(Test) Voces de la Cámara: Carla Chacón

1. Video Segment 

• How long have you been in Japan? 
  4 years  

• Coffee or matcha? 
  Coffee  

• Sushi or tapas? 
  Tapas

• Best season in Japan? 
  Autumn  

• Morning person or night owl? 
  Night owl  

• One Japanese/Spanish word you use every day? 
  “Otsukaresama”  

• Favourite music style? 
  Jazz  

• Favourite area in Tokyo? 
  Kagurazaka  

2. Written Interview 

1. How long have you been in Japan and what brought you here? 
I’ve been in Japan for about four years. I relocated to lead the expansion of our group in Asia, with Japan being a key market due to its strong tourism appeal and high standards in hospitality. 

2. What did you study and how did your career path lead you to your current role? 
I studied International Hospitality Management. I started my career in luxury hotels in Europe and later moved into management roles overseeing multiple properties, which eventually led me to this position in Japan. 

3. What originally motivated you to pursue an international career? 
Hospitality is inherently global, and I’ve always been interested in understanding how guest expectations differ across cultures. Working internationally allows you to adapt and innovate constantly. 

4. When you first arrived in Japan, what aspects of the professional culture stood out to you the most? 
The level of service and attention to detail is exceptional. There is a strong sense of pride in delivering a flawless guest experience, which is something I deeply admire. 

5. What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for leading teams in Japan? 
Respect for local culture, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills are essential. It’s important to lead by example and foster trust within the team. 

6. Looking back at your career so far, is there a moment or decision that significantly shaped your professional path? 
Taking on my first international management role was a defining moment. It pushed me to develop a more global mindset and adapt my leadership style. 

7. Japan can be a unique business environment. Was there any cultural difference that surprised you when you first arrived? 
The level of consistency in service delivery was impressive. Every detail matters, and maintaining that standard across all touchpoints is a key expectation. 

8. What does a typical day look like as General Manager of Alder & Co. Hospitality? 
My day involves overseeing operations, coordinating with different departments, meeting partners, and ensuring that our guest experience remains aligned with our brand standards. 

9. What do you enjoy most about living and working in Japan? 
The blend of tradition and modernity. It’s a very inspiring place to live and work, especially in a sector like hospitality.