About Roxana

A 3rd Party Rendition

Roxana Jaffer is a study in exceptionalism. Her career path does not reflect a typical success story of a person going through predictable steps of a High School graduate pursuing University degrees and entering the work force, moving up the ladder one rung at a time. She had far too many interests, far more energy and enthusiasm, and far greater sense of adventurism and risk taking to be confined to a  normal path of progress and success.

Born in Kenya, educated in London where she became seasoned in professional work and entrepreneurial activities, she was, not surprisingly, offered to take reins of two hotel projects in Dubai, some ten years ago.

 To become the CEO of a hospitality organisation , a business in which she had had no previous experience, was challenging enough – to manage and supervise the construction and commissioning of a 4 star, 8 story, 320 room franchised hotel  as well as a 112 apartment hotel building, simultaneously, in the commercial hub of Dubai, was beyond challenging. In her own words, “ I had to learn the intricacies of architectural plans and interior design, supervise and project-manage the construction in 47⁰C July temperatures, deal with every aspect of bringing brand new hotels to revenue generating operations, in a country that was new, a culture that was different and foreign, and responsibility that stretched the limit of my experience and competence.”  However, hard work did not faze her; the desire and commitment to learn and improve never left her; the belief in herself could not have been stronger – and soon the Dubai Hotel scene with properties under her helm, giving a competitive edge, were in full bloom.

As the Holiday Inn- Dubai was set on a solid trajectory of success, boasting award winning restaurants - The Royal Budha (Thai), Gharana (Indian) and Xennya Terrace (Arabic Lounge) each her brainchild, operated to  high standards -  she found time to complete an MBA degree in Leadership with the University of Liverpool. Her widely quoted dissertation titled "Servant Leadership: A must for the 21st Century Global Leader" earned her a special merit.

Her natural instinct and personality, ably reinforced and supported by extensive research in the area of leadership, has enabled her to put into practice the principles of  "Servant – Leadership"  at her work place, creating a corpse of over 300 employees, fully engaged, fully committed to pull together in the same direction and providing exceptional service for Hotel guests on a daily basis led by a management team who has been inculcated with a philosophy of developing a heart of a servant , to lead with integrity, respect and love.

 More importantly, she has promoted and inculcated within her workforce an ethos of going beyond oneself, to expand their horizons beyond work, to become active participants in humanitarian and charitable activities, to become socially responsible, and above all, help make a difference in someone else’s life. 

Today, Roxana is a proud partner with the United Nations, World Food Programme (UNWFP) where her combined efforts with her passionate staff have enabled making a difference to 497, 941  under-nourished children in the world. (statistics to Dec 2020)

Leading by example, her social entrepreneurship led her to the formation of a Non Government Organization, abcF - "Advent in Building Human Capital".  The NGO delivers a specially formulated educational program – “English for Hospitality Professionals” to build human capital, presently running programmes in India, Pakistan, and Dubai.  Graduates certified through the near- free learning being accorded by specially trained tutors, are given an opportunity for employment in the hospitality industry, both locally and in the Middle East.

Further, Roxana is proud to have turned to writing and is now a recognised author on Amazon with an anthology of Poetry titled ‘A Parallel World’.  Watch this space, Roxana has been busy penning more words with two more books since the pandemic. 

An avid socialite, Roxana finds time to be at social functions, music concerts and a whole array of social activities. Bridge is a passion. She is a regular panellist or a presenter at seminars and empowerment summits. Amidst  all the hustle and bustle, she does not forget that a human being also needs spiritual sustenance , and regular meditation is an integral part of her life.

Roxana epitomises the best in human endeavour – fun, laughter, hard work, creativity, caring for others, leading with a social conscience and above all, striving to make the world a better place. 

Roxana Jaffer is indeed a study in exceptionalism.