John Abercrombie

General Manager, Westerwood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

• What was your favourite subject at school?

Maths and Physics. They might seem a bit left-field for a hospitality career, but they’ve helped me massively, especially when it comes to understanding business performance, analysing numbers and making decisions based on data. There’s definitely more crossover than people might think.

• What was your first job?

My first job was as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool, and I absolutely loved it. A lot more laid back than my current role, to say the least. My first hotel job was behind the bar at the very same hotel I’m now GM of. Full circle moment. I still remember meeting Head Chef Stewart Goldie on day one… let’s just say it was memorable, but not quite fit for print!

• Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

Food-wise, I’m torn between a Sunday roast at the Loveable Rogue, a great Chinese at the Cotton House or a steak at Chez Jules in Edinburgh.
Favorite hotel? It has to be Gleneagles, a masterclass in luxury and service.

• How do you inspire your team

By making people feel heard and helping them want to do their role, not just feel like they have to. Everyone’s different, so I try to understand individual motivations and support them accordingly. Hospitality is a team sport when people feel seen and supported, they thrive.

• Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

Richard Mayne, the first GM I worked with. He was firm, fair, and genuinely cared about his team. He showed me what leadership in hospitality should look like. Without his influence, I’d probably be in a finance job somewhere… still trying to make spreadsheets exciting.

• How do you manage your stress levels?

I’m big on having a clear priority list, and I never hesitate to ask for support- a problem shared is definitely a problem halved. A walk outside the hotel setting works wonders, and some form of sport, even just a quick run, always helps clear the head.

• Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

Instagram. A picture really does speak a thousand words, and hospitality is all about moments, details, and experiences. Plus, it gives us a chance to show the human side of the business.

• If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you
  think you would be now?

I always wanted to be a Doctor but I chose a different path. If not hospitality, I’d probably be in finance but the energy, pace and people in this industry were too hard to resist.

• What did you do on your last days off?

I had a full day with my 1-year-old son so that mummy could go surfing (yes, in Scotland). We went to a friend’s little girl’s 1st birthday party and rounded the day off with a Sunday roast and a glass of red with my partner.

• What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

Friends and family keep me grounded. I’m a huge sports fan, I love to play golf, enjoy a game of tennis and I’m currently training for the London Marathon next year… So if anyone’s feeling generous, sponsorship is always welcome!