After spending a decade building her career in the tourism and service industry, Angelica Reyes faced a decision many professionals quietly struggle with: stay where she was comfortable—or start over in a completely new role.
She chose the harder path.
Today, Reyes is a Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) and an educator teaching tourism and management courses at Richwell Colleges, Incorporated, where she helps shape the next generation of industry professionals. Her journey shows how adaptability, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence can turn self-doubt into long-term growth.
A decade in industry—and a difficult decision
Reyes spent 10 years working in the industry, developing strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Over time, she learned that adaptability and cultural awareness mattered just as much as technical ability, especially when working with diverse people and fast-changing environments.
She also saw firsthand how technology was becoming unavoidable. “Proficiency in using technology is badly needed in this increasingly evolving industry,” she says.
Despite her experience, Reyes reached a point where she felt called to shift into education. The move was not easy. It meant leaving behind familiarity and starting again in a field where she initially felt unprepared.
“I doubted myself,” she admits. “I lacked the skills relevant to teaching. I had to adapt to a new culture and start over again.”
Learning to push past fear and self-doubt
The early stages of her transition were challenging. Standing in front of a classroom required a different kind of confidence—one that could not be built overnight.
What helped her move forward was the same advice she now shares with others: prioritize adaptability and continuous learning. She embraced criticism, stayed open to feedback, and committed to improving through seminars, trainings, workshops, and professional networking.
Over time, fear gave way to confidence.
“I am truly proud of my journey,” Reyes says. “I overcame fear and self-doubt and kept going, even amid setbacks.”
What makes professionals stand out today
Based on her years of experience—both in industry and education—Reyes believes standout professionals share a few common traits.
Strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, technical competence, and a proactive mindset matter. But just as important, she says, is character.
“A positive aura, genuine attitude, and being a valuable contributor to the organization make a big difference,” she explains. Emotional intelligence and adaptability often separate those who grow from those who stagnate.
A people-first approach to leadership
Reyes describes her management style as a combination of democratic and transformational leadership. She involves team members in decision-making and encourages collaboration, believing this strengthens both results and morale.
Leading people, she says, requires patience and empathy—especially when handling difficult team members or workplace conflict. Listening actively, validating feelings, and addressing issues respectfully help create a more harmonious environment.
“I always lead by example,” she says. “Respect and teamwork are essential.”
Creating an environment where people grow
To inspire her team, Reyes focuses on building a positive and empowering workplace. She encourages open communication, recognizes contributions, and supports colleagues who want to pursue further education or skills development.
Seeing people grow matters to her more than short-term results. “I love to see my colleagues evolve and transform into the best version of themselves,” she says.
One of the toughest leadership decisions she faced was reorganizing her team to improve efficiency and meet workplace demands. She handled the process with transparency and fairness, ensuring everyone felt respected and informed.
Future-proofing a career through learning and networks
Reyes believes careers are future-proofed not by staying still, but by continuously learning. Training, workshops, and staying current with new tools help professionals remain relevant and competitive.
Her involvement with ITHP played a key role in her growth. Through the organization, she gained access to industry experts, global standards, and professional networks that expanded her perspective and boosted her confidence.
“Being part of ITHP has significantly contributed to my career development,” she says. “It motivated me to keep advancing with competence and confidence.”
Why starting over was worth it
Looking back, Reyes sees her career shift not as a setback, but as a turning point.
Starting over forced her to confront fear, rebuild confidence, and grow in ways she never expected. It sharpened her leadership skills, deepened her empathy, and strengthened her sense of purpose.
Her story offers a powerful reminder for professionals at any stage: reinvention is not failure—it is often the path to becoming who you are meant to be.
Sometimes, the bravest career move is not staying where you are—but choosing to begin again.
