Dr. Manida Xongmixay Lau is an exemplary leader who has left an indelible mark across various industries. With a unique professional journey spanning over 30 years, she has continuously demonstrated the importance of resilience, innovation, and compassion. From her start in human resources in Hawaii to her current leadership roles, Dr. Lau’s career has been defined by her ability to adapt, transform, and inspire those around her.
An Unconventional Journey to Leadership
Dr. Lau’s career path has been anything but conventional. She began as an HR professional in Hawaii, where she spent 15 years honing her skills. Concurrently, she served as a faculty member at a college in Honolulu. The breadth of her experience expanded further as she transitioned into IT project management for over two years. Her career then took an exciting turn into the Casino Marketing team, where she served as a trainer before rising to the role of Vice President for premium marketing operations and VIP services.
“Every step of my career has been about exploring new challenges and learning from diverse industries, which have shaped my leadership philosophy,” Dr. Lau shares. “My most significant milestone was being part of the pre-opening teams for five prestigious properties across two countries. This experience enriched my understanding of business operations on an international scale.”
Passion for Solving Challenges and Business Growth
Dr. Lau’s decision to specialize in business solutions and premium marketing operations stemmed from her innate passion for solving complex challenges. “I’ve always enjoyed identifying the root cause of a problem and finding solutions. It’s like solving a large jigsaw puzzle,” she explains. “Premium marketing, in particular, requires creativity and a focus on maximizing resources while improving business operations.”
This passion for problem-solving and creativity has propelled Dr. Lau to excel in roles that demand operational efficiency, customer engagement, and strategic leadership.
Overcoming Challenges and Thriving
Dr. Lau’s career has not been without its challenges. Upon returning to Southeast Asia after spending over 15 years in the U.S., she experienced a cultural shock, particularly in the approach to employment law and practices. “In the U.S., employment laws are stringent, and personal information like age or photo isn’t required on resumes. But in Southeast Asia, these are often considered essential,” she says. Despite these differences, Dr. Lau remained committed to her belief in “matching the right skill to the right position at the right time,” which has been central to her success.
Another challenge she faced was transitioning from her background in Tourism and Hospitality Management to IT project management. “I remember my first day logging into a server, terrified of crashing the system. But I overcame this fear by acknowledging my lack of knowledge and seeking help,” she recalls.
Rewarding Leadership Moments
The most rewarding experiences in Dr. Lau’s leadership journey are rooted in people management. “Learning people skills was the most valuable lesson I gained in Hawaii,” she shares. “Regardless of the industry or position, people skills are crucial. I believe in being open-minded and always ready to learn from my team.”
This emphasis on continuous learning and fostering strong relationships has been a cornerstone of Dr. Lau’s leadership philosophy. Recognition from industry peers, such as being featured in NBC Washington Post’s “Top 35 Global Women Thought Leaders” and receiving the 2024 CXO 2.0 Business Leadership Excellence Award, serves as a testament to her leadership principles.
Building High-Performance Teams
Dr. Lau’s approach to team-building focuses on empowering individuals to grow and thrive. “Matching the right skills to the right position is fundamental to building successful teams,” she explains. She assigns her team new challenges that allow them to discover hidden talents. Continuous feedback is key to her leadership style. “I encourage my team members to experience new projects, which helps them find what truly excites them. I always emphasize that growth is a two-way street. While I help them grow, I also learn from them.”
Employee Retention and Succession Planning
Under Dr. Lau’s leadership, employee retention has been remarkably high, with turnover rates under 2%. “Being fair and having the back of your team members is essential,” she says. “I make sure they know that my title doesn’t define me; I’m just someone here to share my experiences and help them grow.”
When it comes to succession planning, Dr. Lau is methodical. “We align our plans for the upcoming year with the skills needed for new projects. By involving potential team members early, they understand how the project can contribute to their growth. We provide them with feedback throughout the process, which helps us identify emerging talent.”
Innovating Operational Efficiencies
Dr. Lau’s leadership has driven several operational improvements. One of the key initiatives she implemented was the development of a loyalty system for her former company. “I represented operations in the development of this system, ensuring it met our needs and was user-friendly,” she recalls. This project significantly boosted customer satisfaction and retention.
Another highlight was when Dr. Lau led her team in Hawaii to save over $100,000 by utilizing government funds for training and upgrading computer and service skills. This was an initiative that not only enhanced team capabilities but also showcased her ability to drive operational cost savings.
Strategic Partnerships and Business Growth
Building strong relationships both within the organization and externally is something Dr. Lau prioritizes. “Respect, good listening, and a willingness to offer solutions are essential in any relationship,” she explains. She also values sincerity and transparency in all her interactions.
A notable example of a successful partnership was her collaboration with a community college in Honolulu, where Dr. Lau helped her company save over $100,000 through government-funded training programs. This partnership contributed to the professional development of nearly 2000 team members over a six-year period, underscoring Dr. Lau’s focus on continuous learning and development.
Selecting the Right Partners and Candidates
When selecting business partners or candidates, Dr. Lau prioritizes personality over experience. “Personality is something we can’t teach, but we can teach skills. I’ve always believed in selecting candidates who fit the culture and work ethic of the team,” she says. For potential business partners, Dr. Lau looks for quality work and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that a partner can meet at least 90% of her needs at a reasonable price.
Anticipating Trends for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Lau sees technology, particularly AI, playing a pivotal role in the future of business. “AI will streamline operations, automate processes, and allow businesses to understand customer behaviors better. However, we must be cautious in assessing whether these technologies are necessary for our specific business needs.”
Continuing the Path of Excellence
Dr. Lau is committed to her personal and professional development. “I will continue upgrading my knowledge and share that with my team. This is the key to driving innovation and excellence in any field,” she says.
Her advice to aspiring business leaders is simple yet profound: “Always develop yourself. Don’t fear failure or making fun of yourself. Share your knowledge and, most importantly, develop someone who can surpass you. That is the true measure of leadership.”
Personal Attributes that Foster Success
Dr. Lau attributes her success to a few key personal traits. “My hunger for knowledge, willingness to listen, and my love for solving challenges have been fundamental to my growth,” she says. “I’m also grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work with bosses who believed in me, allowing me to sharpen my weaknesses and further develop my strengths.”
Sources of Inspiration
Throughout her career, Dr. Lau has been inspired by two key mentors. “Linda Morgan, my first boss in Hawaii, taught me how to lead with compassion. She always reminded me never to make assumptions. Bruce Himelfarb, my second mentor, helped me see my potential and always emphasized having alternatives. Both taught me invaluable leadership lessons.”
Achieving Work-Life Balance
Dr. Lau emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life. “I learned this the hard way when I neglected my son in my younger years, focusing too much on my career. However, incidents like my son calling for the babysitter instead of me made me realize the importance of putting family first,” she reflects. Today, Dr. Lau ensures a work-life balance by empowering her team and delegating responsibilities, enabling both herself and her team to achieve their professional goals while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
Dr. Lau’s journey reflects the true essence of leadership — one rooted in resilience, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of growth. As we move toward 2025, she remains committed to shaping future leaders and driving excellence in everything she does.