In the spirit of International Women’s Day, Nova gathered its community on 8 March 2026 for a quiet, meaningful exchange — not a stage performance, but a real conversation.
Held at Wink, the fireside chat brought together three women from different corners of the world and stages of life: Jenna, Nova’s Marine Biologist and Dive Instructor from Canada; Uli, Sous Chef from the Philippines; and Roshni, Spa Manager from India.
Across generations, geographies and vocations, the three spoke candidly about their journeys, the industries they navigate, and what it takes to be successful in their careers as a woman.
On Choosing Paths That Chose Them Back
While their professions span science, culinary arts and wellness, the stories shared revealed a common truth: careers often begin with curiosity or circumstance, but deepen through purpose and experience.
- Follow your curiosity: Whether drawn to the mysteries of the ocean, the craft of cooking, or the healing power of movement, each journey began with an instinctive pull toward something larger than themselves.
- Practical choices can grow into passions. What may start as a pragmatic decision in pursuit of job stability or a personal turning point — can gradually evolve into meaningful work that shapes identity and purpose.
- Impact is measured in the lives you touch: Whether guiding a fearful diver into newfound wonder, creating meals that bring people together, or helping a guest leave lighter than when they arrived, the deepest reward lies in serving others and witnessing their transformation.
On Finding Your Voice & Claiming Space
All three women have found themselves, at different points in their careers, as the minority within environments historically shaped by men. Their reflections bring to light a few recurring truths about what it takes to thrive in these spaces:
- Experience is the real teacher: Leadership rarely comes from theory alone. Asking questions, observing how problems are solved, and learning through mistakes all build the judgement that experience eventually rewards.
- Confidence is learned: Fields such as marine science and professional kitchens still carry visible glass ceilings, but confidence often grows through iteration — daily practice, trial and error, and returning with a deeper understanding to call your own.
- Adaptability matters the further you go. In environments defined by intensity and hierarchy, such as professional kitchens, authority often comes from knowing when to adapt to team culture and when to hold firm on standards and discipline.
- The landscape for women is changing: Reflecting on two decades in the wellness industry, Roshni noted how greater visibility of female independence cultural movement on social media have expanded opportunities for women.
A Shared Responsibility
Beyond celebration, the spirit of International Women’s Day is perhaps best understood as a shared commitment. As the conversation drew to a close, Roshni reflected on how progress for women is only made possible when there is encouragement and mentorship from one generation to the next:
“It’s more of a responsibility — uplifting each other, constantly learning, improving, and sharing your knowledge with your fellow women.”
