Leadership in the hospitality and PropTech industries requires a mix of customer service skills and the ability to empower teams while adapting to change and encouraging innovation. In hospitality, good leaders motivate their teams to uphold high standards and adopt sustainable practices. In the PropTech sector, leaders focus on building trust and staying ahead of industry trends through thought leadership and technological expertise. Both industries need leaders who can handle complexities, inspire others, and maintain a clear vision that aligns with the goal of improving brand reputation and service excellence.
Antony Goddard, the Chief Operating Officer of Okkami Inc., is a notable leader who embraced the opportunity to lead the company because he recognized its potential to transform the hospitality and PropTech industries. He was attracted to Okkami’s vision of connecting guests and businesses through innovative technology.
“In a world where digital transformation is redefining guest experiences, I knew Okkami had the ability to lead that evolution,” says Antony.
Making Hotel Stays Effortless and Enjoyable
Okkami is a global leader in guest engagement and PropTech solutions, changing the way hotels and hospitality brands connect with their guests. The platform is created to improve the guest experience by offering smooth digital interactions, which include mobile check-ins, keyless room entry, smart room controls, in-room dining, and automated communication with guests.
At its core, Okkami connects hospitality and technology, allowing hotels, resorts, and serviced residences to provide a fully integrated, contactless, and personalized experience. With the help of IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity, AI-driven automation, and real-time data insights, Okkami helps properties streamline their operations, increase revenue, and enhance guest satisfaction.
The company collaborates with some of the most prestigious hospitality brands in the world, assisting them in meeting changing guest expectations while improving their operational efficiency. Okkami’s goal is straightforward: to redefine modern hospitality by making every guest interaction effortless, personalized, and memorable.
Products and Services the Company Offers
- Guest Engagement Solutions: Mobile-first platform for contactless check-in, digital room keys, mobile concierge, and instant messaging via WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, and SMS.
- IoT and Smart Room Integrations: Automation for lighting, temperature, curtains, and entertainment—controlled by guests’ smartphones or tablets.
- Digital Commerce and Ordering: Mobile ordering for food and beverages, in-room dining, spa reservations, and upselling hotel services to boost revenue and efficiency.
- Loyalty and CRM Integration: Connects with major CRM and loyalty programs to gather guest preferences and personalize interactions.
- AI-Powered Automation: Uses AI chatbots and automation tools for improved guest communication and service requests, reducing staff workload.
- Seamless PMS and Third-Party Integrations: Integrates with over 75 property management systems and third-party applications for a unified digital experience.
Okkami specializes in innovative guest engagement and PropTech solutions for the hospitality and real estate industries. The platform connects seamlessly with major hotel and property management systems to provide a fully digital guest experience.
Its core offerings include a mobile-first platform for guest engagement, allowing contactless check-in, digital room keys, mobile concierge services, and instant messaging through popular apps like WhatsApp and Line. Okkami also features smart room automation, enabling guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment from their smartphones or tablets, enhancing their stay.
In addition, the platform facilitates mobile ordering for food and beverages, spa reservations, and upselling hotel services, which helps increase revenue and improve operational efficiency. Okkami integrates with key customer relationship management (CRM) systems, personalizing guest interactions based on their preferences.
With AI-driven automation tools, the company enhances communication and service requests while reducing the staff’s workload. By connecting with over 75 property management systems, Okkami creates a unified digital ecosystem, aiming to revolutionize guest engagement and deliver memorable experiences across various hospitality settings.
Overcoming Challenges
When Okkami launched, it initially faced several challenges in scaling the business, refining its value proposition, and promoting global adoption. One significant hurdle was educating the hospitality industry, which was still adjusting to digital transformation. Many hotels were reluctant to adopt mobile-first engagement and smart room integrations. To address this, Okkami provided case studies and pilot programs that showcased the benefits of its technology.
Another challenge was ensuring seamless integration with existing property management systems (PMS) and third-party applications. Okkami developed a flexible platform that integrates with several PMS providers, making it a plug-and-play solution without requiring major system changes.
As the company sought global expansion, it needed to build a high-performance team with industry expertise. Okkami focused on attracting top talent and providing a culture of innovation. Additionally, to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, the company adopted an agile development approach, continually refining its platform based on customer feedback.
Finally, Okkami demonstrated the return on investment (ROI) to clients through detailed analytics, illustrating how its solutions enhance guest engagement and operational efficiency. These efforts positioned Okkami as a trusted leader in hospitality technology.
Balancing Innovation and Stability
Okkami is committed to improving guest engagement and advancing PropTech while balancing innovation with stability and profitability. It adopts a careful strategy that embraces calculated risks to ensure sustainable growth.
The approach is built on three main principles. First, it prioritizes data-driven decision-making. This means that every new idea is backed by thorough market research, industry trends, and insights from customers. By using analytics and real-time feedback, Okkami ensures that its solutions address actual needs and align with business goals.
The company also practices controlled experimentation. This allows teams to test and validate new concepts through pilot programs before rolling them out fully. This method helps reduce risks while keeping the company competitive in the market.
Lastly, Okkami focuses on operational efficiency. While it invests in cutting-edge technology and new initiatives, it also maintains strict financial discipline and scalability. This approach optimizes resource allocation, ensuring that innovation drives revenue growth without sacrificing stability.
Driving Digital Change in Hospitality Post-COVID
The growth of Okkami was significantly triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed contactless technology from a convenience into a necessity. Before the pandemic, digital guest engagement solutions were viewed as added benefits, but as health and safety concerns rose, the demand for contactless check-in, mobile key access, and digital communication surged.
Recognizing the urgent need for seamless, touchless experiences, Okkami’s guest engagement platform became essential for hotels and properties aiming to reassure guests and comply with new safety regulations. Several key factors contributed to the company’s growth during this time.
First, Okkami rapidly deployed contactless solutions, collaborating with hotels worldwide to implement mobile check-in and digital key access for a hygienic guest experience. Second, the company strengthened its integrations with leading property management systems, smart room controls, and digital payment gateways, allowing hotels to transition to fully digital operations without significant overhauls.
Furthermore, the pandemic shifted consumer expectations, with travelers increasingly favoring digital-first experiences. This long-term change solidified Okkami’s relevance. Strategic partnerships and global expansion further positioned Okkami as a leader in guest engagement and PropTech, driving digital transformation in the hospitality industry.
Three Key Principles to Drive Product Development
To advance Okkami’s products and services, the company relies on a blend of market-driven innovation, customer feedback, and strategic foresight. As a prominent player in PropTech, Okkami consistently evaluates how emerging technologies can improve guest engagement and operational efficiency.
Its approach is based on three key principles:
- Customer-centric innovation involves actively listening to clients—hoteliers, property managers, and guests—to understand their changing needs. Feedback loops, user analytics, and direct conversations help identify challenges and opportunities.
- By staying informed about industry and technology trends, Okkami monitors developments in AI-driven automation, IoT, and omnichannel experiences. This proactive stance enables it to introduce solutions that address current demands while anticipating future challenges.
- Okkami emphasizes scalability and seamless integrations. It focuses on creating adaptable solutions that work with existing property management systems and smart room technologies, allowing businesses to enhance operations without major overhauls.
Before launching new features, Okkami conducts pilot programs to measure impact and refine offerings based on real-world data. This ensures that each innovation aligns with its mission to enhance guest engagement and operational efficiency, ultimately driving the industry forward.
Enhancing Guest Experiences
Okkami recently achieved success with the launch of the Dusit Hotels & Resorts Loyalty Program, which integrated a seamless digital experience for guests. This project involved creating a fully integrated loyalty platform that allows Dusit guests to easily earn and redeem points across their properties. By utilizing Okkami’s advanced technology, guests can access loyalty benefits, personalized offers, and exclusive rewards through Dusit’s digital ecosystem.
Several key factors contributed to the success of this launch. First, there was seamless integration with Dusit’s existing property management systems, customer relationship management tools, and booking systems, ensuring a smooth experience for both guests and hotel staff.
Second, the program featured a user-centric design with a mobile-first approach, making it easy for guests to track rewards and communicate with Dusit properties through their preferred channels. Additionally, data-driven personalization enabled Dusit to offer customized promotions based on guest preferences, boosting engagement and repeat visits.
The platform was also designed for scalability, supporting Dusit’s global operations without disruption. The collaborative execution between Okkami and Dusit’s team facilitated smooth implementation. This loyalty program enhanced guest satisfaction, increased engagement, and reinforced brand loyalty, showcasing Okkami’s ability to deliver impactful digital hospitality solutions.
The Approach to Talent Growth
Identifying and developing talent is essential for Okkami’s success, as the strength of the company lies in its people. Antony Goddard emphasizes the importance of recognizing potential beyond technical skills, focusing on adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for innovation.
In the fast-paced PropTech industry, having a team that adapts to change and drives it is crucial.
To develop talent, Okkami employs a combination of structured training, hands-on experience, and mentorship. The organization provides access to advanced tools, promotes cross-functional collaboration, and encourages employees to take ownership of their projects. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and accountability.
Mentorship is a vital component of this development process. Antony Goddard advocates for an accessible and supportive leadership style, where experienced team members guide and inspire others. He personally engages with mentors and introduces industry leaders to key employees, helping them enhance their strategic thinking and leadership skills. By creating an environment that values knowledge-sharing, Okkami ensures its employees are continuously learning and evolving, preparing them for greater responsibilities within the organization. Ultimately, the goal is to build a high-performance team ready to lead the future of guest engagement and PropTech.
Enhancing Hospitality Through Technology
Okkami’s technology delivers a seamless and personalized experience for guests while improving operations for hospitality and real estate businesses. It integrates property management systems, IoT devices, and communication tools to enhance every part of a guest’s journey.
Key Features:
- Contactless Check-In & Mobile Key Access: Guests can check in via their mobile devices, bypassing the front desk and eliminating wait times, all while ensuring security.
- Smart Room Controls: Guests can adjust lighting, temperature, and entertainment using their smartphones or in-room tablets, providing a tailored stay.
- Instant Communication: The platform uses preferred messaging apps, with AI chatbots offering quick responses to common questions, boosting efficiency.
- Mobile Ordering & Service Requests: Guests can easily order food, request housekeeping, and book spa treatments through their devices, simplifying service requests.
- Personalized Experiences: Integration with CRM and loyalty programs allows properties to recognize returning guests and offer tailored promotions based on preferences.
- Multilingual Support: The platform accommodates international travelers with multiple language options.
Leadership Philosophy
Antony Goddard’s leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment, adaptability, and innovation. He believes that a company’s success relies on its people, so he focuses on creating an environment where every team member feels valued, inspired, and equipped to excel.
To reflect this philosophy at Okkami, Antony prioritizes clear communication, collaboration, and accountability. He encourages open discussions at all levels, fostering a culture where ideas are shared freely. This approach ensures that every team member understands how their contributions align with the company’s vision. By maintaining transparency in decision-making and setting clear expectations, Antony Goddard keeps the team motivated and aligned.
Antony Goddard also emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and embracing technological advancements. He instills a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging his team to challenge the status quo and push boundaries in enhancing guest engagement solutions and optimizing property technology.
Leading by example, Antony adopts a hands-on approach while trusting his team to take ownership of their roles. He fosters a results-driven culture where performance is recognized and celebrated. At Okkami, his leadership philosophy is shaping the future of PropTech and redefining guest engagement in the hospitality industry.
5 Key Takeaways from Antony Goddard’s Inspiring Journey with Okkami
- Okkami is transforming hotel stays with technology. The company is making it easier for guests to check in, control their rooms, and order services using their smartphones. This means less waiting and a more personalized experience.
- Antony Goddard believes in innovation and empowering his team. He focuses on creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and can share their ideas. He also encourages continuous learning and staying ahead of new technology trends.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of Okkami’s technology. The need for contactless solutions, like mobile check-in and digital room keys, became essential for hotels to keep guests safe and comfortable.
- Okkami focuses on seamless integration and customer feedback. The company makes sure its technology works well with existing hotel systems, and it listens to what its customers want so it can keep improving its products.
- Okkami is committed to balancing innovation with stability. It uses data to make smart decisions, tests new ideas carefully, and maintains financial discipline to ensure long-term growth and success.
