Congratulations to Casino Cage Manager, Ailyn Miranda, who was recently recognised for her leadership and named Carnival Corporation’s Global Gaming Team Leader of the Quarter.
Ailyn joined Cunard in 2008 as a Cashier Trainee and since 2013 has been working as a Casino Cage Manager. Ailyn is currently working on board Queen Anne, and tells us more about her award win and her role:
How do you feel winning the Global Gaming Team Leader of the Quarter award?
“It’s very overwhelming for me. I know I’m not perfect and I still have so much to learn but my colleague/s went over the top in showing their appreciation of my hard work through nominating me for the award. I am very grateful. To be chosen is such an honor and great achievement. I am also very happy to get to share this with the team.”
Captain Inger Thorhauge and Hotel General Manager David Shepherd had the pleasure of attending the ceremony with the Captain doing the honour of handing out the certificate.
What do you think makes a good leader?
“I always try my best to establish a good communication with my team. Encouraging them to always do the right thing even though no one is watching is really important in building a strong work ethic that is essential in any job. I believe that if they understand the reason behind every decision we make, not only that they learn but also it becomes easier to accept how things turn out and come up with more ideas to make everything better. Involving them in the decision-making process with proper guidance is a win-win situation for all of us. Listening to them, recognising their achievements and appreciating their help and support make a big difference.
“I believe that my team considers me as a good leader because of my integrity and honesty. I lead by example. I always remind my team that the right attitude is the key to achieving our goals. We might not have the skills just yet, but with the right attitude we can easily learn, grow and get to the right direction. “
What are your key responsibilities?
“In the casino department I am in charge of the Main Bank and the accounting side of the operation. I oversee the compliance of security and accounting procedures, give training to staff in any accounting related positions, contribute to the improvement of the casino in terms of growth and revenue, and help the other management team members in running the operation as a whole.
What was your job before you joined Cunard and what made you want to start a career at sea?
“My mother was a widow and the only parent raising us since I was in grade school. With her support, I graduated college and worked in a bank for four years. After my mother experienced a mild stroke and then sadly lost her battle with cancer, I became the breadwinner of the family. That’s when I decided to work at sea so I can send my brother and my sister to college.
“Working on the ship plays a very important role in my life. Not only that I provide the financial support to my brother and sister to graduate college, but also, I happened to meet my better half who is also working in the casino department.”
Thank you, Ailyn for sharing your story and congratulations on your well deserved award!