continued to contribute during the workshop, offering advice, insights and sharing experiences with participants. “Having seen Scott in action, I found he made a clear connection with future leaders, quickly identifying their needs, broadening mindsets and providing great tools to develop themselves and their teams,” said Doeke. The ‘out of the box’ coffee break organized by Imperial Boathouse food & beverage manager, Praiboon Kunthawee, ensured that participants were treated like the VIPs that they are.
The day continued with an energetic workshop focused on improving management, leadership and coaching skills. Future Leaders from the IBIS Samui led their teams while demonstrating the different skill sets needed of managers and leaders. Robert Grundmann, IBIS management trainee offered, “It’s always great to be reminded of the importance of quality service, which can be forgotten during busy operation time.” Kirill Mokronosov, IBIS front office manager agreed, saying, “This training helped me to get a better perspective of my own management style. I am now more aware of the difference between managing and leading.”
Scott explains, “The Ladders for Leaders workshop was designed specifically for future leaders of Skål International Thailand member’s organizations. These wonderful, young, and talented leaders are clearly destined for great things.” This program was created to encourage future leaders to inspire all team members to strive for service excellence and create memorable guest experiences. Participants received a Spirit of Hospitality Certificate and the tools needed to bring the Spirit of Hospitality back to their property to be included in the very important New Staff Orientation seminar for their property or as part of an ongoing training strategy. The one-day program included several short videos, many energizing activities, thoughtful discussions, a few lectures and many surprises. The workshop was presented in English with Thai translations.

The beachside set-up for the Skål dinner following the workshop was impressive.

The Skål International-Samui club sponsored this Skål Ladders for Leaders program. “It was great to have Scott down here on our beautiful island and share his extensive knowledge with our future leaders. I can highly recommend the Ladders for Leaders program to anyone wanting to develop managers into leaders. Also the combination with the Skål dinner giving participants the chance to mingle with senior Skål members & leaders was very much appreciated by all. Thank you Scott,” said Michael Biedermann, Skål Samui president.
Future workshops are scheduled to held later this year for all six Skål clubs in Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Having experienced the Ladders for Leaders workshop firsthand, Imperial Boathouse GM Doeke advises, “Skål hotels could really benefit from Scott’s training programs tailored to their property. Benefits include energized team leaders with a renewed commitment to management and leadership, eager to identify and exceed guest expectations and deliver exceptional service every time.”
The beachside set-up for the Skål dinner following the workshop was impressive. “My first impression when seeing the spectacular beachside set-up complete with full bar and bountiful buffet was, who’s getting married?” Scott joked. “I was assured by Skål Samui members that these fantastic beachside settings are the norm!”
Scott then reminded Skål Samui members that their vibrant club is an important part of the Skål International organization of over 17,000 members in 450 clubs throughout 85 nations. Amazed at the incredibly beautiful beachside set up Scott shared, “Of the 6,000 plus Skål events held worldwide, the Skål Samui’s events are truly inspiring, offering an incredible value, an exceptional opportunity for networking and a great chance to live the Skål motto, Doing Business with Friends.”
Scott also shared his experiences at the recent International Councilors meeting before leading members in the traditional Skål toast, “Wishing members happiness, good health, friendship and long life.”
Please contact your local Skål club for more information and to reserve space for the next Ladders for Leaders seminar.


Bangkok Airways launches its 5 airline mascots

(L to R) Mario Maurer, M.L. Nandhika Varavarn, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, and Davika Hoorne launch the airline’s cartoon mascots.

Bangkok Airways, led by Capt. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, organized the launch of 5 cartoon mascots with superstars Mario Maurer, Mai Davika, Kimbery, Ken Phupoom, Kong Saharat and 5 young stars at Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Screens hall, Siam Paragon.
Capt. Puttipong said, “We came up with an idea to have the mascots because we want to expand our target base, focusing at younger target group. These 5 characters of the mascots are designed from our actual aircrafts in service using colors and designs that please children. These 5 mascots will further be developed as products and later created as cartoon animated series to air in Bangkok Airways’ in-flight entertainment and at lounges.”
M.L. Nandhika Varavarn, vice president - corporate communications commented, “The five mascots have his and her own unique characters; ‘Sky’ is active, confident, lively and fast, ‘Sunshine’ is joyful, humble and cute, ‘Rocky’ is strong and warm, ‘Willy’ is playful, courteous and talkative and ‘Daisy’ is naughty and playful.”
The highlight of the event is to introduce the 5 mascots using their unique characters to match with superstars and young stars attending the event; Mario Maurer and Plawarn represent “Sky”, Mai Davika and Unda represent “Sunshine”, Kimberley and Yaimai represent “Daisy”, Ken Phupoom and Levis represent “Willy” and Kong Saharat and Putter represent “Rocky”.
Get to know more about Bangkok Airways’ 5 mascots now at www.facebook.com/flybangkokair


W Retreat Koh Samui unveils unique ‘Sail Thru’ concept

W Retreat Koh Samui recently unveiled its unique ‘Sail Thru’ concept. The creative island resort now welcomes boats cruising in the Gulf of Thailand to sail up to its pristine beach, recharge with refreshing drinks and an original menu of barbecued delights, and then drift away…
Every Saturday, drop anchor in paradise where the azure waters of Maenam Beach meet Bophut Beach and join their ‘Beach Bar-B-Q Reloaded Happening’ from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. and they’ll deliver a special ‘Menu in a Bottle’ to your boat. Simply place your order and sail away or come ashore, where you can hang out and enjoy the tropical beach vibe. And you don’t have to be in a boat to experience ‘Sail Thru’. Everyone is welcome. Just stop by Sip Bar at the chic W Retreat Koh Samui any time.
The ‘Menu in a Bottle’ offers a choice of ‘Bite Me’ specialties including crisp salads, a changing selection of barbecued favorites from the land and sea, flatbread barbecued pizzas, and hearty burgers, all complemented by drunken fruits, summery Sangria, and ice cold beers.
And there’s more. Resident and guest DJs will be mixing up top tracks until 4:00 p.m. You’re invited to get together with friends, bask in the sun, play waterball and beach trampolines, or simply chill-out with style as the sun sinks into the horizon. You can also mingle by the bar where they’ll be shaking and stirring W Retreat Koh Samui’s original ‘Sunset Wowtini’ with a special ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ offer from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Watch out for the W iPhone app so you can order online before you ‘Sail Thru’.
For reservations and further information about this unique ‘Sail Thru’ concept, please contact 66 7791 5999 or whateverwhenever. [email protected].
Explore what’s New / Next at W Retreat Koh Samui - whotels.com/kohsamui/facebook. com/wretreatkohsamui


HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]

Skål International Koh Samui hosts first Ladders for Leaders workshop

Bangkok Airways launches its 5 airline mascots

W Retreat Koh Samui unveils unique ‘Sail Thru’ concept