Women’s History Month Spotlight: Marina Bay Sands’ Val Chua Highlights the Importance of Finding Mentors and Having Clear Purpose in Career Development - Seite 3

"Having a healthy sense of humor is important; so is having a thick skin. I like people who can laugh at themselves and see the lighter side of things, rather than letting a bad situation get the better of them. Laugh first, and then figure out your way around the problem.

"It's also important to believe in the greater purpose of the company, no matter how many years you've been in it. For me, a key memory was the day before Marina Bay Sands opened its doors to the public on April 27, 2010. A group of us went up to the hotel lobby at 3 p.m. the day prior - thick construction dust was in the air, and there were workers everywhere we turned. We were shocked and frankly quite dismayed at the way things looked. I recall the roads were only freshly paved. How on earth will we be able to open for business in the next 24 hours?

"The next morning, it was a different sight that greeted us. The air was clear, the marble floors sparkled, and the staff were smartly attired, ready to welcome the world. That was the beginning of an icon and at that instant, I felt that anything was possible with this company. It proved me right many times during my years here. No matter what obstacles were in front of us, we have always been able to rise above the occasion and do the impossible. There is something quite magical about this place, and I think this is why it's so special for many of us in the company."

What are your ideas for evolving the workplace to better support and empower women?

"The single-most asked question when I interview prospective candidates is whether we have a hybrid work structure, allowing staff to work from home on certain days. It's becoming a key deciding factor for most people, especially working mothers. I am glad that Marina Bay Sands has embraced this post-pandemic reality, allowing us to attract and retain talent.

"My team is made up of diverse talents from different backgrounds - and I think it's important to understand that each one's work rhythm is different. Some are always-on, and you can text them at odd hours of the night on urgent matters, while others may need to draw a more distinct line between work and personal time.

"I have a staff member who I can always count on to cover for others during weekends or at short notice, but I will not tap on her between 6-7 p.m. as it's her protected time for daily gym work. She explained to me that this routine is critical for her to clear her mind and reset. Others go home slightly earlier to tend to their young children but log on to work again once their kids fall asleep. I respect all these nuances and personal sacrifices - as a leader, you need to play to the strengths of each person and not expect everyone to be the same."