Inspiring Women in Hospitality

Naureen Ahmed
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Naureen Ahmed shares stories of inspiring women from the hospitality industry. Why they got into hospitality, their career journey so far, their learnings and who inspires them.

  1. 1D AGO

    #212 Fay Li: My career has been a journey of discovering myself

    🎙 On this episode we hear from Fay. She is from Hong Kong and she is in the business of creative place making. Born out of her own search of identity and now offering the opportunity to others to search and develop a sense of belonging in the city. She has had several career pivots and now she has embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Her career turning points were influenced by moments when she doubted her connection to work and was out of alignment to meaning and purpose. Each career pivot was an experiment to figure out who I am and what I am meant to do in this world. What can you reach out to Fay for?: 🏔️ For collaboration on all the exciting creative place making projects. 🏔️ Topics around well-being and health are a passion of hers too. 🤩 Who inspires Fay?: Anyone who are authentically themselves really inspire me. They have this quiet confidence, level of peacefulness and at ease with themselves.

    21 min
  2. Special episode: Inspire Influence Live Bangkok launch event

    FEB 4

    Special episode: Inspire Influence Live Bangkok launch event

    🎙 On this special podcast episode, which was recorded live at the launch event hosted at the Amadeus offices in Bangkok on the 27th of January 2026 ,Founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality Naureen Ahmed shared with the attended what they can expect from the upcoming workshop - Inspire Influence Live in Bangkok at the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences on the 17th of March 2026. Naureen shared the three areas that will be focused on the day: ⛰️ Confidence ⛰️ Empowerment ⛰️ Art of courageous conversations Each section will start with a panel discussion for inspiration and what a powerhouse of women have been lined up for this. 💚 We also recorded a very special fireside chat with Khun Panawan from Amadeus who shared with influence means to her and who were her inspirations. 📣 Be sure to register your interest here and Save the Date: subscribepage.io/J7DjwD 🤗 This launch event was just a taster of what we will experience together on the 17 March at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences. It is important to note that this is a closed event, no media or press will be attending, so it allows for full openness and creates a safe space for exchange and professional development. There are no sponsors, to allow for neutrality and openness, anyone can attend by purchasing a ticket. 👉 Tickets are now available and you can secure your place here: subscribepage.io/2wQERn

    27 min

  3. FEB 3

    #211 Leora Lanz : Do great work and stay in touch with folks

    On this episode we hear from Leora. She is a hospitality marketing professional and has released a book from her years of experience, both in corporate, as a consultant and professor. We spoke about the importance of networking, reframing it to build connections and sometimes even turn them into genuine friendships in the industry. She shares her moments of imposter syndrome and what she said to herself at the time. If she does not take the role someone else with, so lets go for it and create it on my own. She is also an advocate for taking breaks in your career and it could actually be healthy for you. And choosing when to say yes or when to say no, with a focus on your wellbeing. She has recently written a book and you can find it here: https://leoralanz.com/ Who is her inspiration? Her students

    18 min

  4. JAN 13

    Special episode: Success in the workplace

    In the latest episode of the Inspiring Women in Hospitality podcast, host Naureen Ahmed engages with industry experts to explore the multifaceted concept of success in the workplace. With unique perspectives from seasoned professionals, this discussion sheds light on how success is not merely defined by titles or positions but rather by personal fulfillment and impact. The insights shared by Naureen, Janet, Salomé, and Alessandra offer a rich tapestry of thoughts on success in the workplace. Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it is a personal journey defined by individual values, strengths, and the impact one has on others. By cultivating self-awareness, embracing failure, and celebrating strengths, women can navigate their careers with confidence and purpose.

    48 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Special Reflective Episode with Ambika and Naureen

    🎙 On this special reflective episode. I invited Ambika Gandhi back to the podcast, after she was a guest for the first time 3.5years ago. We reflected on how we have both grown as entrepreneurs, how we found our value and impact we want to make. We talked about how we have worked well together as being Ambika's coach, I am so proud of the growth I have seen in here during our time together. Shei s also a Founding Member of the Inspire Community and she describes her experience of it as 'spirit of commonality.'

    22 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    #210 Samantha Manigsaca: Hospitality, heart and humility

    🎙 On this episode we hear from Samantha. Vice President of Hospitality of AppleOne Group, in the Philippines and proud to be representing the second generation of the family business. She shares how three H's of her life have shaped her: hospitality, heart, humility. This is centred around the family's vision to uplift the lives of the communities within which they operate and bring out the best of the Philippines. What was very refreshing to hear was her perspective on how to handle rejections. She used each experience as an opportunity to explore, learn with humility and build her resilience. She took each rejection as inspiration that something else was meant for her. What can you reach out to her for? ⛰️ She is ready to mentor the next generation of hoteliers ⛰️ Or if you are going through a quarter life crisis, she can help you through it ⛰️ And supporting women who want to know their why Who inspires her? Her parents, Cleofe Albiso from Megaworld and Mariana Zobel de Ayala from Ayala Land Hospitality

    28 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    # 209 Ying Ying Koh: Life brings lots of surprises

    🎙 On this episode we hear from Ying Ying. She describes herself as the kind of person who gravitates towards challenges. She has worked across different industries across government, private sector, startup and now is looking after a portfolio of 500 hotels in Greater China, She studied economics at uni, later in her hospitality career she found herself in HR and now managing a brand portfolio. She attributes many of the turning points of her career to mentors and sponsors, who all saw something in her and knew that she was going to go far. Equally important was having the courage to ask questions. Another key turning point she highlighted was moving to Shanghai from Singapore with her family. She describes this experience as "embarking on the university of life" and at this point it was important they made a decision for her career as a family unit. What can you reach out to Ying Ying for?: Mentoring conversation about a new challenge when you are at a cross roads. Who inspires Ying Ying?: Little acts of kindness and her Dad.

    20 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    # 208 Saowarin Chanprakaisi: I broke the self-barriers

    On this episode we hear from Rin. She started her career as an auditor, and it was when she was auditing the Holiday Inn Silom that she was drawn into the hospitality industry. After pursuing her masters degree she started with Thai conglomerate owners of hotels , then consulting and then with hotel brands, first in corporate finance before moving into development. Moving into development was an important career point that Rin highlighted, where she had to take a deeper look, step out of her comfort zone and break her own barriers. She ended up making a pitch to position herself for this role and convinced the hiring manager at the time that she was the right person for the role, and did not allow that this was a pre-dominantly male dominated environment to stop her. At her core she believes in acting in the best interest of all parties involves, because when they win, she wins too with heart and soul. What can you reach out to Rin for? When you need inspiration on how to break your own barriers, reach out to Rin. Who inspires Rin? Bill Barnett and Serena Lim

    36 min
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Naureen Ahmed shares stories of inspiring women from the hospitality industry. Why they got into hospitality, their career journey so far, their learnings and who inspires them.

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