Name: Ankita K.
Position: Manager – Specialty Services
Location: Customer Engagement Center in Gurgaon, India
Dream destination: I have been wanting to visit South Korea for a long time. They have bustling cities to serene country sides. It has a rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. I have watched so many K-Dramas, and I really want to try their street food like kimbap, bibimbap, and corndogs.
Drink or treat of choice: I cannot imagine starting my day without Chai (Indian tea). I think I run on tea.

Upon Ankita’s very first job in hospitality, she quickly realized her passion for creating unparalleled guest experiences. From her first role on (legacy) Starwood’s guest experience team, Ankita’s molded her passion into a blossoming career.

“One fine day, I got the opportunity to join Ambassador Services and redefine the member experience for Ambassador Elite Marriott Bonvoy members,” Ankita recalls. “When I joined, I never thought that I would be staying with Marriott for so long, and this February, I celebrated my 10th work anniversary.”

Ankita first joined Marriott as a Reservations Sales Associate and has since evolved into the Manager – Specialty Services role in India’s Gurgaon Customer Engagement Center, where she develops teams and training to help continue to build loyalty for Marriott Bonvoy.

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“I work toward fostering a culture of continuous development, identifying training needs and providing guidance wherever necessary,” says Ankita. “I have had my own fair share of challenges, but my team and I faced them head-on, igniting growth and achievement for everyone.”

Ankita’s pursuit of excellence has led to several career milestones, including receipt of the Ambassador of the Year award in 2016, as well as a nomination for the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence.

“I still remember the moments when these were announced, and I felt proud that I was able to contribute to the organization’s success.”

A leader dedicated to the growth and development of others, Ankita joined both the Young Professionals Associate Resource Group and the Women’s Associate Resource Group at Marriott— and for the ladder, Ankita is an active member of the ARG’s communications committee.

“The Associate Resource Group offers a global platform, igniting my curiosity to connect with women from diverse regions, hear their stories, and share them with my colleagues,” says Ankita. “I plan to expand our impact by promoting our initiatives that bring women together, providing support and networking opportunities. I also aim to collaborate closely with other team members and departments to amplify our efforts to integrate our diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Ankita’s penchant for connection and associate development has made her a valuable member of her team and a leader within the ARGs.

“Participating in the events organized by the Associate Resource Groups has enhanced my belongingness with the organization and my connection with the members,” she says. “It underscores the power of collective action and purpose-driven collaboration. These experiences reaffirm the impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal, inspiring positive change within our organization and beyond.

Read more about Ankita’s career and inspired connections:

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?

Everyone at Marriott lives by the core values of the organization, and I have seen many associates exemplifying them during their day-to-day lives. As an associate, I have enjoyed every day working for Marriott because I have support whenever I need it. The best part about working with Marriott is that everyone tries to understand you and guide you when facing challenges and celebrate you for even little accomplishments. With the open-door policy, you can reach out to anyone for guidance.

What is your favorite part of the job?

For me, coming to work is the highlight of my day and favorite part of my job. I strive to learn and develop myself. Connecting with associates and fellow managers gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day. I think these engaging conversations have allowed me to create so many success stories for myself and my team. Also, helping associates to enhance their knowledge and guiding them on how to deliver their best at work gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What does a good day at work look like for you?

A good day at work for me is when I can make an impact, whether it’s by assisting an associate with a query, actively contributing to a discussion, or sharing an idea to simplify the lives of my associates. It is all about being helpful and influencing the people around me, positively.

Do you have any tips for candidates who want a role like yours?

Interviews at Marriott are structured, ensuring candidates feel comfortable as we ask pertinent questions. For roles like mine, candidates should be ready to discuss their experiences, achievements, and lessons learned. It is important to have the courage to share failures along with success stories of overcoming them. Additionally, sharing how they can contribute to developing associates and growing the business is essential to understand their vision for the team.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

Marriott’s culture is rooted in its core values, which are simple, yet impactful. These core values make the culture strong and encourage everyone to give their best, work with integrity, respect everyone, embrace change, and, most importantly, give back to the community.

How do you think the Women’s Associate Resource Group (ARG) has contributed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace?

The Associate Resource Group has made workplaces more inclusive and diverse by creating a supportive environment for women to connect and uplift each other. Through networking and support, women feel empowered to voice their perspectives and ideas, leading to a more diverse range of voices being heard. Additionally, ARG events foster understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds and experiences, further promoting inclusivity. Overall, the ARG plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and promoting better workplace, regardless of gender.

How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?

I am a foodie and I love staying at hotels. Marriott’s Explore Rate has allowed me to explore new restaurants and destinations. I once booked a stay with my mother and brother, and they really enjoyed their time. They loved the upgrade, the surprise, and the food, of course.

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