The experienced hotelier shared new and unique details about his life over a delicious Oriental meal in the hotel’s divine Rickhsaw ‘Far Eastern’ Restaurant. The venue and its relaxed yet refined atmosphere added to this interview – which took a different angle to the first two interviews with the GM conducted by Hungary’s leading portal in English (links to those below).

Born and raised in Munich, Mr Fischer has travelled widely and speaks accent-less English, yet he still feels close to his roots. Prior to coming to Budapest and joining Corinthia Hotels in 2012, he was based in Frankfurt for 2 years as part of his successful international career.

His previous expat destinations included Egypt, London, China and Moscow, during work with major hotel chains such as the Kempinski, Hyatt and Hilton. He also worked at privately owned companies, and in various types of properties including city center locations, resorts and golf operations.

As a worldly expat he embraces change, and has learnt to adapt to a Varity of different circumstances and cultures. He carries the air of a naturally confident and purpose-driven leader, someone who is both focused and dedicated to service at the highest standards. He is not afraid to make difficult but necessary decisions, usually after reaching a consensus with his team, while at the same time he has high expectations of himself and always aspires to develop further.

Being at ease with himself about his abilities, and passionate about what he does, Mr Fischer is consistent in reaching his objectives. And this kind of polite self-assertiveness quietly yet completely commands the respect of his team and those around him. Here’s a few of the questions asked of him, some of the answers will stay off the record as is always the case with these types of personal style interviews.

What are some typical tasks of a successful hotel manager such as yourself?
As I have no typical daily routine, I have a different schedule each day. Our primary goal is to take care of our guests and make sure they are a 100% satisfied with our services, so we need to create a unique and memorable experience and need to be prepared 24/7. Working in a hotel is total teamwork, and so it’s important to be a firm leader.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your current position?
Every day brings a new challenge, but when you are passionate about what you do, you will automatically find yourself focusing on the solutions rather than on the problems. If you stay motivated, determined and continue to work hard, it pays off, and you will be able to overcome any kind of difficulty. When you know you are giving 100%, you don’t need to ever second guess yourself. Even if or when you make mistakes, you learn from them, and move forward with a positive attitude.

How do you balance business life and private life?
At home, we settled in Hungary quickly and well, I play tennis on a weekly basis, and have an active social life, so I can’t complain, or say much more about that.

What are you mostly looking forward to this year?
Well, for one I’m excited about geting my motorbike licence.

Where else would you like to live besides your hometown?
Vienna or Salzburg perhaps.

What is your favourite cuisine?
I like many, but would say Italian. When I was a child, we travelled a lot to North Italy, and I must say there is a lot more to Italian food than pizza or pasta.

When asked about his childhood and the people who inspire him, he talked greatly about his father, a self-made businessman who proved that hard work is a key to success. Staying true to yourself, keeping humility is important added Mr. Fischer, no matter what position you have or what you do for living. Thomas might be modest with his words, his career success is impressive and speaks for itself.

By Timea Klincsek

Related Inteviews:

Xpat Interview: Thomas M. Fischer, GM Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Xpat Interview Two: Thomas M. Fischer, GM Corinthia Hotel Budapest