Meet Claudia Di Gino | General Manager – Novotel Miami Brickell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia Di Gino – General Manager Novotel Miami Brickell, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

The many hats each team member wears. Particularly since the start of COVID-19, our team has found themselves playing multiple roles within the hotel – for example, we have a wonderful story regarding one team member that used to work in culinary before the pandemic and now, due to our limited food and beverage services and his background in accounting, he is part of the Finance team doing an amazing job!

Our team has come stronger than ever. It’s been inspiring to see my colleagues push past their defined responsibilities and learn new skills, support one another, and ultimately create the best experience possible for our guests.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Not everything in my career has been easy, especially when there are not many “Women General Managers” in the industry. This is one of the areas where I love to support and encourage other women to take on executive roles and support them along the way. Another important aspect is the attitude that you take toward each challenge, as it makes things easier to deal with and find better solutions or outcomes in general. I know that in the end, these challenging experiences will continue helping me to develop my professional career and be a better support to anyone around me. Throughout my journey in the hospitality industry around the world, I’ve learned to adapt to local cultures and be open to new perspectives. In the end, we can’t do things alone, we need a team of amazing people to walk together to make a difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am all about working hard, but I also love to have fun and take care of myself. To start the weekend in the right direction, I will meet Friday evening with some friends at @casatuacocina for great food and cocktails. It is a great spot to meet professionals in the Brickell area. The following morning, I’ll take a 90-minute yoga session at @HotyogaBrickell followed by a healthy lunch from @PuraVidaMiami. If I have friends in town, I will definitely spend Saturday night at the newly re-opened Bagatelle, where I know we will enjoy their cuisine, chic ambiance and will dance all night. As far as Sunday, I like to take it easy and have a late brunch. Some of my favorite spots, as I love to be seated next to the water, are Amara Paraiso and Redfish.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
These last two years had been the most difficult in my professional career. All the success achieved, resilience and energy to keep going is due to my amazing Novotel team for their loyalty, commitment and passion for what they do recharges my batteries to continue driving a successful hotel and operation. Most importantly, I owe my strength and passion for life to my wonderful son.

Website: www.novotelmiami.com

Instagram: @novotelmiami

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-di-gino-7282855/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovotelMiami/