The Growth Leader
A seasoned hotelier with more than two decades of experience under her sleeves, Lami Tjandi truly believes in the growth of her team to make something successful. The driven leader started her career as a waiter while earning her degree and has since worked at some of Bali’s most luxurious establishments. Following her return to Marriott International, we wanted to find out what she had been up to.
Q: Why and where did you begin your career?
A: I was drawn to Bali’s dynamic hospitality scene at an early age because the island is known for its tourism. My passion has always been interacting with people. I am able to contribute to and share our rich culture through our culturally-rooted hotel by embracing Bali’s warm and inviting spirit, especially in my current role.
Q: Today you’re the general manager for one of Bali’s most breathtaking resorts, but what first sparked your interest in hospitality?
A: I was born and raised in Bali, an island that is fuelled by tourism. My interest in working in hospitality was piqued by growing up close to a waterfall in North Bali that attracts lots of tourists. Seeing people’s happiness while on vacation made me want to do my part to make those moments memorable.
Q: You have a strong background in sales and marketing; how important is this for the development of your career?
A: I began my journey as a waitress while pursuing my college education and self-sustenance, and then I transitioned to front-of-house roles. In 2003, I ventured into sales and marketing. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently enjoyed engaging with and serving people.
Q: Amarterra Villas Resort Bali Nusa Dua has just been relaunched under a new umbrella. What are the changes you are making in terms of service and dining?
A: Being back at Marriott International feels like coming home for me. Enhancing our main pool area, launching Maja, our new all-dining restaurant and raising the bar on service are our top priorities at Amarterra Villas Resort Bali Nusa Dua. We constantly strive to improve our product offerings, develop our talented team and explore new themed dining experiences because we believe that creativity is essential. It is an exciting journey filled with innovation and constant progress.
Q: How would you characterise your style of leadership?
A: My approach to leadership combines empowerment with teamwork. I think it is important to create a team atmosphere where each person’s strengths are acknowledged and utilised. Open dialogue, inventiveness and a common dedication to excellence are things I support. It is about being a confident team leader and letting each member use their special talents to contribute to the group’s success.
Q: Bali has seen a boom in high-quality hotel and villa openings over recent years. In your opinion, what makes guests opt for Amarterra Villas Resort Bali Nusa Dua, Autograph Collection®?
A: We offer a carefully chosen experience at Amarterra Villas Resort that goes beyond conventional hospitality. What makes us different is our dedication to providing individualised care, a distinctive cultural immersion experience and meticulous attention to detail. We stand out as a destination that not only meets but surpasses the expectations of discerning travellers looking for a unique combination of elegance, authenticity and lifelong memories in a sea of options.
Q: What are some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
A: The successful strategy change we made during the pandemic is one of my favourite memories. It was incredibly satisfying to drive revenue growth that improved the hotel and let me support the welfare of my team during trying times.
Q: Life balance can be extremely difficult in the hospitality industry. How do you manage to maintain a balance between your personal and professional lives?
A: Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial. Every morning I try to run on a treadmill for 30 minutes before cooking breakfast for my family. A friendly game of badminton is another thing I look forward to every Sunday to relax with. Finding those times to recharge and re-energise for the upcoming workweek is all that matters.
Q: What words of wisdom would you like to share with aspiring young hoteliers?
A: I would advise young hoteliers who want to follow a similar career path to be disciplined, goal-oriented, passionate about what they do, never stop learning and, most importantly, always be true to who they are.
Q: We are almost at the end of the year, what would you like to achieve as general manager here in the future?
A: Building on the achievements of 2023, I want to make sure that we keep up the great work and the high standards that made this year our best since we opened. My goal is to achieve significant progress in both individual and group development, fostering an atmosphere where everyone is not just satisfied but genuinely joyful.
Asia Dreams Volume 49
Amarterra Villas Resort Bali Nusa Dua, Autograph Collection®
ITDC, Nusa Dua
Bali 80363, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361776400
