How a Marriott General Manager Built Her Global Career on a Foundation of Belonging

Name:  Caitie L.
Position: General Manager
Hotel: Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa (pre-opening)
Dream destination: I have always wanted to Discover New Zealand with a camper van, stopping at picturesque camping spots and exploring the breathtaking natural landscapes.
Drink or treat of choice: I can’t resist the temptation of a great cup of coffee — my daily go-to is a hot latte!

Over the past two decades, Caitie has held Marriott roles in Seoul, the Cayman Islands and Indonesia. While her location and titles have changed, one thing has remained constant — her sense of belonging.

“I feel very fortunate that I get to work at a company where we live and breathe our values in everything we do, day to day,” says Caitie. “No matter which property I’m at, the unique and strong company culture we cultivate is very real, and that provides me a powerful sense of belonging beyond the property that I work for.”

Caitie began her Marriott journey in 2005 as a Front Desk Agent at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. She later expanded into supervisory roles at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, where she worked with associates of 30+ nationalities and experienced a multi-cultural work environment.

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“I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of individuals who are all passionate about delivering exceptional service to our guests. The support and encouragement from my colleagues and leaders have made my experience at Marriott truly rewarding and fulfilling,” says Caitie.

After a few years in sales roles, Caitie accepted her first leadership role as General Manager of the Moxy Bandung before moving into her current role as the pre-opening General Manager of the Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa, a five-star Indonesian resort on Sumatra Island.

“I am constantly challenged to grow and develop in my role, and I am grateful for the opportunities for advancement and personal growth that Marriott provides. Overall, my experience as a Marriott associate has been nothing short of amazing, and I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic and inclusive company.”

Given her passion for fostering environments based in inclusivity and belonging, it was a natural step for Caitie to serve as the Activations Lead of the Women’s Associate Resource Group (ARG), a group dedicated to unlocking the full potential of woman associates and encouraging them to tap into their superpowers to grow their careers and contribute to the company.

“Women in leadership has always been exceptionally important to me, and joining this resource group has provided me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations,” says Caitie. “Through this group, I have been able to connect with inspiring women leaders within the company, and it has enriched my experience at Marriott by giving me a platform to voice my ideas and contribute to the company’s initiatives for gender equality and diversity.”

Prior to joining the Women’s ARG, Caitie was already a market champion for the Women in Leadership initiative in Indonesia and played an active role in the Women Ambassadors Network in the APEC region.

“Naturally, I saw the Women’s ARG as an opportunity to bring all the great works and initiatives that have been done in my market and region to share with other associates globally, so we could amplify our efforts,” says Caitie. “My involvement in this resource group has enhanced my sense of belonging and purpose within the company and has empowered me to make a meaningful impact in promoting gender equality and diversity at Marriott.”

Learn more about Caitie’s career and involvement in the Women’s Associate Resource Group.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I have so many favorite parts! I love hearing the amazing experiences and memories created by my associates for our guests. I love meeting new people and building relationships with them and making their stay as enjoyable as possible. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a positive impact on someone’s travel experience and to see the joy on their faces when they have a great stay at our resorts. But the part that I find most fulfilling is to see my team grow and develop and become successful in their roles. It brings me so much joy to see them achieve their goals and flourish in their careers.

What does a good day at work look like for you?

Currently, I am preparing for a resort opening, so I feel like I’m working on a massive puzzle board where every piece needs to fit perfectly. A good day at work for me is when I see everything coming together seamlessly, when the team is working together like a well-oiled machine. I love the challenge and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. There’s a certain thrill that comes with problem-solving and overcoming obstacles, and that’s what keeps me motivated.

When you’re interviewing talent for your team, what characteristics do you look for most?

It is easy to spot problems or complain about things that are not working, but coming up with a solution or answer is not as simple. I always look for problem-solving skills and proactive attitudes in my team. Additionally, I value creativity and innovation, as these qualities can drive new ideas and improvements within the team and organization.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

Our culture is one of the most valuable assets we have in our company, which is directly linked to our core values. We prioritize putting people first, whether it’s our guests, associates, or the communities we serve. I am proud to be part of this culture and I acknowledge the active and crucial role that I play as a leader to preserve and protect it. It is important to me to lead by example for my team to embrace the culture and uphold the values that Marriott stands for.

In what ways has the Women’s Associate Resource Group contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Being part of Women’s ARG has allowed me to collaborate with colleagues beyond my network and build connections globally, for which I feel truly grateful. The Women’s ARG is a huge group, so planning and organizing panels and events for the global audience involves overcoming logistical obstacles and tackling new challenges. I’ve learned so much from my experiences as ARG lead and grown professionally in terms of project management, communication skills, and leadership.

Additionally, being part of the Women’s ARG has given me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by successful women leaders within the company, which has been invaluable for my personal growth and career development. Overall, the Associate Resource Group has provided me with a platform to expand my network, develop new skills, and gain insights that have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth at Marriott.

How do you think the ARG has contributed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace?

One of the things that I love about working at Marriott is the strong sense of belonging, and the Women’s ARG provides a safe place where we feel valued and empowered by one another. Through the ARG, we are able to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, allowing us to learn from each other, celebrate our differences, and work together to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. The ARG also provides a space for open dialogue and the opportunity to address issues related to diversity and inclusion within the company. This ultimately leads to a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where everyone feels valued and respected.

What are your future goals within the Associate Resource Group, and how do you plan to continue contributing?

I look forward to working with our members to ensure that the support, guidance, and resources that are needed for all our women associates are available in order for them to thrive and excel in their careers. We hope to create events and initiatives that will advocate for our women associates’ needs and concerns.

I also hope to continue contributing to the Women in Leadership initiative in Indonesia and the Women Ambassador Network in APEC. We’ve had amazing success stories, from launching a nation-wide mentorship program for women leaders to a National Women in Leadership Conference with more than 200 associates in attendance. I believe these local activations will become the foundation of our success in Women’s ARG. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of woman in the workplace and to be a part of creating a diverse and inclusive environment at Marriott.

How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?

Last year, my family and I visited my home country South Korea, and we traveled multiple cities using the Explore Discount. We were able to stay at Marriott hotels in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island at a much more affordable rate, allowing us to explore more of the country without breaking the bank. It was truly a memorable and enjoyable experience for all of us.

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