Name: Angela S.
Position: Director, Learning Delivery & Pre-Openings, APEC
Location: Singapore
Drink or treat of choice: A lamington in Australia. Soft sponge cake, chocolate, coconut and instant comfort.

Angela didn’t set out to build a perfectly mapped career. She said yes to opportunities that stretched her, trusted her instincts when life changed, and kept choosing growth, even when it meant starting over.

Over nearly two decades with Marriott, her path has taken her from university in Australia to leadership roles across Fiji, Singapore, and Malaysia. She became a General Manager in 2020 and led her team through the uncertainty of the pandemic. After leaving the company to focus on her personal life, in 2024 she rejoined Marriott in the Learning and Development team, bringing her experience full circle by helping others grow through change.

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Today, Angela’s story is less about titles and more about courage, curiosity, and redefining success on your own terms.

What is something that has impacted you the most in your Marriott journey?

Living and working across different countries has shaped how I see the world more than any single destination. It taught me that there is rarely one right way to do things, only different perspectives shaped by culture and experience. That understanding continues to guide how I lead, listen and connect with others.

A before and after moment in your career?

One defining moment came when I was asked to take on Weddings Sales and Operations in Fiji alongside my Revenue role, despite having no experience in that space. The department needed structure, direction and a turnaround, and I quickly realized I did not need to have all the answers to lead effectively.

That experience changed how I saw myself. I learned that I could step into the unknown, learn fast and build something meaningful with the right mindset and support. It gave me the confidence to move into operations leadership, become a General Manager and eventually transitioning into Learning and Development.

Who supported you in that moment?

I was supported by a strong Executive Committee team and a leader who trusted me before I fully trusted myself. That belief gave me the confidence to experiment, learn quickly and grow, knowing I was not doing it alone.

How did it shape the way you lead today?

It taught me that growth does not require perfect conditions. It starts with mindset. Leading through uncertainty showed me the importance of clarity, trust and simplicity.

Today, I bring that same approach to my Learning Delivery team by staying close to business needs, supporting people through change and creating space for growth, connection and confidence.

What did it teach you about your own potential?

It taught me that I can do hard things. Stepping outside my comfort zone and succeeding showed me that potential is not limited by experience, but shaped by curiosity, resilience and willingness to learn.

What are you most proud of becoming so far?

While I am grateful for the leadership roles I have held, what I am most proud of becoming is a working mother. Returning to work after welcoming my son has been one of the most humbling and meaningful transitions of my life. I am learning to balance priorities, show up with intention and lead with even more empathy. It is a journey I embrace fully and one I hope will inspire him as he grows.

What advice would you offer to other women looking to accelerate in their careers?

Do not feel pressured to follow a linear path. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes to opportunities that feel unfamiliar.

Stay curious, build transferable skills and seek leaders who challenge and support you. Your career is shaped not by one role or title, but by your willingness to learn, stretch and grow.

This year’s IWD theme is Give to Gain. What will you commit to giving in 2026?

In 2026, I am committing to giving more time to coaching. As we move into Peak Performance, I want to invest deeply in building confidence, capability and long-term growth, because when our people grow, everything grows with them.

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