Reflections on Growth, Leadership, and Finding Purpose
Have you ever felt like you’ve given so much of yourself to your work, only to find that sense of fulfillment still out of reach? If you have, you’re not alone—I’ve been there, too. In my 11 years of navigating the professional world, I’ve often wondered if I was enough. I questioned if working harder or doing more might close the gap between what I gave and what I felt. It’s exhausting when the noise in your mind gets too loud, especially when you’re not sure where it’s coming from or how to navigate it. But over time, I’ve realized that growth is a process—sometimes slow, sometimes painful, but always revealing. When I look back to where I started 11 years ago, I can say with pride: I’ve come a long way. That doesn’t mean it’s been easy, but every stumble and triumph has shaped who I am today.
Knowing When It’s Time to Move On
I’ve learned to listen to my instincts. Whenever I found myself stuck in a cycle of discomfort—where the routine felt stifling or the purpose unclear—I knew it was time to move on.
When I worked at Tolola in 2015, I started exploring new ways to add value, like storytelling about our products on social media. Back then, Instagram was still finding its feet, and I thought I was being innovative. Instead, I was met with restrictions that didn’t make sense to me. It wasn’t personal; it was just a sign that I had outgrown the role. So, I left—not with bitterness, but with clarity and gratitude for what I had learned there. The same pattern followed me to other roles. Over time, I’ve realized that knowing your limits isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It’s what allows you to seek opportunities that challenge you in the right ways.
Finding a Bigger Picture
After spending years in Bali, moving to Jakarta gave me a fresh perspective. The challenges here were bigger, the expectations higher, but they pushed me to grow. I learned how to communicate effectively across teams, delegate with intention, and lead with confidence.
The ability to stop a room and have your words resonate with everyone, from a server to a manager, isn’t something I take lightly. It’s a responsibility to not only be clear but also considerate. I’ve also learned that leadership isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about teaching others how to approach them and empowering them to find solutions.
And here’s the thing: I know sometimes the big boss presses us as employees to perform, and the pressure can feel immense. But as a leader, it’s our job to have the data and updates to back up our team when that happens. If your big boss starts thinking your department isn’t meeting their standards—but you know firsthand how hard your team is working—that’s a failure on your part as a leader. Why? Because you didn’t communicate the updates effectively. Especially if you’re the one with direct access to the big boss, it’s on you to represent your team’s efforts clearly and consistently.
Moments That Stay With You
There’s one moment in my career that I’ll never forget. Early in my F&B journey, I had a one-on-one meeting with the CEO, who doubted my ability to handle the role. His words were harsh, and my tears fell silently as I struggled to find a response. “ I don’t think Anne has the drive for this role, I don’t see your emails or sales calls to clients. I want to terminate you in this role.” But my operations manager stood up for me in a way I’ll never forget. He said, “If you think she’s not enough, give her a project to prove herself. If she fails, then it’s fair to let her go.”
That moment changed everything for me. I was given a project, and I poured my heart into it. I stayed in that role for 2.5 years, proving not just to others but to myself what I was capable of. That experience shaped how I lead today. I believe in backing my team, owning our mistakes together, and presenting facts and results when faced with criticism. Leadership isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about standing up for your people and helping them grow, even when it’s easier to take the reins yourself.
Staying Grounded and Finding Your Purpose
No matter where you work or how high you climb, one truth remains: we are all replaceable. That’s not a defeatist perspective—it’s a reminder to stay humble and keep growing. If hospitality is your passion, dive into it fully. But be specific—hospitality is a vast industry. Is your heart in hotels, F&B, or something else entirely? Whatever you choose, commit to it fully. Your dedication and work ethic will reflect in everything you do.
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
This question has guided much of my journey. You can’t be everything to everyone, so focus on what truly matters to you. Build genuine, meaningful connections, but don’t forget that colleagues aren’t always your closest friends. Maintain boundaries, and remember that professionalism and kindness go hand in hand. Every workplace has its challenges. The key is asking yourself: Are these challenges the kind I’m willing to take on? Or is it time to move on?
Wherever your journey takes you, stay grounded. Know your worth, but don’t let it make you arrogant. Stay open to learning, and let every step you take bring you closer to the person you want to be. Because at the end of the day, people might forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
