Omer Acar

CEO RAFFLES & ORIENT EXPRESS

can rise in their career, you need to stay grounded and remember where you came from. This gives me a sense of ongoing gratitude to appreciate my work and my colleagues, even on challenging days.

I’ve recently been inspired by a brilliant book called Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands, by Kevin Roberts, former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi. Roberts completely upends the traditional business-based perspective of brand building and considers the deeper human motivations that drive consumers to connect with a brand. Ultimately, we are creatures of emotion, not reason — the heart wants what the heart wants. His theory is particularly evident in the world of hospitality, which appeals to deeply personal notions of feeling welcomed and cared for.

Outside of my career, being a loving and supportive partner and father is what I aspire to achieve for myself. Human relationships are joyful, stressful, pure, complex, nourishing, humbling, and inspiring. I believe it is the ultimate way that we progress as human beings.

Looking back, I would tell my younger self to not fear failure and to trust my progress. If things don’t work out, don’t get discouraged; ask yourself what lessons you can learn from setbacks and keep moving ahead. I would also add, do not be afraid of taking risks and always listen to your heart. You will always end up doing things that you love if you remain true to yourself.

My ambition is always to be my best self by acquiring new skills, continuously learning, and expanding my knowledge. Fortunately, my career in hospitality and my new role stewarding the Raffles and Orient Express brands gives me the opportunity to keep pushing my boundaries and broadening my horizons, both literally and metaphorically.