“What really matters to me is a friendly work environment,” says 34-year-old Mariam Kromel. “And opportunities to grow.”
After getting a degree in biochemistry, Kromel spent time working for a pharmaceutical company. But eventually she made the decision to switch things up and see what other opportunities were out there.
“I decided to change my career to a business or customer service-oriented job for better career prospects and professional growth,” she says. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make. But I took the challenge, believing that taking risks is essential to grow.”
The risk certainly paid off. In 2010, Kromel applied to become a customer service representative for Regus Egypt. Nine years later, she’s worked her way up to the role of Regus team leader and community manager for the entire country, where she heads up a team of ten people. Based in Cairo, she handles five different Regus Centres in the city – and she tries her best to spend a different day of the week working from each one.
“My job involves making sure Regus's global standards are applied to all my respective centres in Egypt,” says. “I run monthly training days with the team, offering them support and any resourcing they may need. I take care of any issues in the Regus Centres, and take the lead on managing their communities.”
The things Kromel values most about her role is the upbeat working environment, driven by dedicated people. “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to lead a team that is truly friendly and passionate about the work they do – they are always helpful and eager, with a pleasant attitude,” she says. “Regus is an organisation that continually demands excellence while still allowing a healthy, positive working environment.”
So, what’s challenging about working for Regus? “With competition increasing, amazing customer service has become core to any company’s success,” says Kromel. “Delivering quality products alongside outstanding customer service is the biggest challenge.”
She adds: “Dealing with different types of customers on daily basis is not that easy and requires a combination of traits in one person. Someone in a customer service-based role at Regus needs to be hard working, empathetic, innovative, accommodating, diplomatic and flexible. Sales skills are also a must, as sales is core to our business – be it through gaining new clients or upselling our products to current customers.”
Kromel believes the key to cultivating a strong business community at Regus Centres is motivating her staff. “It’s a simple equation,” she says. “Happy employees means happy customers. We spend most of our lives at work. A friendly, warm working environment can make all the difference.
“It’s about treating each employee with respect, investing in their personal interests, highlighting even small successes and improving the ways we communicate and collaborate.”
Could you see yourself playing a part at one of Regus’ centres? Discover more here