One of the proudest moments for Glenda Laisave was becoming a Team Leader at just 22 years old.

Ms Laisave has been the Food & Beverage Venues Manager at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay for just over a year.

She has worked at Wyndham Resort Fiji and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, gaining over 11 years of experience in the tourism industry.

That experience taught her that leadership isn’t just about age or years of experience it’s about work ethic, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

Now, when she looks at her team of 54 associates, many of them fresh out of school.

“I always encourage them to aim high. I tell them that there are no age restrictions on growth. If you work hard, you can achieve anything, whether that’s a leadership position at 20 or becoming a CEO at 23,” she said.

Support

Another key influence in her journey has been her husband.

“I’m incredibly grateful that he doesn’t hold a traditional mindset that limits women’s roles,” said Ms Laisave.

Having a supportive partner, especially as a mother of two girls and someone working in the tourism industry; makes all the difference.

“It allows me to pursue my career with confidence, knowing I have someone who believes in me.”

Her journey in the food and beverage industry began in Australia, where she worked part-time at a restaurant while attending school.

“I would hear comments like, “Islanders are just naturally friendly;” which, while an unconscious bias, made me realise how much I enjoyed the hospitality.”

Moving back to Fiji

When she moved back to Fiji, she decided to work in a hotel and applied at Hilton Fiji Resort, where she was hired within three weeks.

“That’s where my career in hospitality took off. My biggest inspiration has been my mother. She is a single parent and has built her career in hotel management. Seeing her strength and perseverance, especially as a woman in leadership, motivated me to follow in her footsteps,” she added.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges she faced was being underestimated, whether due to her age, stature or simply because she was a woman.

She recounted a situation at a previous property where a guest had an issue and requested to see the manager.

When she introduced herself, their immediate reaction was disbelief: “Oh, but you’re young.”

They looked at her up and down, clearly sceptical of her ability to handle the situation.

“This wasn’t the first time I encountered such assumptions, and instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as motivation. “I was determined to prove not just to them but to myself that I was more than capable,” she said.

Advice

Over time, she has come to realise that confidence and competence speak louder than appearances.

“I’ve also noticed how much the industry has evolved; where once only men were vocal in meetings, now women are just as opinionated and assertive. That shift is empowering.”

The best advice she can give others is to be kind to the mind.

Women, including myself, tend to overthink and be too hard on themselves, especially when facing setbacks. The world can be challenging, so you need to be on your side. Learn from your experiences, but don’t let failure define you. There’s always another opportunity.”

IWD

For her, International Women’s Day is a time of reflection and remembrance, an opportunity to acknowledge how far women have come in breaking barriers.

“When I think back to my mother’s and grandmother’s generations, the progress we’ve made is remarkable.”

“There was a time when men predominantly held leadership roles, but today; especially in the Food & Beverage industry; we see more women stepping into management positions.”

“For me, this day is about celebrating those achievements and continuing to push for progress,” she said.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj