Adelaide Alumni Lucas Lee

Malaysian-born Lucas Lee brings the same focus to his work as he does to rock climbing, a favourite pursuit. It’s about conquering challenges.

Lucas Lee graduated from Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management) and Master of International Hospitality Management at Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide. He is Revenue Analyst for Astral Tower and Residence and The Darling at The Star, properties of the Star Entertainment Group.

Based in The Star’s head office in Sydney, Lucas’ role is multifaceted, and demands exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. Similarly rock climbing, which he does indoors during weekdays and in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney two-to-three times a week.

Conquering a major climb pushes you to your limits physically and mentally. But the sense of accomplishment from a challenge overcome is exhilarating.

In his work he is responsible for keeping track of rooms revenue and looking for ways to maximise it, from providing analytical support for hotel yield management, through to supporting the sales team with data-driven decisions and maintaining and managing availability, rates and inventories across properties. Daily tasks, for example, are: forecasting and reporting, revenue optimisation, monitoring, systems troubleshooting, distribution channels maintenance.

Lucas started from the ground up, doing his first work placement as a night Guest Service Agent with the Four Points in Sydney, transferring over time to day duties. He went on to take up the positions of Supervisor, Night Manager and Front Office Assistant Manager. During his time as Night manager Lucas also completed Starwood’s Executive management trainee program, before taking interest in revenue manage and eventually found himself juggling between Front office and training in revenue management.

He says this suited him perfectly:

I had enjoyed studying business law and consumer behaviour and had always seen myself in a business management role.

In 2014, at age 29, he moved across to Best Western’s head office looking after eight properties. Two years on, at 31, he was headhunted for his current role, which he has held since July.

In the future he would like to move into business consultancy, focusing on the hospitality industry. Potentially, working with struggling restaurateurs and hotel managers, helping them get back on their feet.

His advice:

‘Don’t hold back, take control of your career path and put in the work today to benefit your future. Demand something better; don’t fly under the radar, rather, make a point of asking for what you want, for example, management training.

‘Get a great mentor, someone who wants to invest in you, and develop a good work and personal relationship balance.’