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This Sydney Account Director Found a True Sense of Belonging When He Joined Marriott   

Marriott account director Wasif W. shares his story
Courtesy of Wasif W.

Name: Wasif W.
Position: Account Director
Hotel: Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel, Autograph Collection 
Dream destination: I want to travel the world, but my favorite destination is Italy!  
Drink or treat of choice: Tequila

Since Wasif first joined Marriott as a Business Development Manager at a Courtyard by Marriott in Sydney three years ago, he made it very clear that he wanted to do more outside of his role.  

Something that was and is very close to his heart is supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, so when the opportunity to open a new chapter of Marriott’s LGBTQIA+ Associate Resource Group, ONE, came about, he jumped right in.  

“I love the culture [at Marriott] and especially the diversity and equality within the workforce,” he says.   

Today, Wasif works as Account Director at the Pier One Sydney Harbor Hotel, Autograph Collection, where he feels he can proudly be himself and share his day with “some amazing peers and a wonderful team.”  

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One of his favorite aspects of working at Marriott is the strong networking culture and everyone’s willingness to help each other, but keep reading to learn more about what has made his Marriott journey “nothing but amazing.”   

What does it mean to you to be a Marriott associate?

Being a Marriott associate means that you can be yourself, build a strong network with your peers and grow your career as there are unlimited opportunities within the company.

Describe a moment you felt supported at Marriott.  

I have always been supported whether it’s work-related or personal. I have felt supported by my manager, my team and my hotel’s General Manager.  Marriott International is a great organization to work for because it celebrates inclusivity, and you can be yourself. I come to work each day as a proud gay man where I know that I am not judged.  I have also built some great relationships across our network around the world through ONE. The bond I have with my colleagues is very supportive, trustworthy, and I truly feel that I belong here.

Marriott account director Wasif W. shares his story
Courtesy of Wasif W.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?  

Professional, great leadership, belonging, trust, and inclusivity.  

What is your favorite part of working at Marriott?

Connection and networking with peers and clients, learning and development [opportunities], hotel benefits and progression. 

Could you describe a moment when you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?  

From day one I felt that I belonged, and I felt supported all the way through. Marriott gave me the opportunity to be part of ONE, a community network to support our LGBTQIA+ associates. As a gay man I struggled to come out to my family, however the support I received from my peers and other work colleagues helped me to be myself at work—and in my personal life too— and with ONE I can now share the same passion and support with other associates. We are expanding our ONE network in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island regions where every hotel and state has a representative led by some great key leaders. 

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?  

My promotion and career growth.  

Any advice for incoming Marriott associates?

Bring your best self to work, respect the culture and always do the right thing.    

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