In this episode of Future Fit with Friska, I sit down with Sander Looijen, the esteemed General Manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. With decades of hospitality experience under his belt, Sander has led luxury properties across the globe and is now at the helm of one of Bali's most iconic resorts. Our conversation goes beyond just business—it’s a deep dive into the intersection of leadership, resilience, and innovation in the ever-changing world of hospitality.

From managing operations at a resort renowned for hosting high-profile events (including G20 summits!) to navigating the unique challenges of the post-pandemic travel landscape, Sander shares invaluable insights about what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

Key Topics We Discuss:
• Balancing luxury and sustainability: How Sander and his team are redefining luxury hospitality to include sustainable practices that enhance the guest experience while protecting Bali’s natural beauty.
• Leadership in the face of disruption: The creative strategies Sander employed to maintain team morale, drive innovation, and deliver world-class service during one of the most challenging periods for tourism.
• The power of collaboration: How building relationships with local communities and government agencies ensures the Westin Nusa Dua continues to thrive as a leader in Balinese tourism.
• Resilient leadership lessons: How Sander’s global experience shaped his ability to lead with empathy, agility, and a forward-thinking vision.

Sander also shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a resort that blends five-star luxury with authentic cultural experiences. You’ll hear inspiring stories of transformation, key lessons learned from the hospitality trenches, and his advice for leaders looking to future-proof their businesses in a world of constant change.

Whether you’re a hospitality professional, a leader in any industry, or simply curious about the secrets behind world-class guest experiences, this is a must-listen episode to inspire your own leadership journey.

Other Key Insights:
• Inspiring Leadership: How to motivate your multicultural team
• Enhancing Balinese hospitality with technology
• Marriott's Green Revolution: Sustainable hospitality practices
• Crafting unique hotel experiences in Bali
• Attracting top talent
• Top advice for young hospitality newbies


About Sander Looijen:
Sander Looijen is a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience in operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team engagement across APAC. As the Multi Property VP of Premium Properties in Bali and General Manager of The Westin Nusa Dua, Sander has held influential roles such as Director of Restaurants & Bars for APAC and Area Director of Operations in South Korea. His leadership has earned accolades, including Marriott International’s “GM Mustang Award – Greater China” (2020) and “General Manager of the Year – Asia Pacific” (2017). Now in Bali, he’s driving the Westin’s next chapter of growth with a strong focus on wellness and excellence.


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Links & Resources:
- Friska Wirya's Official Website: www.freshbyfriska.com
- Follow Friska on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/friska
- Mini yet Masterful "Resistance to Resilience" Course: https://freshbyfriska.ck.page/7973f52bc4
- Purchase “The Future Fit Organisation” Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Future-Fit-Organisation-Leaders-Transformation/dp/1923007246 
- Purchase “The Future Fit Asian Organization” Book: 
https://bit.ly/singaporekinokuniya-thefuturefitasianorganization
https://www.amazon.sg/Future-Fit-Asian-Organization/dp/9815204904
https://bit.ly/periplus-thefuturefitasianorganization


#sustainability #hospitality #indonesia #luxury #FutureFit #changemanagement #futurefitleaders #marriott #bali #crossculturalleadership

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