From 1996 until 2021 – 25 years and reasons to move forward
Glory, acknowledgement, reward, denial, tough, fulfilment, sincerity, courage, optimism, inspiration, accomplishment, truthful, perseverance, acceptance, humility, anxiety, fear, horrific, perturbation, gratitude, surprise, faith, hope… Aren’t those words that we keep hearing every day in our lives? Upon celebrating her silver jubilee, Mrs. Hala Massaad, General Manager of Raouche Arjaan by Rotana complements each meaning with one of her truthful life events and moments as never spoken before…
1. The most glorious moment in my life was when I celebrated my successful 25 years in the hospitality industry, yet I realized that this milestone is just a beginning to what’s coming next – don’t stop thinking that you had it all, there is still much more that life can offer…
2. The most acknowledging moment in my life was when I realized that so much had passed with even more to reflect back upon, learn from, and move forward – yes one should truly live, love, learn and repeat…
3. The most challenging time of my life was my struggle to defeat the misconceptions and stereotype thinking that supplemented being an Arab woman – today I say that passion and drive can sure make you overcome all obstacles along the way.
4. The most rewarding moments of my life are when I sometimes get a flash-back of some of the toughest events that had occurred – celebrate proudly your small wins, they are building you step by step towards your larger goals…
5. The most denying moments in my life were when I could not admit that there are evident gender opportunity differences and have fought with that fact continuously – just remember that accepting reality doesn’t mean that you are ought to stop dreaming big…
6. The toughest moment in my career was taking the decision to leave a company after 12 years of dedicated service and learning – new chapters open their doors in life, be brave to make the step forward…
7. The most fulfilling moment in my life was when I joined a company that believed in me as a woman and as an asset, a company that promoted me to become the first female General Manager in the company – new challenges unfold daily, be bold to accept them and move forward…
8. The most sincere moment in my life was when I learned to value myself, it was a time that transformed me into a more caring manager, daughter, sister and friend while projecting goodness throughout – new realizations happen when you sometimes don’t expect it, embrace those and step up…
9. The most courageous moment in my life was to jump into marriage, yes better late than never, after 12 years of career dedication – now I know that leading a fulfilling life happens only when you adopt a healthy work/life balance…
10. The most optimistic moment in my life was when I gave birth, only then I pictured my future in a whole different perspective – children are the most precious thing you can have and you ought to give them your all so that they can courageously move forward…
11. The most doubtful moments of my life were when thinking that in a man’s world a woman can hardly achieve – despite the barriers I always had my career goals clear and focused on only achieving them…
12. The most inspiring moment in my life was when I realized that being a dedicated mentor for uprising women in the field could also grow me as a professional – always give what you can and it sure reciprocates positively on you…
13. The most accomplished moment in my life was when I held the award of the best GM in the company – you will reach the top of your career and many times advance others, but never stop being humble nor modest…
14. The most truthful moment in my life was when I realized that developing oneself does not stop at learning new skills from one’s own scope – learning happens daily and the best development you can have is when you look outside your own box, own scope, and own interests.
15. The most persevering time of my life was when I fought endlessly to try and survive amidst the undoubtedly difficult times in our beloved country – dreaming of a better tomorrow needs a clear goal and a strong undefeatable will…
16. The most accepting moment in my life was when I realized that generations to come will transform the way we do business, and that change is near - learn to accept the younger generation because even from those you can learn a lot…
17. The most humble moment in my life was when first I volunteered in a community act and felt how much small efforts can impact others – volunteering is a wonderful fulfilling activity that rewards you mentally and physically…
18. The most anxious moment in my life was when I realized that 25 working years has become the past and my new purpose is now my future – there has to be a time in your life when you re-think, re-evaluate and re-purpose gracefully…
19. The most fearful moment of my life was after the hit of the pandemic and the thought that I could lose my loved ones in just a glance – life is precious and sometimes treacherous, be sure to express your love and appreciation at all times…
20. The most horrifying day of my life was the 4th of August, Beirut blast, I saw death in my own eyes and people injured on the street yet my only objective was to reach home and see my son - we never know when life unfolds, but if it does be sure that you have lived to its fullest…
21. The most perturbing period of my life was following the Beirut blast, I was feeling helpless and guilty that I was still alive and unharmed but soon enough this feeling of unrest was sedated when I started contributing to help others – sometimes life doesn’t give you the answers you want but your purpose is always defined…
22. The most grateful moments in my life were when friends and acquaintances from all over the world texted me, sent me emails and called to see how they could help the people affected by the blast – the magic of Lebanon has spellbound non-Lebanese as much as the Lebanese Diaspora, one that is so strong, neither limited by geography nor time, and has helped graciously our people.
23. The most surprising moment of my life was when my 5 year old son started explaining to me the benefits of recycling – impact can happen if we start early, soon and somewhere. Our children are our advocates for a sustainable planet and so we should be too.
24. The most faithful time in my life began with the collapse of the political, economic and social systems in Lebanon that affected largely all Lebanese alike and concurrently the rising hope for a better tomorrow – no matter how hard it is to continue today, hang on and believe in the goodness that will prevail…
25. Never lose hope, never give up on your faith and never stop believing in your dreams because miracles do happen; you just need to believe in yourself.
Spread Love and Positivity. We will travel again, we will hug again and I cannot wait to open my arms and embrace love again and again.
Hala Massaad
General Manager of Raouche Arjaan by Rotana
