INTRODUCTION

 

Aashi Adesh is the founder of Aashi's Guest list. His job is to ensure that students and travelers have the best time while they are in Barcelona. After graduation, Aashi had a passion for helping people and came up with this great idea. His journey was challenging, but very rewarding. Prior to the attention that he gets today, he used to spend over eight hours a day on the street passing flyers out to people on the beach. His persistence has paid off and today he is one of the top promoters in Barcelona. Read below and learn what it takes to make it to the top in this industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

What University did you go to? What was your major?

I attended the Agha Khan University Hospital in the BSC N program and received a bachelor in nursing with a Specialization in Neonatology.

 

What did you do at your university that has attributed to your success in the workforce?

I learned from the hospital life how to take care of people, ensure that people are comfortable, and how to juggle a challenging schedule and routine.

 

How has your degree impacted what you do today?

I think my time in school and my specific major focus has translated well to my business today. In addition to the basic skills you gain at university, such as time management, my studies have given me a real appreciation for any field that requires true hospitality and an understanding of public behavior.

 

JOB TRANSITION

 

What inspired you to do what you do today?

The answer to this question is very complicated. When I arrived in Barcelona, I discovered a passion for helping visitors to the city enjoy themselves and have a great experience in their time abroad.

 

How would you describe your transition from college to the real world?

As anyone will tell you, the transition from academic studies to a true real work environment is never easy. It can be difficult to find your calling, and it is not always in the field (or even in the city!) that you expected. The skills I learned studying nursing have been able to help me immensely. 

 

What skills do you possess that made you pursue the career that you currently have?

This is similar to how my degree has had a significant impact on my life and career today. Through hard work and persistent efforts, I was able to find a way to apply skills such as an understanding of hospitality and public behavior and interests as well as time management.

        

BARCELONA NIGHTLIFE

 

With many promoters in Barcelona, what do you have to do to stay ahead of your competitors?

Obviously the nightlife scene in Barcelona has exploded in recent years, and of course it has brought with it a lot of business and competition. However, I think this competition is good for our business and helps bring out the best of Barcelona nightlife. To stay ahead and provide the best experiences possible, I have to constantly work hard and make adjustments, and we always strive to be the best in our business.

 

What does a typical work schedule look like for you?

There is no typical day in the life of a promoter and business owner in Barcelona. Often, very long nights!

 

How much of an impact does social media have on your industry? How do you take advantage of it?

In this day and age, social media is a crucial tool for anyone involved in promoting or nightlife. It helps us provide information quickly and easily, and allows others to find that information in a similar manner. In addition, we use social media to start connections with people who are coming to the city, although this does not take the place of personal, face-to-face interactions which are equally if not more important.

 

What steps do you take to ensure that your company does well and that your guest are happy?

To help the company thrive, I often hang out with the people I meet, and do my best to make their experience as personal and unique as possible. We want to make sure our guests have the best time of their life and an incredible experience in Barcelona. When the guests are happy, we are happy. A few examples of how we think our work has paid off can be seen in our reviews. Take a look at: https://www.facebook.com/aashi.barcelona/reviews.

 

JOB OPINION

 

What is most challenging about your role? How do you overcome the challenges that you face?

Promoting Barcelona nightlife and owning a business in the city presents numerous challenges every day (and night!) Through hard work and determination, and in keeping the end goal in sight, there is always a clear path forward. It can often be challenging to have the feeling of starting over with a new group of people every semester or summer. However, this challenge is in a sense a blessing and curse, because one of the best parts of my job is meeting new people from all around the world.

 

What keeps you motivated at work? 

When people are happy, we are happy. It motivates us to strive to do better and to try even harder to make every experience in the city unique and amazing.

 

Where do you envision your business will be within 5 years?

It is tough to imagine even a few years down the road! It would be incredible to see Aashi’s List expand throughout Europe to cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid. In addition, we are starting this year to expand our focus from nightlife to a full study abroad experience, by helping students find some of the best restaurants and sites in the city, as well as working with them to make their time here even easier. For example, we offer free loaded sim cards for students to use to text and call, so they can stay connected not only with me but also with their friends throughout the night.

 

ADVICE

 

What does it take to excel in your field?

A whole range of things! Motivation, internal drive, being outgoing, a sense of humor, being selfless in making sure others needs come before yours. This is where my experience in the medical field has really benefited my position and business.

 

Describe a hurdle in your life that you had to overcome to get where you are today. (Struggles in life etc.)

When I first arrived to the city, I promoted events and clubs on the streets of Barcelona. Each day, I would talk to each and every person I passed on the beach, working at times more than 8 hours per day. Some of the people paid attention or took a flyer or ticket and most were pleasant and polite. However, some were less so or ignored your approach. It was difficult, and I understand the struggle that people experience breaking through in this business. I think my personal climb to my current position is one of the reasons I hire multiple interns each season. I want others to have an easier time working in this industry, because at the end of the day, it can be so rewarding.  

 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to follow in your footstep? 

Come to Barcelona! On a more serious note, just try to meet as many people as you can. It is helpful to talk with current promoters and businesspeople to learn the ropes and different tricks of the trade. Here is a link to our website and my personal contact information: https://www.facebook.com/aashi.barcelona/timeline and http://www.aashiguestlist.com/#homePage. Feel free to reach out to chat if you will be in Barcelona and want to learn more!