FROM FRONT DESK TO FOREFRONT: THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY
The glamorous integrated resorts of Macau, with their opulent interiors and world-class amenities, seem worlds away from the humble beginnings of Dr. Manida Xongmixay Lau’s career. Yet it was at the Grand Hyatt Macau in the 1980s where her remarkable journey began—not as an executive, but as an intern in the PBX department while still in high school.
“My journey in hospitality began when I worked as an intern before graduating high school,” she recalls with a nostalgic smile. “Shortly after, I was hired as a front desk clerk, an experience that shifted my career aspirations from medicine to hospitality.”
This pivotal moment—choosing hospitality over medicine—would set her on a path that would eventually establish her as one of Asia’s most influential leaders in the industry. But the true foundation of her career wasn’t built in Macau; it was forged in the tropical paradise of Hawaii with HTH Corporation, a prominent hotel chain where she would spend 15 transformative years.
“The true cornerstone of my professional journey was with HTH Corporation,” she explains. “As part of my bachelor’s degree, I completed two required internships with HTH, which led to a full-time offer before graduation.”
Those 15 years proved instrumental in shaping not only her professional trajectory but her leadership philosophy as well. It was at HTH where she first witnessed the power of compassionate leadership—a concept that would become the hallmark of her own approach.
During this period, Dr. Lau wasn’t content with a single role. Her inherent curiosity and drive for growth led her to diversify her experience, working simultaneously as a life insurance agent and teaching at a small business college. This multifaceted approach to career development became a recurring theme in her professional story—never settling, always expanding, continually evolving.
In 2006, armed with 15 years of valuable experience and a well-rounded skill set, she returned to her roots in Macau, ready to make her mark on the burgeoning integrated resort landscape that was transforming the region.
“I joined the opening teams of two prestigious Integrated Resorts—Venetian Macau and City of Dreams Macau—transitioning from HR into IT and later Casino Marketing,” she shares. This period saw her extending her expertise to launching sister properties in both Macau and Manila, culminating in perhaps her greatest professional achievement to date: joining the opening team of Okada Manila in 2016.
When you consider the trajectory—from intern to leading operations at some of Asia’s most prestigious integrated resorts—the ascent is nothing short of remarkable. Yet what makes Dr. Lau’s story truly exceptional isn’t just where she went, but how she got there, and more importantly, who she lifted along the way.
THE CRUCIBLE OF CRISIS: LEADERSHIP FORGED IN ADVERSITY
Sometimes, the true nature of leadership is revealed not during times of prosperity, but in moments of profound crisis. For Dr. Lau, the devastating events of September 11, 2001, and their far-reaching impact on the travel industry became such a defining moment—a crucible that would forever shape her approach to leadership.
“I vividly recall how the hotel’s occupancy rate plummeted from 98% to 10% the day after the incident,” she recounts, the memory still fresh despite the passing years. “In response, businesses, including ours, had to make tough decisions—layoffs and significant hour reductions, which, unfortunately, also affected medical benefits.”
It was during this tumultuous period that Dr. Lau witnessed two profound examples of compassionate leadership that would leave an indelible mark on her own philosophy. The first came from HTH Corporation’s visionary founder, the late Mr. H.T. Hayashi.
“To support team members affected by reduced working hours, he launched an innovative solution: an in-house grocery store, where staff could exchange lost hours for points and redeem essential items,” she explains, a note of admiration evident in her voice. “This initiative, which lasted nearly two years, was more than just a response to crisis—it was a testament to putting people at the heart of leadership.”
The second example came from her mentor, Mrs. Linda Morgan, the Director at HTH Corporation. When faced with the harsh reality of reduced medical benefits following 9/11, Mrs. Morgan made a decision that transcended corporate policy—she personally approved an extension of medical benefits for an employee whose child was battling leukemia.
“This profound gesture of empathy has stayed with me, shaping the way I lead,” Dr. Lau reflects. “It serves as a constant reminder that while rules and policies guide us, true leadership sometimes means choosing compassion over black-and-white decisions.”
These pivotal experiences during times of unprecedented crisis crystallized what would become the cornerstone of Dr. Lau’s leadership philosophy: that genuine leadership isn’t about authority or position—it’s about empathy, support, and placing people at the center of every decision.
These lessons weren’t merely observed and filed away—they were internalized and transformed into actionable principles that guide her approach to this day.
BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING: REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES FOR WOMEN LEADERS
In an industry historically dominated by men, Dr. Lau’s rise to prominence might suggest a career defined by battles against gender bias. Yet when asked about challenges she’s faced as a woman leader, her response is refreshingly unexpected.
“In the workplace, gender has never been a factor in how I approach my responsibilities or evaluate opportunities,” she states with conviction. “I focus solely on capabilities, performance, and results.”
This statement isn’t delivered with the defensiveness of someone who has fought against discrimination, but with the measured confidence of a leader who simply refuses to acknowledge artificial limitations. For Dr. Lau, missed opportunities aren’t attributed to gender bias but viewed as chances for self-reflection and growth.
“If I ever miss an opportunity, I take it as a chance to reflect and assess my skills compared to the successful candidate, identifying areas for improvement and sharpening any shortfalls,” she explains.
When asked about advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in male-dominated industries, her response cuts straight to the heart of the matter: “First and foremost, we must reject the notion that women are limited in any area or industry. Gender should never define capability, ambition, or potential.”
Dr. Lau takes particular issue with the concept of the “glass ceiling,” viewing it not as an external barrier but as a potentially self-limiting belief. “The concept of the ‘glass ceiling’ is often perpetuated by societal narratives, but the real danger lies in allowing that myth to linger in our minds,” she cautions. “When we internalize this belief, it can unconsciously limit our performance and aspirations.”
Instead, she advocates for a mindset shift—focusing on achievements and capabilities rather than perceived limitations. This perspective has clearly served her well, enabling her to navigate diverse roles across multiple industries without allowing gender stereotypes to define her path.
Yet Dr. Lau is far from dismissive of the unique challenges women face, particularly those balancing multiple roles. “As women, many of us wear multiple hats—mother, wife, sister, partner, and professional—but it’s unrealistic and unhealthy to expect ourselves to handle everything perfectly all the time,” she acknowledges.
Her solution? Embracing delegation and support as strengths, not weaknesses. “Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness and leadership. Delegation and seeking support when necessary allow us to focus on what truly matters and excel in the roles that align with our priorities and strengths.”
This balanced approach—acknowledging challenges while refusing to be defined by them—perhaps explains how Dr. Lau has managed to thrive across such diverse environments. Rather than focusing on barriers, she has consistently channeled her energy toward excellence, growth, and lifting others along the way.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF EXCEPTIONAL TEAMS: BUILDING HUMAN FOUNDATIONS
Behind every successful leader stands a high-performing team, and Dr. Lau’s approach to building such teams reflects her people-centered leadership philosophy. When asked about critical factors for building and sustaining high-performing teams, her response reveals an architecture that places communication, transparency, and psychological safety at its foundation.
“I host a monthly coffee session with a small group from each team—intentionally held without their supervisors or managers present,” she explains. “This approach creates a safe, relaxed, and judgment-free environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, recommendations, and questions without hesitation.”
These sessions serve multiple purposes: they provide valuable insights into day-to-day challenges, foster innovation by encouraging fresh ideas, and create a platform for transparent communication about company decisions and strategic direction.
“By nurturing this culture of openness, trust, and mutual respect, these conversations strengthen connections between leadership and staff, enhance engagement, and empower team members to become active participants in shaping our collective success,” she elaborates.
Dr. Lau’s approach to succession planning is equally thoughtful, focusing on practical experience rather than theoretical training. “I have actively involved my second-in-command in addressing challenges and resolving issues, empowering her to make decisions on my behalf in my absence,” she shares. This method ensures continuity while providing invaluable development opportunities that prepare team members for future leadership roles.
When it comes to employee engagement and satisfaction, Dr. Lau emphasizes authenticity and humility. “I am not afraid to admit my mistakes or acknowledge when I don’t have all the answers,” she states. “I believe that authenticity and humility foster trust and encourage a culture where continuous learning is embraced.”
Perhaps most telling is her perspective on mentorship and professional development. “What brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment is seeing my team members achieve their goals and advance in their careers and personal lives,” she reflects. “Witnessing their growth, development, and success is more than just rewarding—it’s a testament to the supportive and empowering environment I aim to cultivate.”
This sentiment circles back to her definition of success—not measured by personal achievements or titles but by the growth and advancement of those she leads. In this way, Dr. Lau embodies a truly transformational approach to leadership, focused not on transactional outcomes but on elevating the potential and capabilities of her entire team.
INNOVATION WITHIN CONSTRAINTS: THE ART OF MAXIMIZING LIMITED RESOURCES
In an ideal world, leaders would have unlimited resources to drive transformation and innovation. The reality, however, is often quite different. Throughout her career, Dr. Lau has mastered the art of achieving extraordinary results despite limited resources—a skill she considers central to her leadership approach.
“Maximizing limited resources has been the cornerstone strategy throughout my career,” she explains. “Budget cuts and resource constraints are challenges every business leader encounters, but I believe the key lies not in focusing on limitations but in thinking beyond them.”
Rather than allowing budget constraints to restrict her vision, Dr. Lau concentrates on expanding outcomes and maximizing efficiency with available resources. This approach demands creativity, innovative thinking, and effective prioritization—skills she has honed over decades of leadership experience.
“I focus on streamlining processes, leveraging existing assets, and empowering teams to work smarter, not just harder,” she shares. “By identifying untapped potential within the organization—be it through cross-functional collaboration, technology adoption, or skill optimization—I aim to deliver results that exceed expectations despite resource limitations.”
This resourcefulness extends to her approach to innovation and change management. Dr. Lau recognizes that while innovation is essential for growth and competitiveness, it must be balanced with stability and operational consistency.
“Sustainable growth comes from integrating innovative solutions that align with the organization’s long-term strategy without compromising the core values, processes, and structures that ensure operational stability,” she notes. “This balance ensures that as we evolve, we maintain the reliability and consistency that our stakeholders rely on.”
Her approach to large-scale change initiatives reflects this balanced perspective. Dr. Lau emphasizes the importance of a centralized committee of decision-makers to ensure unified direction and effective coordination. Once the overarching framework is established, clear communication becomes paramount.
“Without proper communication, assumptions and misinformation can spread across the organization, resulting in confusion, unnecessary speculation, lowered morale, and reduced productivity,” she cautions.
Ultimately, Dr. Lau believes that trust forms the foundation of successful change initiatives. “Employees are more likely to embrace changes when they trust leadership and believe that decisions are made in the best interest of both the company and its people,” she explains.
This approach to innovation and change management—balancing bold vision with practical execution, embracing creativity within constraints, and maintaining trust throughout transitions—has enabled Dr. Lau to drive significant transformation throughout her career, often with limited resources at her disposal.
THE WHOLE PERSON LEADER: NURTURING BALANCE AND RESILIENCE
Behind the accomplished professional is a whole person with practices and principles that sustain her leadership journey. For Dr. Lau, maintaining personal wellbeing isn’t just a private matter—it’s an essential component of effective leadership.
“I maintain my personal wellbeing through a combination of meditation, regular exercise, short trips, and continuously seeking out interesting classes to learn new things,” she shares. “These activities help me recharge, stay focused, and nurture both my mental and physical health.”
Her daily habits reflect this holistic approach to wellbeing. “My daily habits include meditation, listening to music, and exercising. These activities play a crucial role in soothing my mood and alleviating stress, helping me stay centered and focused throughout the day.”
But Dr. Lau’s approach to work-life balance extends beyond personal practices to creating systems that enable her entire team to maintain healthy boundaries. “To achieve a healthy work-life balance, I believe in sharing responsibilities within my management team,” she explains. “I empower my team members to make decisions in my absence, ensuring that operations continue seamlessly when I’m on leave.”
This mutual support system allows everyone on the team to take time off without worry, knowing that collective strength ensures continuity. By modeling healthy boundaries and empowering others to do the same, Dr. Lau creates a culture where wellbeing is valued and sustained.
When asked about what drives her to keep pushing boundaries in her field, her response reveals the inner qualities that fuel her remarkable journey. “My eagerness to learn and determined, fighter mentality continuously push me to challenge my boundaries,” she states. “I am relentless in seeking answers and finding the best solutions to any issue I encounter.”
This resilience in the face of setbacks has been a defining characteristic throughout her career. “Even when faced with rejections or setbacks, I refuse to let them discourage or stop me from moving forward,” she affirms. “Every rejection is an opportunity to learn, improve, and refine my approach.”
Dr. Lau speaks of the legacy she hopes to leave as a transformational leader. Her perspective encapsulates the essence of her leadership philosophy: “My resilience, eagerness to learn, and compassion, along with my belief that gender has no place in defining professional capabilities, are the core values I hope to leave as my legacy.”
A LEADER’S MEASURE: REDEFINING SUCCESS BEYOND TITLES
Perhaps the most revealing insight into Dr. Manida Xongmixay Lau’s leadership philosophy comes from her definition of success—a measure that stands in stark contrast to conventional metrics.
“For me, success is not defined by the title I hold or how high I climb the corporate ladder,” she reflects. “Instead, it’s measured by how many individuals I inspire, impact, and help grow in their careers or personal lives.”
This perspective—that true success lies in empowering others rather than advancing oneself—encapsulates the essence of transformational leadership. It’s an approach that views leadership not as a position of authority but as a platform for elevating others.
“The greatest sense of fulfillment I experience comes from seeing others succeed as a result of the guidance and mentorship I provide,” she shares. “Knowing that I’ve played a part in someone’s journey toward achieving their goals is, to me, the true measure of impactful leadership and lasting success.”
In a business landscape often dominated by quarterly results and individual achievements, Dr. Lau’s focus on collective growth and human development represents a refreshing and potentially revolutionary approach to leadership—one that promises not just organizational success, but meaningful, sustainable impact that extends far beyond the bottom line. Dr. Manida Xongmixay Lau isn’t just leading teams or driving results—she’s redefining what leadership can and should be in the modern business world. Her journey from front desk clerk to transformational leader stands as a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate, people-centered leadership—and a compelling blueprint for aspiring leaders across industries.