In an era of rapid change and reinvention, few professionals embody adaptability like Dr. Manida Xongmixay-Lau, Certified Hospitality Professional and Vice President of Business Solutions & Member Experience at Okada Manila.
With 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Dr. Manida has successfully transitioned across industries—including IT project management and casino marketing. What’s her secret to navigating each leap without prior experience? A growth mindset grounded in humility and continuous learning.
“Each pivot required me to start from the ground up,” she shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “Given my limited experience in these new domains, my deep love for learning and willingness to acknowledge what I don’t know allowed me to thrive.”
Rather than seeing inexperience as a setback, Dr. Manida reframed it as an opportunity. “I actively sought support from my team and supplemented my growth by enrolling in relevant courses,” she said. “I’ve come to appreciate my growth by viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and progress, rather than as hindrances.”
That perspective shift—from fearing failure to embracing it—has defined her leadership style and success across disciplines. “We are not walking encyclopedias,” she noted. “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.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that the most valuable skill in a volatile job market isn’t technical—it’s the ability to evolve. Whether you’re making a major pivot or just learning a new tool, the mindset you bring determines the outcome.
“You have to be unafraid to start from the bottom,” Dr. Manida emphasized. “Growth often begins at the foundation.”
For anyone considering a bold career shift, Dr. Manida’s story proves one thing: reinvention doesn’t require a perfect résumé—it requires the right mindset.
