Buzz!!!! With Danu - Karim Schadlou 

Today on the Buzz I have Karim. A German-Iranian national, he grew up in Germany and received his education there. He is married to a Sri Lankan and has two sons. And they sure look a power couple, heading the brand at Hilton Colombo Residence, and it’s a demanding job when you have to look in to every little thing, and that’s the only way to run something to its perfection. 

Karim Schadlou brings almost 24 years of hospitality experience of which 16 are with Hilton Worldwide. Formerly at Conrad Maldives Rangali Islands Resort Manager, Schadlou oversaw the operations of the luxury property which features 150 villas and 11 food and beverage outlets including the world famous underwater restaurant. 

Prior to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Schadlou was based at Hilton Colombo Residences as director of operations from 2009 to 2011. During this period, he was appointed twice on to a task force for the region for a rebranding exercise in Maldives, namely to Beach House Manafaru / Maldives – A Waldorf Astoria Collection and Hilton Maldives / Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. 

His career began with an internship in Germany, followed by hotel management school in Switzerland. And his career with Hilton began with United Arab Emirates, and has grown in to China and Malaysia; he was then on projects in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Maldives and returned to Colombo. 

And this return made us get to know each other, today I speak to him about his life and work on the Buzz. 

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Full Name - Karim Schadlou 

Hometown - Colombo 

Status - Married 

Birthday - 04th February 1969 

Passions - All kinds of sports 

Favourite Colour - Blue 

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What has been the most inspiring moment in the job you do? 

Meeting new and exciting people on a daily basis – each guest’s requirements are different from each other, especially in different countries, and it’s great to be able to help them assist these requirements. 

What do you love about Sri Lanka so much? 

I am married to a Sri Lankan, and this has exposed me to the culture and heritage of the country. I find it interesting how Sri Lanka has diverse offerings for tourists with a beautiful coastal belt and hill country. 

How demanding is it to work for the Hilton brand? 

The Hilton brand is synonymous with hospitality, thus the expectations are higher than other brands. I would not say that it is demanding, but it’s a great challenge. 

What did you want to be when you were young? 

Building constructor! 

What do you enjoy when you read “The Buzz with Danu”? 

I find the personalities you feature to be very interesting and that you keep the column entertaining. 

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? 

Strengths – I believe my strengths are being able to keep to deadlines where project execution is concerned and also drive/motivate those around me. 

Weaknesses – I wouldn’t call it a ‘weakness’ but I LOVE ice cream. 

What is your normal day like? 

I start the day with the family so I have breakfast with them, tend to drop my children at school, and some days I would engage in sports. I begin my rounds at 8:00 AM, following with critical departmental meetings by 9:00 AM. My time is balanced between the ‘business development’ and ‘operational’ aspect of the hotel. In the evenings I would catch up with my family and spend time with them, and then if there are critical matters to be dealt with I would complete it later. My hotel rounds will happen even at night. 

How would you describe your work style? 

Planned, and well executed. 

Give an example of a time when you felt the greatest sense of accomplishment in your job. 

The greatest would be most recently being able to complete three main hotel projects for Hilton Colombo Residences concerning rooms, dining, and lobby, scheduled during my first appointment as a GM. 

Family and children, tell me a little bit about them. 

I have a beautiful Sri Lankan wife whom I met in 2008 and fell in love with during my first assignment in Sri Lanka. She is a great source of strength to me, and I could not imagine my life without her by my side. We have two gorgeous and naughty sons whom we insisted to have born in Sri Lanka though I was posted overseas. It’s important to me that they understands their Sri Lankan and German roots, so they are exposed to both cultures well. 

 

Tell me about one bad experience you've had, preferably something catastrophic, how did you handle it? 

We cannot talk too much about operational level of the hotel as it violates our policies on disclosure, but I would say such events have only been learning points and later only enrich my experience. 

What brings out the most excitement for you in what you do? 

Running business, and producing results to our owning company and Hilton. 

Which is your most favourite place in this earth? 

Where I am at the moment. 

As a dad, what has been the biggest struggle? 

Parenting two super energetic kids but I love them. 

 

 

What are your thoughts on hotel industry and hospitality in Sri Lanka? 

Positive; it has diverse offering that are projected well to tourists and corporates, so much has been done before and I believe this will continue. 

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In the Spot? 

As someone who has travelled a lot, what do you think about our airport? 

I have learned of a new expansion and this will increase tourist arrivals and will uplift the infrastructure of Colombo and Sri Lanka. 

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If 

If you were to name one piece of clothing that describes you, what would you say? 

I don’t know – you could be the best judge of that! 

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? 

I encounter many people on a daily basis, and I always say that “you meet twice in life”. 

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For Fun 

What is the name of an exotic country that you would like to go to for a vacation? 

No particular country, I know it’s not “exotic” – but I love experiencing many countries where I can experience the four seasons, sometimes I miss the cold in winter, the beautiful spring, the hot summer and the misty autumn. 

What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? 

To be healthy, and to age well and look after my family's wellbeing. 

Choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why? 

99 as my grandmother is going to turn 99 on 29th May this year. 

Have 3 wishes granted, what would they be? 

To be healthy / Not to have regrets / Try everything once. 

Have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? 

Ice cream.