From the Cover: Inside Garden Plaza Saigon - Tran Viet Mai on Women, Leadership and Vietnamese Hospitality

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Garden Plaza Saigon stands as a symbol of calm sophistication — a place where tradition and modern hospitality blend seamlessly. At the helm is Tran Viet Mai, General Manager, whose career reflects the evolving landscape of women’s leadership in Vietnam’s hospitality industry. Her journey is shaped by empathy, community spirit, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of women leaders.

When asked what unique strengths women bring to leadership roles in hospitality, Mai’s response is both insightful and grounded in experience. She believes women offer a distinctive dimension to leadership in this people-centric industry. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and adaptability, she says, are the foundation of exceptional service — and areas where women naturally excel. “We are also strong multitaskers,” she adds, “balancing multiple priorities with precision. Women nurture team culture and pay attention to the details that elevate both guest experiences and employee engagement.”

Reflecting on how the industry has changed since she began, Mai smiles. “The transformation has been remarkable,” she says. When she first entered the field, women in leadership positions were relatively rare. “Today, there is much greater acceptance and recognition of women’s capabilities. The industry now offers more training opportunities, international exposure, and mentoring programmes that empower women to grow their careers with confidence.”

Yet, progress has not erased all challenges. When the conversation turns to whether women leaders are held to different standards than men, Mai doesn’t hesitate. “Yes, in many cases, women still feel the need to ‘prove’ themselves more, especially in leadership positions,” she admits. But rather than viewing this as discouraging, she sees it as a source of strength. “It has sharpened our professionalism and inspired many of us to lead with authenticity and empathy. The younger generation of women is redefining what leadership looks like — confident, compassionate, and courageous.”

Her belief in lifting others as she climbs is evident in her approach to mentoring. Mai describes herself as a hands-on leader who prioritises accessibility. “I spend time coaching team members one-on-one and maintain an open-door policy where they can seek advice or share challenges freely,” she explains. She’s candid about sharing her own successes and mistakes, helping others learn from real experience. “Most importantly, I encourage women to take ownership of projects and lead initiatives that showcase their capabilities.”

Mai’s leadership journey has also been shaped by Vietnamese culture — something she speaks of with deep respect. As a woman from the 7x generation, she grew up surrounded by examples of quiet strength. “My mother and aunt balanced work, family, and community responsibilities with such grace. Their example taught me patience, empathy, and resilience,” she recalls. Vietnam’s deep-rooted sense of community, she believes, continues to influence her leadership philosophy. “Effective leadership is about bringing people together and creating shared success.”

For someone leading in such a demanding sector, balance is crucial. When asked how she manages the demands of work, family, and personal life, Mai emphasises that it requires deliberate effort. “Balance doesn’t happen by accident,” she says. “I manage my time carefully, prioritise what truly matters, and rely on a strong family support system. Being fully present during family moments makes a big difference, even when time is limited.”

Her approach to maintaining mental balance is equally mindful. “I start my mornings with yoga or a bicycle ride, which helps me stay centred,” she says. “Cooking refreshes my mind and lets me express creativity in a different way. And of course, spending quality time with my family brings me peace and perspective — they remind me of my purpose and keep me grounded.”

That grounding comes, in part, from a strong support network at home. “My family has been my greatest source of strength,” Mai reflects. “My husband and children have always encouraged me to pursue my goals wholeheartedly. My parents instilled in me perseverance and integrity, which continue to guide me as a leader.”

Turning to the future, Mai’s outlook for Ho Chi Minh City’s hospitality market is bright. “The market is growing rapidly, driven by international arrivals and a renewed interest in authentic, sustainable travel experiences,” she observes. Guests, she says, increasingly seek deeper cultural connections and personalised service. “Technology will enhance guest experiences, but the human touch — the warmth and attentiveness that define Vietnamese hospitality — will remain irreplaceable.”

As our conversation draws to a close, Mai reflects on what truly defines Vietnamese hospitality. “It’s deeply rooted in warmth, generosity, and respect,” she says with a smile. “We treat our guests as part of our extended family. That sense of community runs through every gesture — from a genuine smile at check-in to the personalised touches that make each stay memorable.”

In Tran Viet Mai’s words and work, the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality comes vividly to life — one grounded in empathy, shaped by resilience, and led by women who redefine what leadership truly means.