The general manager of The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa shares insights on his people-focused leadership

In Seminyak, an oceanside resort poised as the laidback luxury for visitors to escape to, awaits. Offering the vantage point of the vibrant beachside neighbourhood, an iconic coastline, and seclusion to refresh, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa sets a new standard for high-end hospitality in Bali. Staying at the resort means a personalised service that pampers the guests from arrival to departure and a dining scene that spoils the tastebuds from breakfast to dinner.

Behind this excellence is a team helmed by a leader who truly believes in his team with a people-focused approach to leadership. This time, epicure had the pleasure of sharing the nitty-gritty of the work from the resort’s general manager, Brendan Lane Mullins, as he shares his takes on leadership and embracing diversities to cultivate a positive work environment.

You have extensive leadership experience in the industry. How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over the years?

My leadership journey has been shaped by over two decades in luxury hotels, starting from humble beginnings as a banquet waiter at The Ritz-Carlton Double Bay in Sydney in 1999. It has evolved into one that is deeply people-focused and results-driven.

I strongly believe in leading by example and empowering my team to excel through fostering a culture of trust, transparency, integrity, and accountability, ensuring every team member feels valued and has a stake in our resort’s success.

My experiences across diverse countries and various leadership roles influenced this transformation, from Fiji, China, Malaysia, and now in Indonesia. I have learned that effective leadership is not about imposing authority but rather inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals.

How do you encourage the team’s engagement and development to foster a positive work culture?

At The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, nurturing a positive work culture is paramount to our success. I believe in creating an environment where team members feel inspired and can grow personally and professionally.

I love to see people reach their potential, and we help do this within our team through training programmes and open communication channels, allowing for honest feedback to be shared and received constructively. Recognising and celebrating achievements— no matter how small, is vital in motivating people to excel. By encouraging a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated, we cultivate a sense of belonging and pride in our shared achievements.

With your experiences working in different countries with different cultural nuances, how do you adapt your leadership approach to make it work in different environments?

Having worked with people with diverse cultural backgrounds, I have learned the importance of adaptability in my leadership. While my core values have remained constant, I understand the need to tailor my approach to best resonate with the cultural norms of the team I lead, ensuring our chance of success. Whether in Sydney, Shanghai, or Bali, I prioritise building strong relationships, encouraging open communication, and demonstrating cultural sensitivity.

By embracing diversity and celebrating each culture’s unique strengths, I have effectively led teams and navigated challenges across borders. Building trust, showing respect, and being open-minded are universal principles that guide my interactions, allowing me to effectively lead teams across different cultural landscapes.

The Balinese people are a dream to work with, and I am incredibly grateful to lead a team that supports me and offers our guests the most sincere hospitality, ensuring expectations are regularly exceeded.

What is the most essential quality to have in your work?

I am going to state two qualities: adaptability and empathy, both of which I feel are equally important.

Adaptability is essential as our industry is dynamic and ever-changing, requiring us to be flexible and responsive to evolving trends and challenges. As recent years have shown us, embracing change with resilience and a positive attitude enables us to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities for growth and innovation.

Our empathy for our guests and team members allows me to build meaningful connections, foster trust, and drive positive outcomes. Empathy has enabled me to lead with compassion, make informed decisions, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

What do you love most about working in The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa?

What I love most about working at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is our team’s genuine care and dedication towards our guests. Our resort not only boasts stunning accommodations, high-quality dining, beautiful grounds, and a prime beachfront location but also a team that goes above and beyond to ensure our guests feel like family. This level of personalised service and genuine hospitality sets us apart as the most inspirational premium brand in Bali.

I am immensely proud to lead a team committed to delivering the highest standard of care and service, making our guests the centre of our world. The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful fusion of luxury and authenticity. There are incredible new properties in Bali, yet our resort’s commitment to providing unparalleled experiences while honouring the rich cultural heritage of Bali is truly inspiring.

What trends are prevalent among guests nowadays, and how is the resort addressing them?

Our guests today seek immersive experiences that cater for their individual preferences and lifestyles. At The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, we’re attuned to these trends and continuously innovate to exceed guest expectations.

From personalised wellness programmes and sustainable initiatives to curated culinary experiences and cultural activities, we’re committed to offering bespoke experiences that resonate with our guests, ensuring we remain deeply connected to the essence of Bali. By staying agile and responsive to evolving trends, we ensure that our resort remains a sought-after destination for discerning travellers.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what do you enjoy during your free time?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for my well-being and ensures my effectiveness as a leader.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Bali’s vibrant F&B scene, staying active with regular gym sessions, and occasionally joining a morning yoga session, a daily morning activity at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa.

I have recently taken up Padel, a fast-growing sport on the island, which helps me stay sharp and is also quite a social sport. Having balance rejuvenates me and provides the necessary perspective to tackle challenges as a general manager with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

What exciting F&B offerings can we anticipate from the resort in the near future?

At The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, we eagerly anticipate launching our new and innovative F&B offerings, designed to elevate the dining experience and showcase the best of both international culinary trends and local flavours. Our resort chef’s garden boasts diverse produce such as papaya, lemongrass, finger limes, and basil, serving them to our guests because we are committed to create dishes that celebrate Bali’s local ingredients and support sustainable practices.

Our recent appointment of executive chef Marzio Troiano, hailing from Rome with experience in world-class venues across Italy, Australia, and Sweden, brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to our culinary team. Together with executive sous chef Rixy, we’re thrilled to see an immediate improvement in food quality across all our dining outlets.

Guests can look forward to new menus at our Mediterranean restaurant, Sanje, and our Infinity Pool, complementing the breathtaking views that truly make dining at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa unforgettable.

Every week, we invite guests to experience the richness of Balinese culture at our Balinese Culture Night, featuring traditional dishes such as a whole Babi Guling and Pepes Ikan, accompanied by beautifully choreographed dances and a mesmerising fire show. This immersive dining experience is unrivalled in Seminyak and is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the best of Bali.

For seafood enthusiasts, our Saturday Seafood BBQ beachside at Sanje is a must-try, offering the freshest catch grilled to order by our culinary team. From slipper lobster to tiger prawns and fresh snapper, guests can indulge in an extensive buffet selection against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.

As a premium wedding destination, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is proud to offer couples not only the most beautiful wedding chapel in the area but also exquisite menus tailored to suit their preferences. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, our dedicated team ensures that every detail is executed flawlessly, creating unforgettable moments for our guests.

Learn more about The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa here