Wednesday | February 08, 2017

Its not about dictatorship here; its about democracy and working together to achieve the same vision. Sarah Jbara, from APJ and Gotha, about her management style

Its not about dictatorship here; its about democracy and working together to achieve the same vision.  Sarah Jbara, from APJ and Gotha, about her management style

As the youngest managing partner of one of the most popular firms in Dubai, APJ Management, Sarah Jbara lives a life most people can only dream of – currently, the firm manages most of the super clubs in the city including the latest Cannes export, Gotha Dubai. With a background that involves extensive experience in the F&B industry, and work with prestigious brands across the globe, we were curious to find out more about this stylish CEO and her vision for the clubbing scene in Dubai.
 

 

Describe a typical day in your life.

 

No day is ever typical…but it does always start with custom-made coffee. I’m more of a night owl and less of a morning person; a 9-5 schedule was never my thing. As much as I try to follow a routine, I don’t always play by the book, but our dynamic environment works to my benefit, making each day very spontaneous. I’m perceived as a workaholic; sometimes there is no boundary between my personal and professional life but then again, I’ve always hoped for more hours in a day. Although filled with back-to-back meetings, countless emails, non-stop phone calls and team debates, each day still moves us one step closer to achieving our goal.


 

What made you want to set up your own management company?

 

For a year, I sat on weekends and evenings, throwing around ideas. APJ was born out of my philosophy of having an organization where people become stronger and grow every day; not only professionally but also personally, as success never belongs to the company, it belongs to the people. Above all, considering my previous experience in London and Dubai, I felt that most management companies imposed fear and greed in their employees, whereas I wanted to start a company where my team would wake up every morning wanting to come joyously to work. For me, it was never about money or power, just pure passion and giving my team a better platform to showcase their talent. Also, to empower them through their careers and to make them feel secure, which is a myth with most jobs these days.

 

They say, forget a relationship, make it a partnership and build it into an empire. It is quite difficult to find the right partner in business, however, I am very fortunate and blessed to have one who shares the same beliefs and strategies as I do, and who is equally passionate about the team and the company’s vision. With a vision of creating a management company for the people and by the people, I took several months to research, learn, plan and revisit all assumptions before making anything concrete. I would say, all that planning was worthwhile, as in those days I was my harshest critic, and I’m glad I started something which can set the trend for other organizations and make them believe that the only true asset is your team.


 

Tell us more about APJ Management.

 

As mentioned earlier, APJ Management is by the people, of the people, for the people. It was established early in 2016 with the objective to thrive in the lifestyle industry and to help maintain high standards in the field of hospitality. We aim to have a simplified management style mixed with dedication, where teamwork is the epicenter of the company strategy. Organizations looking to better their management can approach APJ to take care of their front and backend operations where we provide expertise in areas of (but not limited to) finance, human resources, information technology, marketing and sales, through proven strategies. It’s not about dictatorship here; it’s about democracy and working together to achieve the same vision. However, don’t get me wrong, it does get rough in here sometimes.

 

 

How would you describe your leadership style?

 

There are advantages and disadvantages that exist within each leadership style. However, in an industry where fear-focused leadership styles still exist, I continuously strive to be the type of leader that I would want to follow myself. The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things, but it’s the one who enables others to do the greatest things. There is no one right way to lead; your style needs to change based on the situation – supportive and approachable when needed. But at times, it is necessary to put your foot down in order to get the job done. It’s not about hierarchies or fancy designations. The key is communication, empowerment and unity. That’s what motivates your team, which in return, enhances productivity. Even though my team calls it the ‘Sarah’s Style’, I promote this way of leadership as the ‘APJ Way’, so that each employee, irrespective of their position, learns to show leadership in their role. After all, wouldn’t you want to treat your team the same way that you would want them to treat your clients?!


 

What is your company’s goal?

 

My goal is to build a life, I don’t need a vacation from, so I can stay close enough to my squad. However, it’s mainly about putting APJ on the map locally and globally. As I have learnt, clients will never love a company until their team loves it first – my primary goal is to support my team and stand beside them to achieve excellence. Our goal is not only limited to excel in hospitality management, but also to consult and build other organizations from various industries, as we believe we have the right kind of executives with the right kind of experience for this. As much as we have our short-term goals in place, I have built my team to believe that we are here to stay… I’d like for people to associate APJ with the word ‘management’ each time they hear it.


 

Why did APJ choose Gotha?

 

Considering my vast experience in the hospitality industry, it was only right to start APJ with what I felt Dubai was missing. The hospitality industry has grown rapidly over the past five years, as a result of which, our clients are pickier about their choices – APJ always welcomes challenges. Gotha was inevitable for APJ, and it was a strategic choice due to its market positioning, and because of the impact it will have on Dubai’s nightlife.


 

What defines the Gotha concept?

 

Gotha is a brand from the French Riviera which has surpassed expectations for the past six years. We have the crème de la crème and jet-setters of the world endorsing us. Our goal is to create an experience of a lifetime. Gotha Dubai will welcome a community of international clubbers with its unique design, lighting, audio system and club features. The Gotha lifestyle leads to an exclusive and memorable experience, creating an element of surprise that makes each night different. It allows each client to feel like they are a member of an elite squad.


 

What made you choose Business Bay as a location for Gotha?

 

Business Bay chose us. We all know how hard it is to find a strategic location for a nightclub in this city. Even though our venue was in high demand at the time, we were lucky enough to find Gotha Dubai its home there. With an outstanding concept, creative layout and unique features, especially with Business Bay dubbed as ‘The New Face Of Dubai’, it was the perfect match. From a concrete jungle to a premier luxury complex, Gotha Dubai is very excited to be a part of this brand new district. Gotha will be in the heart of the UAE’s largest waterfront promenade, and from the satellite shot of the canal, Gotha Dubai is located right on the ‘wave’…and you know what they say, if you aren’t making waves, you aren’t kicking hard enough.

 

 

How do you feel about the rumors going around in the market about the opening of Gotha Dubai?

 

Considering that this interview might be read by thousands of people, I have decided to phrase my words carefully. Rumors are a given for any new club that opens up in the city. However, I am very flattered by all the attention that we have been receiving. Rumors don’t really affect us as we are a united team, and we only grow stronger each day. All I can say is that the instigators of these rumors only start a fire that they are too afraid of getting close to. I am letting you know, straight from the horse’s mouth, that Gotha Dubai is opening soon and when we do #WeAreComingToGetYou!


 

Do you have some exclusive information about the opening for us?

 

Good things come to those who wait. But for this interview I thought it is best to give a glimpse of what’s to come: think a unique venue with a capacity to host more than 1,000 clubbers. Gotha Dubai has a lighting system like no other in the local market – similar to the one experienced in Las Vegas. To add to our creative layout, customized art sculptors will enhance the experience for our clients in a surprising way. Gotha Dubai plans to unveil other secrets very soon, so stay tuned for more.


**Edited for clarity**

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