We had the privilege of sitting down with Judy Ong, the Senior Director of Sales & Marketing of Angsana Velavaru, as part of our International Women’s Day interview series. Judy is a dynamic leader in the hospitality industry, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering women in the workplace.

In this exclusive interview, Judy shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable advice for women looking to make their mark in the world of business.

Can you share with us your journey within Angsana Velavaru leading up to this role?

I joined the Banyan Group in 2010 as a member of the Sales & Marketing Team, primarily handling the Asian market for our Maldives resorts. Based in the Singapore HQ office, I collaborate closely with the brand and distribution team to enhance the visibility of our resorts. We believe in maintaining a balanced mix of guests from various nationalities. Therefore, we consistently have a presence in key source markets for the Maldives. I have gained extensive exposure by working with our Global Sales Offices, meeting them at tradeshows, roadshows, and sales events. This allows me to stay abreast of competition and market conditions.

Are there any women in the hospitality or marketing industry who have inspired or influenced your career journey?

Our Co-founder and Senior Vice President, Global Head of Learning and Talent Development, Chairperson of China Business Development at Banyan Tree Holdings, and Chairperson of Banyan Tree Global Foundation, Madame Claire Chiang, has been a great inspiration during my time with the Banyan Group. She always emphasises that women achieving work-life balance exhibit tremendous determination and may need to make sacrifices for their families. Maintaining a dynamic and strong mindset is crucial for success in all our endeavours. Since the pandemic, we have learned to enhance remote communication by staying virtually connected with friends, family, and working partners across the globe.

In your opinion, what are the key factors contributing to a successful sales and marketing team?

Teamwork is the most crucial factor contributing to the success of a Sales and Marketing Team. Every team member plays an integral role in achieving monthly targets and objectives. Trust within the team is paramount, and as a team leader, identifying opportunities for learning new skills is vital for building a strong team. Each team member is required to attend at least five hours of training per month to upgrade their skills. Implementing a buddy system is an effective way to enhance bonding within the team, and ensure that juniors learn from their seniors in their daily job scope.

What steps do you believe are necessary to further advance gender equality within the hospitality sector, particularly in leadership positions?

Companies in the hospitality industry should provide equal opportunities for individuals of all genders across various job levels. All employees should consistently enhance their job skills through regular training sessions. In the workplace, companies can establish a well-balanced gender mix within teams to leverage the strengths and address the weaknesses of both genders.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and do you have any advice for other women striving to achieve the same?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance necessitates efficient time management. Women, often juggling multiple roles in both professional and personal spheres, should dedicate time to cultivating a healthy lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise that not only benefits their well-being but also provides opportunities to connect with friends and family. A well-structured routine, with equal time allocated to work and leisure, fosters self-development, both emotionally and physically.

What excites you most about this new role, and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Angsana Velavaru?

As the market transitions to a more digitally savvy environment post-COVID, the resort must enhance its positioning in online distribution channels, necessitating a heightened focus on Digital Marketing. I completed a one-year course during Covid, earning an Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing. In my role as Senior Director of Sales & Marketing for Angsana Velavaru, I now have more time to concentrate on achieving the resort’s overall revenue goals, applying these newly acquired skills.