For Nandy Gaya, a Certified Hospitality Professional, the world of hospitality began with hands-on, front-line experience—serving guests, managing expectations, and maintaining high standards aboard cruise lines. His early years were shaped by a passion for service and a commitment to excellence that defined his work in one of the most demanding sectors of the tourism industry.
But after years of working in operations, Nandy made a bold pivot: he stepped away from the industry floor and into the classroom. Trading ship decks for lecture halls, he transitioned from practitioner to educator—carrying his real-world experience into academic spaces where future hoteliers and tourism professionals were still being shaped.
Today, he serves as Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Colegio de Sta. Teresa de Avila in Quezon City, a role that allows him to influence the next generation of hospitality leaders from both a practical and academic perspective.
“The shift was more challenging than I expected,” Nandy told Financial Adviser PH. “In operations, I was used to fast-paced guest service. Moving into academe meant adjusting not only to a different environment but also to a different mindset.”
One of the biggest hurdles? Bridging the gap between practice and theory. “I had to unlearn some habits and relearn academic principles. You can’t just rely on experience—you have to translate it into structured lessons that resonate with students.”
There was also the expectation to further his academic credentials. “In the hospitality industry, performance often speaks for itself. But in education, credentials carry weight. I had to pursue additional studies and certifications to align myself with academic standards,” he shares.
Despite the challenges, the shift taught Nandy powerful lessons—starting with the importance of patience and mentorship. “Students are not guests. They’re learners. You have to guide them, give space to grow, and understand that mistakes are part of the process.”
He also learned that leadership in the academe is less about direction and more about inspiration. “You can’t dictate success. You can only prepare them for it. That’s a different kind of responsibility—one that pushes you to become a better communicator and role model.”
Looking back, Nandy says the leap was worth it. “I realized that my role in hospitality hadn’t ended—it just evolved. I’m still serving people, only now I’m helping them find their place in the industry.”
His advice to professionals considering a similar pivot? “Don’t be afraid to stretch your capabilities. Experience is valuable, but the ability to share that experience meaningfully—that’s leadership.”
Today, as Dean, Nandy continues to shape future hospitality professionals not just through lessons and lectures, but by showing them that career growth isn’t always about climbing—it’s often about transforming what you already know into something that empowers others.
