Nova Maldives recently brought together three women from different countries and industries for an intimate conversation about leadership, growth and navigating careers in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
Held on March 8 at the resort’s Wink venue, the fireside discussion featured Jenna, Nova’s marine biologist and dive instructor from Canada; Uli, a sous chef from the Philippines; and Roshni, the resort’s spa manager from India. Though their professional paths differ greatly, the women shared common themes of perseverance, adaptability and discovering purpose through their work.
The event focused less on formal speeches and more on honest reflections about personal experiences, career development and the challenges women still face across industries ranging from marine science to hospitality and wellness.
For Jenna, the ocean became both a passion and profession, while Uli described how practical career decisions gradually evolved into a deep commitment to culinary arts. Roshni reflected on how wellness and healing became central to her professional identity after years in the spa industry.
Together, the women emphasized that careers are often shaped not by rigid plans, but by curiosity, opportunity and life experience.
The discussion also explored the reality of working in industries where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. All three speakers described moments of being the minority in male-dominated environments and how confidence often develops gradually through experience rather than instant certainty.
“Experience is the real teacher,” one of the panelists noted during the conversation, highlighting the importance of learning through observation, mistakes and persistence.
The speakers also discussed the pressure women often face to constantly prove themselves in professional settings while balancing expectations surrounding leadership and collaboration.
In professional kitchens, marine operations and luxury wellness spaces alike, adaptability was described as a critical skill for success. The women noted that leadership often requires knowing when to stand firm and when to evolve alongside changing workplace cultures.
Roshni, who has spent more than two decades in the wellness industry, also pointed to the growing visibility of independent women online and across social media as an encouraging sign of progress for younger generations entering the workforce.
As the event concluded, the conversation shifted toward mentorship and collective support among women in the workplace.
“It’s more of a responsibility — uplifting each other, constantly learning, improving, and sharing your knowledge with your fellow women,” Roshni said.
By spotlighting women from different backgrounds and career journeys, Nova Maldives used International Women’s Day not only to celebrate achievements, but to encourage continued conversations around empowerment, opportunity and leadership for women worldwide.