NY Weekly’s correspondent sat down with Iryna Kiryukhina, the dynamic General Manager of Empire Night Club in Yiwu, China, which has recently stormed into the top 10 Chinese nightclubs to work in. Here, she unveils her secrets of managing an international team effectively.
Congratulations on Empire Night Club’s remarkable achievement. How do you feel about it?
Iryna: Thank you. We’re over the moon about the recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Q: What are the challenges of managing an international team, and how have you navigated them?
Iryna: Working with a diverse team brings the challenge of language barriers, cultural
differences, and varying work practices. At Empire, we address these through open communication, cultural sensitivity training, and flexibility. We’ve created an environment where differences are valued, and everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
Q: How do you think understanding cultural differences contributes to Empire’s productive atmosphere?
Iryna: It’s essential. When we understand and respect cultural differences, everyone in the workplace will hopefully feel included and valued. The idea is to enhance job satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. I greatly appreciate that our operations now have diverse perspectives, which, in turn, helps us offer a more global experience to our clients.
Q: What steps have you taken to make Empire a culturally inclusive workplace?
Iryna: We’ve incorporated diversity and inclusion into our core values. We organize regular team-building activities that promote cross-cultural understanding and bonding. We also provide language support and intercultural competence training to all employees. Most of all, we foster an open-door policy, ensuring that all team members feel heard and appreciated.
Q: You’re competing with clubs like Mix Club and Bar Rouge. How do you ensure Empire stands out?
Iryna: Aside from offering a superior experience to our clients, our international team is a significant differentiator. Our staff’s diversity helps us understand and cater to an international clientele, which is definitely our edge. We are also committed to innovative practices and regularly host unusual DJs. We want our sound to be as diverse as our team!
Q: How important is customer service in your strategy?
Iryna: It’s the heart and soul of everything we do. Our team understands that we are not just in the nightclub business – we are here to create memorable experiences for everyone stepping through our doors. Every interaction matters, and every staff member, from the doorman to the bar staff, contributes to the customer’s experience.
Q: Do you think Empire’s approach to managing international employees could be a blueprint for other Chinese businesses?
Iryna: Absolutely. The world is becoming increasingly globalized. For businesses to thrive, understanding how to manage and leverage a diverse workforce is crucial. I can say that our success at Empire is evidence of this.
Q: What advice would you give to other businesses managing international teams?
Iryna: Embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and foster an open, respectful environment. Invest in cultural and language training. Most importantly, listen to your team – their insights can open your eyes to new ideas and opportunities.
Q: How do you see Empire Night Club’s future?
Iryna: I see us continuing to grow and innovate. We will stay committed to our inclusive culture and superior customer service. We aim to remain a top choice for both clients and employees alike, and hopefully set new standards in the industry.
Empire Makes the China Nightlife Even More Vibrant
In a country already rich in culture, effective international team management and cultural sensitivity become paramount in ensuring business success. As Empire Night Club dances its way to the top, its philosophy of embracing diversity and fostering inclusion could indeed become the new gold standard for businesses far beyond the nightclub scene, but until then, Empire is set to make Yiwu, China, the ultimate nightlife destination.
