Velassaru Maldives has announced the successful completion of its inaugural “Leading Others Effectively” (LOE) leadership development program, designed to empower emerging leaders within its Supervisory and Mid-Management teams. This initiative reflects Velassaru’s commitment to mentoring and investing in young leaders, preparing them to drive organisational success confidently.
Introduced in June 2024, the LOE programme is a structured six-month initiative led by Mahmoud Abdelazim, Corporate Director of Learning and Development at Universal Resorts. The program focuses on developing leadership capabilities, equipping participants with the confidence and skills to excel in the fast-paced world of luxury hospitality.
The course explores crucial elements of leadership, including strategic planning, adaptability, people management, team development, motivation, and fostering effective collaboration.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, and critical reflections through a four-stage approach for each module: “Explore It,” “Share It,” “Do It,” and “Live It.” This methodology encouraged them to learn, apply, and internalise their leadership skills, supported by line managers and colleagues.
Seven Velassaru team members successfully completed the programme, presenting their achievements to the management team on 16th December 2024. Their success was celebrated at a vibrant graduation ceremony held at Etesian Restaurant, attended by Velassaru’s General Manager – Denys Hordiienko, Resort Manager – Marjorie Cacacha, corporate representatives, and department heads.
Denys Hordiienko highly commends the first cohort of LOE graduates from Velassaru Maldives resort:
Commenting on their success, Denys says, “These individuals demonstrated remarkable commitment to developing their leadership capabilities, inspiring their teams, and contributing to the resort’s ongoing success.
The graduates will now have the opportunity to apply their newly developed skills as they embrace their roles as mentors and team developers in 2025. By sharing their acquired knowledge and leading by example, they will foster a culture of growth and collaboration within Velassaru Maldives.
The graduation ceremony featured speeches from Mahmoud Abdelazim, Corporate Director of Learning and Development and Denys Hordiienko, General Manager of Velassaru Maldives.
The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a celebratory dinner, honouring the graduates’ dedication and accomplishments.
As a key employer in the Maldives, Universal Resorts plays a significant role in the nation’s hospitality industry. At Velassaru Maldives, the resort proudly employs a diverse team of 300 team members representing 19 nationalities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and global collaboration.
Velassaru Maldives believes that nurturing talent is integral to sustaining excellence in service and operations. By investing in initiatives such as the LOE programme, the resort continues to build a legacy of strong, capable leaders who drive innovation, inspire teams, and uphold the values of luxury hospitality.
The completion of this inaugural programme marks the start of an exciting journey for Velassaru’s emerging leaders. The knowledge and skills gained will not only enhance their individual performance but also inspire others to reach their full potential, ensuring a brighter future for the entire organisation.
