In an era where hustle culture reigns and burnout lurks around every corner, Mind The Gap brings together two powerhouse professionals from different industries—Stephen Gould, General Manager of InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok, and Manika Sachdev, Wedding Planner of Monique Events by Monica—for a conversation that is both refreshingly truthful and deeply enlightening.
At the core of their conversation is a common value: successful leadership is rooted in understanding people, not just systems. Stephen shares the “DIA” framework—Data, Insight, Action—that he employs to facilitate expansion within the hospitality sector. At the core, it is not about complicating things further, but rather about analysing data to determine possible outcomes and knowing the reasons for particular results occurring, and acting accordingly. He highlights the importance of reflection and improvement, especially during peak periods, which are like New Year’s for Thailand. “Higher rates bring higher expectations,” he says, stressing the importance of aligning performance with customer expectations.
Meanwhile, Manika brings a balanced, caring approach from the events side of things. She is famous for customising each wedding to the distinct persona of the client and is of the opinion that without equilibrium, creativity cannot flourish. “If I don’t make space for myself, I can’t make magic for others,” she says. Her life story, starting from corporate jobs that did not resonate and ending as an event planner, underscores the wisdom in pursuit of one’s passions without reservation.
Both speakers reflect on the origins of their professional life and how it has influenced them. Stephen started his career path as a porter and points out that, in his view, humility is the essence of leadership, and goes on to describe how every position of his taught him a new aspect of the business. “In many ways, the people on the ground face more pressure than I do,” he admits, recognising the need for inclusive leadership where every voice is valued.
As this discussion develops, work-life equilibrium, alongside generational attitude changes, takes the forefront of attention. Manika shares how her mother, being from a self-sacrificing generation, taught her the value of caring for oneself without needing to feel guilty about it. “If you lose yourself while constantly giving to others, who’s going to lift you when you fall?” she questions. In today’s fast-paced world, this lesson rings truer than ever. She encourages young professionals to practise self-talk, offer themselves kindness on bad days, and set healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
While Stephen agrees that emotional openness and wellbeing are gaining ground in corporate spaces, he admits it’s a mindset shift for many older leaders who equate self-prioritisation with selfishness. The takeaway? Choosing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s survival. As he puts it, “You can’t help others if you’re running on empty.”
Ultimately, this episode isn’t just a dialogue, it’s a blueprint for modern leadership and mindful living. Whether you’re building a business, managing a team, or navigating personal transitions, this conversation reminds us that purpose, empathy, and authenticity are the new power tools.