In a world that celebrates success stories, Dr. Manida Xongmixay-Lau, Certified Hospitality Professional and seasoned executive in HR, IT, and casino marketing, believes the real edge comes from failure—and how you respond to it.
“I’ve come to appreciate my growth by viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and progress, rather than as hindrances,” she shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. It’s a mindset that has carried her through multiple career pivots and across high-pressure industries.
Early in her career, Dr. Manida realized that trying to avoid failure only limited her potential. “We are not walking encyclopedias,” she said. “We should take pride in our ability to adapt, accept failure with grace, and acknowledge our limitations as part of the journey to becoming better.”
Instead of fearing failure, she leans into it—with curiosity and humility. When she transitioned from HR to IT and later to casino marketing, she knew she was stepping into unfamiliar territory. But what gave her an edge wasn’t expertise—it was her mindset. “I’m unafraid to start from the bottom, understanding that growth often begins at the foundation,” she said.
In industries like tourism and hospitality that constantly evolve, Dr. Manida sees adaptability not just as a soft skill—but a survival skill. “I embrace challenges at every stage of life and thrive on learning new tasks,” she added.
Her advice to young professionals? Don’t let fear of mistakes hold you back. Ask questions. Seek feedback. Surround yourself with mentors. And most importantly, treat setbacks as training—not disqualification.
“Accepting your limitations doesn’t make you weak,” Dr. Manida said. “It makes you human—and it opens the door to real growth.”
In a competitive world that pressures you to be perfect, her message is clear: being willing to fall—and learn from it—may be the smartest career move you ever make.
