In luxury hospitality, where every interaction defines the guest experience, it’s the people behind the scenes who shape service into an art. At The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi, Vijaya Rai, Director of Learning and Development, is doing just that—shaping minds, uplifting teams, and building a service culture rooted in empathy, excellence, and growth.
From Floor Operations to Training Leadership
Vijaya’s journey in hospitality began in operations, where she learned the pulse of service from the ground up. From her early days at The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur and The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, she built not only operational expertise but a deep appreciation for frontline roles and the people behind them.
Her tenure as Manager – Restaurants at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel gave her a solid foundation in leading service teams and building genuine guest relationships—an experience that now fuels her approach to training and mentorship.
Creating Impact Through Learning & Development
Transitioning to Learning and Development wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling. Vijaya turned her operational knowledge into structured learning pathways, becoming a catalyst for talent growth across the hotel.
Now, as Director of L&D, she champions a culture of continuous improvement, designing tailored programs that build not just skills—but confidence, clarity, and pride.
From new joiner onboarding to executive grooming, her interventions are known to be relevant, real-world, and results-driven, making a visible impact on team morale and performance.
Leading with Empathy and Purpose
Vijaya’s leadership style is personal, intentional, and inclusive. She focuses on human-centered learning—training that is emotionally intelligent and aligned with the individual’s goals as much as the brand’s vision.
She empowers associates to find meaning in their roles, understand the ‘why’ behind their service, and develop the soft skills that create heartfelt guest experiences.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Her legacy is not just in training hours logged or modules delivered—but in the stories of associates who grew into leaders under her mentorship. Vijaya is known for her ability to spot potential, build trust, and elevate people—an influence that continues to shape The Leela’s service culture.
Vision for the Future: Learning as a Culture, Not a Checklist
For Vijaya, learning is not an isolated department—it’s the lifeblood of a hotel’s culture. Her goal is to create a work environment where learning is ongoing, purposeful, and deeply integrated into everyday operations.
As she continues to lead talent development at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi, her impact is felt not just in training rooms, but in every guest smile, every seamless check-in, and every thoughtful interaction.
A Culture Builder Behind the Curtain
Vijaya Rai isn’t just training people—she’s crafting a hospitality experience from within. At #ThePrimeAddressOfEastDelhi, her influence flows through the warmth of the welcome, the confidence of the staff, and the excellence The Leela is known for.
She is shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals—one learning moment at a time.
