Starting as a HEART trainee at the front office, moving through to middle management and now at the helm of a team of more than 70 housekeepers at Beaches Ocho Rios resort, Gia Redway has remained humble and committed. She strives to always give more than expected by guests and team members. Her official title is executive housekeeper.
“I believe in teamwork and that is what I have lived by — not just in my professional life but in my personal life. When I started with the company, I knew that this was the career path that I was most passionate about. It has been many years that I have committed myself to being the best and this company has undoubtedly made my dreams a reality. For that, I am eternally grateful,” said Redway.
She still remembers lessons taught by her mentor, group housekeeping trainer within the Rooms Division, Beverly Brown, who introduced her to housekeeping.
“She shared with me the intricacies of what is involved in not only being a good housekeeper but being a Sandals brand housekeeper. I was taught the rudiments in such a way that I am now able to share this knowledge with those I currently lead,” added Redway.
Over the years she has also benefitted from a number of courses offered by Sandals Corporate University.
“I’ve learnt manager management, supervising others, creative problem-solving, budgets and financial reports, communication strategies, interpersonal skills, presentation techniques as well as coaching and mentoring. I have been equipped to lead not only a team here at the organisation but wherever I go. I am humbled and grateful for the training and experience that I have received here,” she said.
Redway’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Among those who speak highly of her is general manager at Beaches Ocho Rios, Brian Roper.
“Gia is a gem. She is able to motivate not only her team members but her managerial colleagues who gloat daily about her passion and commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty. Gia never shies away from empowering her colleagues and always wears a welcoming smile,” he said.
Houseman Kavin Wright has been working at the resort for about three years and considers himself Redway’s biggest supporter.
“Having a team leader like Gia, we can boast that we do have a dream team and a tremendous team leader. Someone who shows respect to every team member and one who is willing to guide, correct and empower each member of the team. We love her and the fact that she allows each person to feel empowered, we are motivated as a team to always give our best to our department and make our manager the envy of everybody else throughout all the resorts. Big up, Ms Gia!” he said.
Kemoya Poysar, one of the newest members of the housekeeping leadership team at Beaches, was ecstatic when talking about her manager.
“I’m happy that I have as my team leader Gia who is always willing to share her experience with each team member and guide us into being the best at the craft. Gia embodies the Sandals and Beaches brand of leadership with her open door policy that will allow everyone to feel comfortable in sharing with her as a team leader. We are very comfortable with her leadership style and her patience with us,” she said. In addition to being an excellent team manager who leads by example, Redway has a reputation as a mentor, counsellor and a very good cook. A very active team member with Sandals Foundation, her culinary skills are legendary among her colleagues at Beaches Ocho Rios. Redway views them all as her extended family and often treats them to her home cooked meals, particularly on special occasions.
