Name: Azusa Nonaka
Position: Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Dream destination: Vancouver, Canada. A personal setback led me to study English there, an experience that transformed my life and shaped my path. I hope to return at a meaningful milestone.
Drink or treat of choice: A warm cup of tea or herbal tea, paired with a slice of strawberry shortcake or dessert made with Japan’s seasonal fresh fruits.

Success and failure are two sides of the same coin—both shaped by challenges. For Azusa Nonaka, every obstacle has been a catalyst for growth. Her 17-year journey with Marriott is a testament to resilience, strategic choices, and continuous learning. Along the way, she has been uplifted by mentors, leaders, and teams who empowered her with trust and guidance.

Now, as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel in Japan, Azusa leads a dynamic team across Sales, Reservations, Banquet Sales, Bridal, and PR & Marketing. But her impact extends beyond business success—she is deeply committed to mentoring and cultivating the next generation of hospitality professionals, especially women striving to advance their careers.

Here, she shares insights from her journey, key lessons learned, and the mindset shifts that helped her grow.

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Tell us about your Marriott career journey.

My journey with Marriott International began in 2008 at The Westin Osaka, where I joined the Sales team as a fresh graduate. Over the years, I have remained dedicated to Sales & Marketing, gaining invaluable experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka and The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo for nearly a decade. In 2020, I stepped into a leadership role as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

My day starts at 9am with a morning briefing, where I align with my team on key projects, shared goals, and guest engagements. The rest of my schedule is filled with guest meetings, internal discussions, and business strategy planning until around 6 PM. Throughout the day, I prioritize communication with my team, ensuring that everyone feels supported. Occasionally, I travel domestically and internationally for trade shows and business meetings.

What are some challenges you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

When I first stepped into Sales & Marketing, the landscape was vastly different from what it is today. Starting in Sales straight out of university was uncommon, and my inexperience only fueled skepticism. Some travel agents doubted my ability—not just because I was new, but also there were few women in the field. Rather than letting these obstacles define me, I focused on what I could control: honing my communication, deepening my expertise, and building trust. I actively sought mentorship, refined my skills, and expanded my industry knowledge. Instead of simply selling hotel products and services, I positioned myself as a trusted advisor, delivering guest-centric solutions that truly added value.

Through persistence, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment, I was able to shift perceptions. Success isn’t about waiting for others to change their mindset—it’s about leading with confidence, resilience, and authenticity. Today, as more women continue to join Sales & Marketing, I hope my journey serves as a reminder that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to redefine expectations.

How have you been supported you in your development?

Over the years, the company has provided me with endless opportunities for growth. While I’ve remained in the same discipline, I’ve had the chance to work across different brands, markets, and locations—both domestically and internationally. The ability to adapt and evolve in diverse environments has shaped my career in invaluable ways.

Describe a moment you felt like a part of a community at Marriott.

One of the most powerful experiences was attending international trade shows, where I connected with associates from different Marriott properties. Despite our varied roles and locations, there was a genuine sense of belonging, support, and camaraderie. We celebrate each other’s successes as if they were our own, and that sense of community is something truly special about Marriott.

What keeps you motivated?

At the core of everything, I love this industry. My greatest motivation is having the opportunity to create memorable and exclusive experiences for guests, making their stays truly special. I also deeply value the relationships I cultivate with my team, peers and stakeholders, and strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Ultimately, I want as many people as possible to discover and enjoy what our hotel has to offer, and that passion keeps me moving forward every day.

Proudest moment of your career so far?

The long-lasting relationships I’ve built with guests, colleagues, and mentors. These connections are my greatest asset and form the foundation of my career. No matter where I work, they remain a source of immense pride.

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

As you navigate your career, always remember that you have the power to shape your own path. Work is more than just a means of earning a living—it is a journey of growth, discovery, and impact. While not every task will be enjoyable, your mindset and actions define your experience and influence those around you.

To all the women trying to build a fulfilling and successful career, leverage your unique strengths and focus on what drives lasting growth:

1. Build Expertise and Deliver Results
Strengthen your knowledge, refine your skills, and let your work speak for itself. When you consistently deliver, your performance becomes your strongest advocates.

2. Project Confidence and Assert Yourself
Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about stepping forward with clarity and conviction. Speak up. Share your insights. Your voice matters. Confidence is not knowing everything; it’s believing in yourself enough to contribute meaningfully.

3. Focus on What You Can Control
Challenges are inevitable, but your response to them is within your control. Rather than fixating on barriers, adapt your approach, refine your strategy, and stay solution focused. Influence comes from resilience and the ability to navigate obstacles with purpose.

4. Mentor and Empower Future Leaders
True success is not just personal—it is collective. As you rise, lift others with you. Offer mentorship, share experiences, and create opportunities for the next generation. The impact you make today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Success isn’t about waiting for others to change their mindset — it’s about leading with confidence, resilience, and authenticity. By embracing our unique strengths and approaching every challenge with curiosity and humility, women can pave the way for lasting growth and meaningful impact.  

aZUSA NONAKA

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