Director of Sales and Marketing at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Q: Tell us about how you started your career in hospitality.
A: Hospitality wasn’t really my choice at first. My first job was as a flight attendant, which allowed me to experience the true meaning of hospitality and led to my career in the hotel industry.
Q: You’ve been working for hospitality’s biggest names. Is there any secret to keeping up the good work and your reputation?
A: Integrity, staying positive and, of course, loving what you do.
Q: Following the previous question, what do you think is the most important thing that all brands value the most?
A: The commitment to serve not only guests but also your colleagues and the community around your business. This is a 360-degree full practice that is believed and implemented by most hotel brands.
Q: What was it like when you first joined Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, and how have you liked it so far?
A: This is actually my second time with Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, and it is safe to say that I am a forever fan. My first time working for the hotel was back in the 90s, in the F&B department as guest relations for Zigolinis Italian Restaurant. Now I am spearheading the sales and marketing department. Not much has changed in the sense of culture, of course, as well as the quality service that we deliver.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
A: I would say, opening a hotel. I had the chance to be involved in the opening stages of a five-star hotel in Bali.
Q: What’s a typical weekday for you?
A: No matter how demanding my schedule is, I always try to make time for my family by dropping my kids to school first, before heading to the office to start my day. After work, I try to catch up with my kids and my husband, as being present is very important.
Q: What is the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned working as a hotelier?
A: I have learned to embody the essence of hospitality, such as teaching my kids to be hospitable to anyone they meet, greeting people and smiling. Such small gestures can make someone’s day. Aside from that, the discipline that we practice at the hotel is reflected at home as well. There are so many lessons that I could lay out here, but the page won’t be long enough.
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
