At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.
If you have lived in a region for long enough, it is easy to believe you have seen all there is to see, and nothing is ever really new. But for those who have called Asia and indeed China home for years on end, the events of the last couple of months were a rude shock. For Adam Myott, General Manager at Grand Hyatt Beijing, it would have been hard to imagine anything other than business trips keeping him away from his family, yet once China and its neighbors closed their borders, they also closed the door on the possibility that he could reunite with his daughter and wife, who are currently stuck in Korea. Yet despite it all, Myott still supports any efforts to keep the world safe. For him, these months of inconvenience and separation are a small price to pay for the world going back to a relative state of normalcy as soon as possible.
Mr. Adam Myott
How long has the business been in operation?
Since October 2001.
How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?
My family and I moved to Beijing from Korea last April (last month was my first anniversary working and living in Beijing.) My career path included Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Malaysia as my first international posting. I was also the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in Thailand. Before moving to Beijing, I was at Grand Hyatt Incheon, South Korea for over three years. So I have spent quite a few years in Asia.
What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?
We were initially worried about potential exposure to our family and our children getting sick, but we are glad to see all the measures taken to protect the public have been so effective. People have been strictly following the guidelines put forth. We feel safe and happy to be living here.
“We are very proud to continue supporting the local guidelines”
What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?
I didn’t realize that it spread so quickly and gone all over the world in a matter of weeks. I hope everything will be back to normal as soon as possible.
What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?
At that time, my daughter had been finishing up her studies in Korea and my wife was with her. Due to the travel restrictions, neither were unable to return as Korea has restrictions on those wishing to travel abroad. Thankfully, the school took very good care of them.
How has your business been affected by the current situation?
Our business has been affected, but we are very proud to continue supporting the local guidelines to ensure all our guests and members of staff continue to be protected. This is the only way to make sure this situation is quickly resolved for all concerned.
“There will be a higher expectation of the utmost standards of hygiene and quality”
Do you believe the current situation will change the face of business in Beijing?
I believe customer behavior has changed. After this, there will be a higher expectation of the utmost standards of hygiene and quality. These have long since been our hotel’s driving principles and we hope to keep delivering them and ensuring the wellbeing of our clients as it is of the highest importance to us.
What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?
My biggest takeaway has been to not take things for granted. Nothing lasts forever and it is important to plan for any eventuality. You always need a good plan for the future.
As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?
It is always important to prioritize time with the family. This is something I wish to instill in my children. They need to understand that life is not always easy and that making plans is the best way to avoid some of life’s difficulties.
Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?
I feel very safe and secure in this environment. We look forward to working closely with the local community in the future.
“My biggest takeaway has been to not take things for granted”
What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?
Use this time to prepare for the future. Consider what your customers want, and offer the right sorts of service.
How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?
We should all use various networks to support each other. This not only goes for expat businesses but all other organizations which show they value good quality service provision, and give good value for money.
Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?
Stay positive. This will not last forever.
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Photos: Grand Hyatt Beijing
