Name: Nuttiya N.
Position: Executive Assistant Manager, Engineering
Hotel: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
Favorite trip: Nusa Penida, in Bali.
Drink or treat of choice: A simple cup of coffee.

When Nuttiya joined Marriott as a Project Manager supporting a hotel renovation, she did not have a hotel background, and she did not expect her career to take the turn it did. When the project did not move forward, she stepped in to support the Engineering team during a period without a department head, learning as she went and quietly proving what she was capable of.

For a long time, Nuttiya saw herself as someone who worked behind the scenes, focused on keeping things running rather than stepping forward as a leader. But everything changed during a development conversation with her manager, a moment she now describes as a turning point in her career.

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“During that conversation, I was encouraged to see the bigger picture. I was reminded that my role could influence far more than daily operations,” she says. “I felt supported, believed in, and gently challenged to grow into someone who could lead people, shape culture, and contribute directly to the guest experience.”

That single conversation “broke an invisible wall,” she says. It shifted how Nuttiya saw her role and helped her step into a new version of herself, one who was aware of her potential.

Keep reading to learn more about Nuttiya’s journey into Engineering leadership, the people who supported her along the way, and how she now empowers others to grow.

Who supported you in that key moment?

My General Manager. In that conversation, he did not just give me the title of Executive Assistant Manager in Engineering, he gave me exposure and trust. He invited me to join Cluster Operations Meetings, welcome Marriott Bonvoy elite guests, and take part in resort events. He consistently placed me in situations that stretched me beyond my comfort zone.

How did it shape the way you lead today?

That experience shaped me into a leader who deeply believes in the power of opportunity and trust. Being seen and supported by someone who recognized my potential, even when I did not, changed the way I lead today.

I learned that developing people is not only about coaching or training. It is about noticing the strengths they may not see yet and helping them grow into those strengths with clarity and confidence.

How do you help empower others?

I focus on empowering my team by giving them opportunities that stretch them beyond their comfort zones, just as I was once given those opportunities. I involve them in broader responsibilities, encourage learning through real experiences, and create an environment where questions, curiosity, and learning are genuinely valued, giving people the space to grow into the best version of themselves.

“I can stand confidently in rooms where I may once have felt unsure, and still remain true to who I am.”

Nuttiya – Executive Assistant Manager, Engineering

How would you describe your leadership style?

Coming from an engineering background, I value structure, clarity, and accountability. But I have learned that strong operations only succeed when people feel respected and heard.

As a woman leading technical and operational teams, I am proud that I can be firm without being distant and calm without being cold. I can stand confidently in rooms where I may once have felt unsure, and still remain true to who I am.

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

Do not wait until you feel perfect or completely ready. Most real growth begins long before confidence shows up. Be open to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar, and trust that you can learn along the way. You never need to change who you are to lead well.

Use your strengths with intention. Being calm, thoughtful, and emotionally aware does not make you weak. It makes you steady and effective. Ask questions, stay curious, and speak up when your perspective matters. Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about being clear, consistent, and someone others can rely on.

What is your commitment for 2026?

In 2026, I commit to giving trust and opportunity, especially to those who may not yet see their own potential. I want to support future leaders, particularly women, by offering real responsibility, honest feedback, and the space they need to grow.

I believe leadership today is not about control. It is about creating results through people. When we give trust, time, and belief, we gain stronger teams, better decisions, and success that lasts. When people grow, the organization grows with them. In the end, we all gain.

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