Our team at Travel Trade Maldives decided to gain some insight into the inspirational story of Mohamed Nizau, Freelance Butler at UK.

What interests you about your particular job?
I have a passion for hospitality and providing guests with the best service and experience so that they return time and again. I particularly enjoy seeing my repeat guests who are like friends; this was the same for me in the Maldives as it is in the UK.

I love that there are never two days alike and that you never quite know what the day will hold, even after 30 years in the industry. I like meeting different people and gaining an understanding of their needs. And the challenge of making a ‘demanding’ guest happy.

I enjoy managing and training my team and particularly enjoy being part of their developmental journey to success.

How long have you been working abroad?
I moved to the UK in 2012 and have been working abroad now for eight years.

Why are you willing to work overseas?
For both my personal and professional growth. And new life experiences. I have worked on some very exclusive events serving some of the top people in the world and would not have had these opportunities otherwise.

I have been able to expand my professional network while developing my cultural intelligence and gaining an international understanding of the hospitality industry.

How did you adapt to overseas work culture? 
It was relatively easy for me to adapt to the work culture in the UK as I am used to working in a multi-cultural work environment. And I’m lucky that my colleagues have been so accommodating and welcoming.

Do you believe that working abroad helps your career? Why?
Yes, I do. By working abroad, I have been provided numerous opportunities in terms of training and development. Had I not moved to the UK; I would not have had the chance to work for Steven Randolph, the owner of Randolph’s who is a former butler to the Queen of England.

I have enhanced my butler skills and have had many great experiences working for Randolph’s, including serving the Royal family and Her Majesty’s Official guests at Royal Ascot, including foreign royalty, dignitaries and celebrities. I even met and served our very own Ambassador of Maldives to the UK.

I have also served at many other top events, including Windsor Castle, St. James Palace, the British film festival and several VVIP private houses.

Due to my time living and working in the UK and the training that I have undergone I have been able to return to the Maldives and deliver training to the GEMS at Six Senses Laamu and the front and back of house teams at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Is your family living abroad with you?
Yes. My wife is British, we met in the Maldives 21 years ago, and we decided to move to the UK for our children’s education.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to be a freelance training manager who trains Maldivian teams throughout the Maldives hospitality industry — imparting my knowledge and skills to provide others with the ability to self-develop and progress. I would enjoy nothing more than giving back to the industry and my home country, where I started my career.