Sofia Dimen
Company:
Migeca UK Ltd. www.ca-puccino.com
Job title:
Managing Director
How did you get into the sector:
I fell into catering inadvertently at 16, when my brother called in sick to his Saturday job at a delicatessens owned by a family friend. My mother was mortified and worried what they would think so she sent me instead. It was a defining moment and set the wheels in motion for a career path that has spanned 23 years across the industry to date.
Career High:
I love all aspects of catering and having worked through the ranks to MD level, there is nothing so great as doing the deals and leading a high performing team.
Career low:
None stand out particularly as every role throughout my career has had its fair share of challenges and on the whole I have been able to translate these into positive experiences.
What are your plans for the next year:
We have an aggressive roll out strategy next year across both Italy and the UK – it's going to be busy!
What was the biggest break of your career:
Being employed by Matthias Kiehm at Harrods. It opened the world for me and I have never looked back.
What are you most proud of in your career:
I am most proud of my people skills. I have a reputation for being firm but fair and have built a team of frontline managers and back of house experts that have worked with me over the last 10 years. I am contacted regularly for references and employment by ex colleagues and staff, so I must be doing something right.
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the industry:
Work hard and deliver beyond expectation! Catering is a real labour of love. You have to work unsociable hours and through most calendar celebrations, so accept it, take it on the chin and progress to a level where you can reclaim back some of your social life. It's not easy but in my mind this is the price you have to pay to work in such a fast paced, vibrant and exciting industry where every day is different. To put it into perspective we work in an industry that lists chocolate as a product… that's the closest to heaven I can imagine and worth a few late nights!
Who inspires you:
It's got to be Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe, the founders of Prêt a Manger. It's the most fantastic brand that I doubt I will ever tire of it. It's all about freshness, quality and consistency with a social conscience. What could be better?
What do you do in your downtime:
Eat and drink then go to the gym to work off what I have eaten and drunk! It's a pleasant vicious circle.
What question do you always ask in interviews:
How do you manage people? In my experience a manager with limited people skills is often unable to motivate and build teams so inevitably impacts revenue.
Tips that have made you a success:
Always tell the truth no matter what the consequences may be. Others may not like it, but you have to be able to wake up every day and look yourself in the mirror. Only then can you be true to yourself and others around you.