With more than 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Wiwa Deepreecha, knows what it takes to find success in an empowering career. Her knowledge of the products and strong communication skills have helped her to thrive, so we sat down with Wiwa to gain her insight into what she believes it takes to get ahead.

Quote: We have a lot of fun at work, the culture is empowering and rewarding, and the leadership is inspiring.

How did you enter the hospitality industry?

I’ve always enjoyed working with and around people, and I started my career after graduating from university. I wanted to improve my English so I could travel overseas, so I took a job in the Food & Beverage industry where our major clients were hotels and restaurants. After a year, I decided to pursue my Masters in the United States, before returning to Thailand and taking a job with Anantara Vacation Club.

You obviously enjoy your job having worked at Anantara Vacation Club for 6 years. What keeps you here?

I’ve been very fortunate to be able to work in an organization where my skills and experience are valued, and as such, I have been recognised with a number of moves up the career ladder. This has allowed me to continually learn and challenge myself whilst contributing to the organisation’s overall goals. We have a lot of fun at work, the culture is empowering and rewarding, and the leadership is inspiring.

What are the key skills required for success in your position?

Flexibility! We work in an industry that is continually evolving, so it is vital that I am able to change direction quickly, work with minimal instruction and be self-motivated. It’s also an international environment, with colleagues from all around the globe, so a deep cultural understanding is important for a cohesive working environment.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

I work in an organization that helps people create memories through amazing holiday experiences. Minor International offers hotels and resorts in unique and diverse destinations around the world, and our Owners have opportunities to travel to these locations year after year with their Club ownership.  I just love seeing the photos and hearing their amazing stories. It can be very inspiring knowing that you are playing a small part to help make their holiday experiences memorable.

What is the most memorable/important lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?

As a start-up, I have seen Anantara Vacation Club evolve through various business cycles. In an increasingly competitive environment, we face some unique challenges that require us to take a step back and look at our business practices and strategies to ensure we are heading in the right direction. It is during these times that I have also learnt to be flexible, and to not be afraid to try something new out of fear of failure. It is OK to be nervous, because it means you are growing and maturing, and I believe that Anantara Vacation Club and I are growing to become greater and stronger than ever.

Do you participate in any Corporate Social Responsibility activities?

We sponsor a number of children’s education through a local foundation that supports the underprivileged children of the Klong Toey community. We regularly hold fund raisers, collect donations and visit schools to give back to those less fortunate than us. In addition, our Club Resorts participate in a number of local outreach programs to help create a better community for both locals and guests.

You’ve talked about a very fast moving work environment. How do you maintain a work-life balance to ensure you remain fresh and creative?

I believe in the value of meditation and practice this regularly. My values of giving back to society also allow me to relax and keep focused on what is truly important in life. I am lucky to work in an office that supports a work-life balance and we regularly participate in fun activities both in and outside of the office.

Bali, Phuket or Chiang Mai?

Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket is my favourite resort. It is our first purpose-built Club Resort, designed to provide fun family activities for multi-generational travellers. The staff is made up of local residents and they provide an amazing level of service.  As many of our guests return year after year, they feel like they are coming home and are part of our family. Phuket is such a great destination with so many secluded beaches, fabulous restaurants and fun activities. I love to visit whenever I can.

5 years from now – where are you?

I wish to live my life in a way that it is beneficial to others. My personal goal is to help create a strong community to help build a happier and more thoughtful society for Thai people. My next project is to start planning / building a community of intellectual people coming together to present their work, exchange ideas on different topics, and essentially turn ideas into a reality that will help to improve the society that we live in.