As the world is focusing on championing female success ahead of International Women’s Day, Avani Hotels & Resorts has recognised some of its most talented female leaders who manage, motivate and make vital decisions for one of Asia’s fastest growing hotel brands. By sharing their achievements, they hope to inspire and empower women in the workplace.
For Beatrice Ellis, General Manager at Avani+ Luang Prabang in Laos, success is contingent on being strong in your convictions and standing your ground in the face of challenges – personal and professional. If you believe in yourself and work hard, says Beatrice, success will follow. The hospitality veteran is refreshingly honest about not actively pursuing a career in the service industry but rather falling into it. After having a taste of hotelier life, however, she promptly fell in love with the challenging and rewarding career path that provides new opportunities to be creative every day. When choosing an employer, she is attracted to organisations that treat all employees as equals, regardless of whether they are female or male.
Over in Cambodia, Jamila Nsouli, Executive Assistant Manager at FCC Angkor by Avani, believes in investing in one’s own self and empowering others. As an active member of her community, she supports local nonprofits that provide resources to vulnerable women and prepare underprivileged Cambodian youths, particularly girls, for a career in hospitality. In Siem Reap, Jamila found professional fulfilment through her passion for creating unique experiences for guests inspired by the kindness of locals. In celebration of International Women’s Day, FCC Angkor by Avani has partnered with A21 Women of Cambodia to host a Fitness Bootcamp on 8th March to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and the trafficking of women and girls.
Another incredible female leader, Naowarat Arunkong works as Cluster General Manager at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. For Naowarat, hospitality has always been her one and true love, ever since she was a kid practising her English with any foreigner she could find. Although she relishes the challenges that come with the job, it’s seeing her people grow and take on bigger roles that she finds the most rewarding. Inspired by her hardworking mother and other strong women in her life, Khun Bee believes in staying humble and cherishing your roots, no matter how high you rise. She attributes her success in the industry’s high-pressure environment to prioritising her physical and mental health and practising mindfulness.
When asked what makes a winning team, Chidchanok Pasinpong, General Manager at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok, didn’t hesitate: diversity. Bringing together a vibrant mix of people with different backgrounds and empowering everyone equally is one of the traits that separates average teams from top performers. Chidchanok admits that hospitality requires long hours but stresses that “it’s not how many hours you put in, but what you do during those hours”. A career that challenges you, keeps you on your feet, and requires total commitment, hospitality also offers a fast track to leadership positions to those who are prepared to be flexible, try various departments, stay on top of trends and do more than required or expected of you.
Candice Selato, Hotel Manager at Avani Gaborone Hotel & Casino in Botswana, is a firm believer in nurturing success through mentorship. To all young women getting started in their chosen field, she recommends seeking out mentors who are passionate about the industry. Better still, finding an organisation where such mentorship programmes are already in place and where women who have faced adversity and managed to make it despite the challenges share their success stories. To grow personally and professionally, it’s important to listen, embrace discomfort and work hard. The reward will soon follow in the form of satisfied customers who return time and again to experience genuine hospitality.
You must be logged in to post a comment.