Courtesy of Waqas A.
Name: Waqas A.
Position: Senior Director of Quality Engineering and Automation
Location: Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD
Dream destination: Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India and Pakistan
Drink or treat of choice: Tea
When Waqas heard Marriott was implementing a new 360 tech approach to the way we serve our guests, he was immediately intrigued by the company’s commitment to technology and innovation.
“I decided to be part of a team that helps shape the customer experience. It was an opportunity for me to use my knowledge and experience to help make a positive and lasting impact,” says Waqas, who joined Marriott in September 2023 following a robust career in IT consulting. “I have 23 years of experience in end-to-end software technology delivery, including design and development, testing, and global release, as well as steady state management of applications and infrastructure serving Fintech, retail, sales, marketing, revenue, customer services, operations, and more.”
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Waqas now leads a team of Software Development Engineers that ensure the quality and reliability of this new ambitious project. Working on this plan has been the most exciting project he’s embarked on professionally.
“I was very excited about the challenge of making a difference and being part of the journey to shape the future of hospitality.”
Courtesy of Waqas A.
Learn more about his journey and the leader he aspires to be in his own words below.
How would you describe Marriott’s culture?
Marriott’s culture is very supportive, and people oriented. All team members are genuinely interested in helping each other. The focus is on collaboration, innovation, and working towards common success! There is a strong focus on recognition of team members and a culture of mutual respect and trust. Employees are provided with the resources and support they need to grow and reach their full potential.
What would you say to someone interested in working at Marriott?
Get ready for an exciting learning and contribution-centric journey. You’ll be among the best so there is a lot to learn and a great opportunity to excel! Be prepared to be challenged. Most importantly, take initiative and show ownership to get things done.
When you’re interviewing talent for your team, what do you look for most?
There are multiple dimensions that I evaluate such as good interpersonal, communication, analytic, and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to think outside the box and offer creative solutions. I look for honesty, integrity, commitment, ownership, a collaborative mindset, emotional intelligence, empathy, and a passion to help others be successful.
Courtesy of Waqas A.
What kind of leader do you strive to be?
My leadership style is participative leadership. I draw my inspiration from coaching, mentoring, and helping others be successful. I believe that every individual has their own unique skills, strengths, and talents and my job is to help them find their own path to success. Through collaboration, trust, and communication, I strive to foster an environment of creativity, innovation, and growth. I also believe in setting achievable goals, giving feedback, and recognizing those who work hard and go the extra mile.
What’s one thing Marriott is doing to redefine tech in the travel industry?
Marriott has taken a holistic approach to enabling the hospitality experience with technology, to ensure its entire customer experience is enabled with technology from reservations to their check-in to their stay and other services.
How have you witnessed your impact globally?
Being part of my current team has given me the chance to positively impact Marriott’s guests and associates. The new platform is now in progress, and I hope to do my part to make it a success.
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