ICMS Hosts Exclusive Breakfast with Marriott International Leaders

Marriott International brought its expertise and leadership to ICMS in a one-of-a-kind breakfast event that connected students with industry heavyweights.  

Held on Wednesday, 19 March, in the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) Grand Dining Room, the gathering featured three senior HR leaders from Marriott and was attended by a select group of 20 students across various degree programs. 

The special guests included Andrew Newmark, Chief Human Resources Officer for APEC; Natasha Rasheed, Senior Area Director of Human Resources for Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific; and Fiona Pereira, Director of Talent Acquisition and Talent Management for Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands.  

This exclusive event provided students with the opportunity to interact directly with influential professionals from one of the world’s leading hospitality corporations. 

“Very rarely do you have the opportunity to meet with three such high-profile HR leaders in a setting like this,” commented Dr Stuart Wiggins, the MC for the event. 

Insights from Marriott International Industry Leaders

The breakfast discussion spanned a range of topics, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the operations and values that underpin a major multinational corporation like Marriott.  

From exploring what a day in the life of a Chief Human Resources Officer entails to succession planning, the challenges of leading teams across cultures, and Marriott’s strategies for addressing sustainability and the pandemic’s impact, the session was both comprehensive and forward-looking. 

Andrew Newmark offered students practical advice, highlighting a people-first philosophy.  

“Take care of associates and they will take care of the customers.” he said, showing Marriott’s commitment to prioritising its employees’ wellbeing. 

He highlighted Marriott’s focus on leadership at all levels, with inclusive programs that empower associates to grow and succeed, as well as initiatives that enrich roles by nurturing transferable skills and creating dynamic opportunities.  

The organisation’s investment in supportive work environments and its commitment to attracting fresh talent, which ensures the organisation stays innovative and resilient post-pandemic, was also mentioned. 

Fiona Pereira extended this focus by detailing Marriott’s firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She explained how these principles translate into actionable practices within the workplace. 

Students Reflect on the Experience

For many students, the morning was an eye-opening experience.  

ICMS Bachelor of Business student Piper Webb described it as “an incredible opportunity” to hear from HR leaders who shared their insights into managing global teams and navigating significant career moments.  

“We gained valuable insights into how they successfully manage leadership and teams across diverse cultures, as well as the chance to hear about their career journeys and key highlights. I am grateful for the experience,” she said. 

ICMS Master of Management student Janelle Dilao echoed this appreciation.  

“It’s not every day we get the opportunity to learn about career advice, succession planning, navigating cultural differences and geopolitical realities, and sustainability practices in a multinational corporation like Marriott,” she said.  

Janelle left particularly inspired by Fiona Pereira’s discussion of DEI and her reassurance that meaningful, people-focused business practices are at the core of Marriott’s operations. 

Bridging Education and Industry

This Marriott International breakfast is a prime example of ICMS’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry.  

At ICMS, education isn’t just about earning a degree.  

It’s about developing a deeper understanding of the professional landscape and empowering students to translate knowledge into meaningful action.  

This Marriott International breakfast was one of many such initiatives, such as masterclasses across industries, designed to equip ICMS graduates with the tools and insights to thrive as future industry leaders.