Madifushi Private Island’s Mariyam Laisha Naseer: From uniform room attendant to housekeeping coordinator

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of hospitality, it takes a rare blend of determination, adaptability, and passion to rise above challenges and thrive. Mariyam Laisha Naseer, the Housekeeping Coordinator at Madifushi Private Island Maldives, embodies all these qualities and more. Her story is not only one of personal growth but also of breaking barriers as a local woman in an industry that has long been dominated by men and expatriates. Laisha’s journey reflects her resilience, commitment to excellence, and vision for a more inclusive hospitality sector.

From the outset, Laisha’s path to the hospitality industry was fuelled by curiosity and a desire to make a difference. “From a very young age, I have not seen a lot of women in this industry,” she recalls. “Seeing that, I always wanted to explore this field.” When Laisha first stepped into the industry in 2020 as a uniform room attendant, it was her very first foray into hospitality. “Initially, it was a little difficult because I wasn’t expecting what the industry would be like,” she admits. However, with the support of her team and a willingness to learn, she quickly adapted, mastering critical skills like time management, teamwork, and prioritisation.

“I would be the first to arrive at the office every morning,” she reflects. “Being punctual taught me the importance of managing time effectively, and working as a team showed me how much more we can achieve together compared to working alone.” These lessons became the foundation of her career and laid the groundwork for her transition to the role of Housekeeping Coordinator.

Today, Laisha’s responsibilities span the gamut of housekeeping operations. From coordinating daily room assignments and managing inventory to ensuring that villas and public spaces meet the highest cleanliness standards, she oversees a team of 28 individuals across various sub-departments. “My main task is communicating with all other departments,” she explains. “When supervisors inspect villas, I coordinate any maintenance issues with engineering, manage guest requests with front office, and ensure everything runs efficiently.” Despite the challenges, she finds immense satisfaction in her role. “What I find most rewarding is the sense of teamwork and the impact we have on guests’ experiences. Positive feedback on room cleanliness highlights the importance of every detail, and knowing my efforts contribute to a seamless guest experience is the ultimate reward.”

The transition from an entry-level position to a leadership role was not without its hurdles. “Balancing multiple responsibilities was one of the biggest challenges,” she shares. “But I’ve learned to prioritise tasks, delegate when necessary, and stay organised with checklists. These habits help me manage the workload effectively.” Another challenge has been maintaining consistent service standards during peak seasons. To address this, Laisha emphasises clear communication and regular training sessions, ensuring her team understands expectations and remains motivated.

Leadership, for Laisha, is rooted in mutual respect and empowerment. “I believe in setting a positive example through my work and attitude,” she says. “By tackling tasks with enthusiasm and showing respect to every team member, I aim to create a culture where everyone feels valued.” Her approach also includes providing team members with ownership over tasks, which she believes fosters confidence and a sense of investment in their work. Recognising and celebrating successes, whether through a simple thank-you or a public acknowledgment, is another strategy she employs to keep her team motivated.

One of the standout moments in Laisha’s career was organising and hosting the resort’s first International Housekeeping Week. The week-long event featured activities like bed decoration and towel art competitions, team-building exercises, and a friendly football match. “It was incredibly rewarding to see my team come together for such a fun and engaging series of activities,” she says with pride. “The positive feedback and enthusiasm made all the effort worthwhile and showed me the power of recognition and team building.”

Laisha’s passion for learning is a driving force in her professional journey. She consistently seeks opportunities to enhance her skills, whether by assisting supervisors on the floor or engaging in administrative tasks to prepare for future roles. “For me, it’s all about the learning process,” she notes. “The more knowledge I gain, the more I can apply it in my work and share it with my team.”

As a woman navigating a field historically skewed towards men, Laisha has faced societal stereotypes and misconceptions. “When I first joined, there were only five women in my department, and I was the only local,” she recalls. “Many people believe women shouldn’t work in resorts because of negative assumptions, but I refuse to let that stop me. If someone tells me I can’t do something, it motivates me to prove them wrong.” Her advice to other women considering a career in hospitality is simple yet profound: “Believe in yourself, embrace flexibility, and don’t let criticism hold you back. This industry offers incredible opportunities, and with the right mindset, you can succeed.”

Sustainability is another area where Laisha demonstrates leadership. She has implemented eco-friendly practices in housekeeping, such as encouraging guests to reuse towels, tracking inventory to reduce waste, and promoting water and energy conservation among her team. “Sustainability aligns with my personal values of respecting both people and the planet,” she explains. “The hospitality industry has a significant environmental impact, so it’s our responsibility to minimise it wherever possible.”

Looking ahead, Laisha envisions a bright future for the hospitality industry, driven by innovation, personalisation, and sustainability. She believes that local women have a vital role to play in this evolution. “It would be beautiful to see more women, especially locals, contributing to this industry. I hope to see the day when our representation is much stronger.”

As she continues her journey, Laisha remains committed to her goals, with aspirations to climb the ranks to executive housekeeper and beyond. “Every step is a learning opportunity,” she says. “By staying focused and embracing growth, I know I can achieve my dreams.”

In Laisha Naseer, Madifushi Private Island Maldives has not only a skilled and dedicated professional but also an inspiring role model for others in the hospitality industry. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.