When did you realize hospitality was your calling, not just your career?

I realized hospitality was my calling while working as a salesperson in the men’s apparel department of a department store early in my career. Fortunately, I became the top salesperson in the store during my first year. However, what mattered most to me was never the sales numbers. What stayed with me was the feeling I experienced when customers left with genuine satisfaction and a smile on their faces.

I found that making others happy brought me greater fulfillment than any personal achievement. That experience taught me that people do not always communicate their true needs through words alone. Their expressions, body language, and subtle behaviors often reveal much more. Understanding those unspoken needs and exceeding expectations became the most rewarding part of my work. Over time, I realized this philosophy extended beyond customers. Supporting colleagues, helping team members grow, and contributing to the success of others became equally meaningful. Looking back, that realization became the foundation of both my career and my leadership philosophy.

What part of your personality makes you especially suited for this industry?

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to stay positive regardless of circumstances. Some might even describe me as optimistic. Business is full of uncertainty and unexpected challenges, but I naturally focus on possibilities rather than obstacles. During difficult periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic, I never spent much time dwelling on what had been lost. Instead, I concentrated on what could be created next and how we could continue moving forward including developing new products and working on a new store project.

I also genuinely enjoy helping others. Whenever I see that my efforts have made a positive difference in someone’s life or even supporting some small task, I gain energy rather than lose it.

For me, work is not something that drains me. It is something that fuels me. The opportunity to contribute to others, solve problems, and create positive experiences continues to motivate me every day. I believe this combination of optimism and service-mindedness has allowed me to maintain passion and energy throughout my career.

What is a personal value you refuse to compromise in business?

Without hesitation, it is trusting my instincts. By instinct, I do not mean impulsive decision-making. I mean the judgment that comes from years of experience, successes, failures, and continuous observation of both people and the market. I trust that instinct as my starting point, then build a detailed strategy around it. Once I commit to a direction, I do not allow myself to be easily influenced by outside noise.

As a leader, you receive opinions, advice, and criticism every day. Some of it is valuable, and some of it can become a distraction. Ultimately, the responsibility for the decision belongs to you. Because of that, I believe it is essential to think independently, make decisions with conviction, and take ownership of the outcome.

There are times when I intentionally step away from external opinions so I can focus on what I truly believe is right. In business, I have learned that success often comes from maintaining clarity and staying committed to a well-thought-out vision.

What does leadership look like to you behind closed doors?

To me, leadership is not about position or authority. It is about trust. Trust is not built through speeches or meetings. It is earned through consistent actions over time. I believe leaders must be willing to work harder, take greater responsibility, and set the standard for the people around them. More importantly, they must do so even when nobody is watching. The moments that define leadership are often invisible to others. It is how you respond to challenges, how you handle responsibility, and how consistently you uphold your standards behind the scenes.

At the same time, effort alone is not enough. Results matter. Integrity, dedication, and hard work gain credibility when they produce meaningful outcomes. I believe people choose to follow leaders not because of what they say, but because of the example they set and the results they consistently deliver. That combination of character and performance is what I consider true leadership.

Outside of your title, who are you at your core?

Outside of my title, I am not very different from the person I have always been.  Since childhood, I have loved shopping, discovering new products, and following emerging trends.

Food and fashion, in particular, have always been passions of mine. Looking back, those interests naturally evolved into my career. Today, I have the opportunity to observe market trends, understand what people want, and transform those insights into meaningful experiences. In many ways, my personal interests and professional life have become one.

I also place tremendous value on time. I often remind myself that today is the youngest I will ever be. Because of that, I try to spend my time on things that truly matter and with people who enrich my life.

I feel fortunate to have built a career around what I genuinely love. At my core, I am simply someone who enjoys learning, creating value for others, and continuously striving to make a positive impact on the people around me.