El Kwang of BEAM explores Elaine Lau’s unique blend of business acumen and family values in the post-COVID era.
Elaine Lau‘s journey over the past 18 months stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion in the face of adversity. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lau and her team at La Global Travel faced the daunting task of navigating a landscape where travel costs soared, and client demands remained high. Yet, her approach was not one of despair but of readiness and anticipation for the resurgence of demand in her field.
The Malaysian entrepreneur’s philosophy in managing setbacks is deeply rooted in patience and realism. She emphasises the importance of acknowledging faults, learning from mistakes, and adopting a constructive approach towards challenges. This mindset is not just limited to professional setbacks but extends to personal life as well, underlining the universality of her approach.
Her advice for her past self, if she could relive the last 18 months, is profound and forward-thinking. Lau suggests investing more in human resources and initiating travels earlier. This proactive stance highlights the significance of foresight and the value of human capital in business success.
Travelling to Oman, a new destination even for this seasoned jetsetter, underscores the power of travel in providing inspiration and a sense of adventure. Her description of Oman as an ‘unlocked city’ filled with new mysteries to explore reflects the thrill and the benefits of venturing into unknown territories. It also points to the importance of being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same passion and language of business.
Finding balance, for Lau, is about integrating her passion for work with her personal life. Her love for incentive travel is the cornerstone of her professional life, yet she consciously makes time for her family, understanding that their happiness enriches her own.
Lau’s approach to parenting is equally inspiring. She takes her daughter along on her travels, not just as a companion, but as a part of her life’s learning process. Perhaps it is succession plan in the marking, she aims to instil in her daughter the values of independence, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams. Lau’s goal is to provide her daughter with a foundation that will prepare her for any path she chooses in life.
Looking ahead, this passionate incentive travel expert envisions 2024 as a year of continued challenges and opportunities. Despite expecting the grind to persist, with travel costs remaining high and client demands unyielding, she remains undeterred. Her strategy involves early planning, managing expectations, and exploring new destinations.