IWD 2025 - an interview with: Maja Magdelinic

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

Since early years of graduation with master’s in engineering in Architecture of University in Belgrade Serbia, I was always deeply interested in hotels designs and construction.  That passionate obsession about the  hotels industry was a main driver and inspiration to explore vast opportunities in this field, so I started in Kuwait in Action Real Estate Company and then Action Hotels, where I worked on various hospitality project design, through the procurement and bidding until the final execution, handing over and hotel opening with the most prestigious Operators and Project teams. 

About 5 years ago my role was extended into facility management in mid-market hospitality and today I’m Director of projects design and facility management and along with the team we deliver the energy efficient products in combination with previous architectural experience striving for perfection.

 I`m proud to be part of operational journey now and look after the hotels from Facility Management and sustainability point of view, for which I was lucky enough to also have a major role in the design and execution. 

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

I would interpret the “accelerate action” as a call to move beyond conversations and take concrete steps towards genders equality. In our business, it would mean implementing policies that support women in terms of equal opportunities and mentorship programs.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It is incredibly important for women to lift each other up to overcome various barriers, to empower one another to take risks, to speak up and pursue opportunities by encouragement of one another. I feel by lifting one another you also lift yourself as reflection of that motivation and a sense of mutual success rather than competition.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

Diversity across senior leadership teams is critical for the sake of driving better decision making, innovation and overall performance as it brings different perspectives, creativity and new ideas, helping business stay competitive. It also helps employees feel more valued and included leading to a higher morale.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

In my view, these numbers are representing both progress and the same time ongoing challenge of achieving true gender equality, in a sense that yes there is a movement for better but not sure if its fast enough. This is clearly visible in the C suite and Chief level roles. Therefore, the need to advocate and support woman’s growth in the workplace is definitely reinforced through those numbers.

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

Leaders could accelerate the action towards the gender gap by building a workplace culture that supports women, by prioritizing hiring and promotions based on merit and not bias. Also, by setting clear measurable goals with timelines and hold participants accountable equally for the progress.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

The following would be my tips: 1. Lead by example 2. Manage time and priorities effectively 3. Communicate often and clearly 4. Stay resilient and never give up 5. Empower and trust your team 

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

I would advise to embrace all the challenges coming her ways with grace as this is the only path to growth and success in life.

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

That`s a great question to reflect on as throughout my almost 20 years career in  Action Hotels Company in  architectural hospitality design, construction and operations business, I was blessed to be guided by openminded  Leaders who appreciated the results driven hard work regardless of gender, who showed resilience, empathy and integrity all the way , who led with confidence yet remained approachable and supportive  and who are my inspiration till this very present day.