Tuğçe’s was passionate about hospitality from an early age, an interest nurtured by her family’s involvement in the industry. After earning a degree in Tourism Administration from the prestigious Bogazici University in Istanbul, she embarked on a successful career in hospitality, gaining a wealth of experience through launching and reopening international luxury hotels in her home town. A skilled storyteller, she relishes the opportunity to reflect her creativity in her work.
Reflecting on your journey as a woman leader, what are some key lessons you have learned along the way?
Your attitude and manners are your most valuable assets, mattering just as much as your expertise. Skills and knowledge can be learned; attitude is the first thing that defines a person. I believe that kindness, honesty, and hard work always pay off.
Success is truly a team effort; never a one-person show. So recognise your peers and team members, give them credit for their successes. Open and honest communication elevates everyone.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing women in the workplace today, and how do you see us overcoming them?
This is a deep subject; women worldwide still face barriers regarding being offered equal opportunities and inclusion in decision-making processes. Women need to be proactive, inspire, and encourage each other, celebrate and recognise each other’s achievements and make opinions heard.
Companies have a great responsibility to provide equal rights and opportunities. I consider myself very lucky because I work for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where women are offered equal opportunities, encouraged to take up leadership roles, and our successes are celebrated.
What inspires you to continue breaking barriers and achieving new heights in your career?
The stories of women who challenge and overcome obstacles inspire me. Zumran Omur, a woman from a village in Kars, Turkey, a region known for its high-quality cheese, is one such example. She founded an association with other women in her village and a museum showcasing their cheese production process, significantly impacting the promotion of their products internationally. Omur’s story is a testament to the power of one woman to transform the lives of others around her.
On a personal level, my aspiration to fulfil my potential, always learn and experience more, and inspire other women motivates me to achieve new heights in my life.
