The future is yours to create: Symphony Loo

To complete our The Future is Yours to Create: International Women’s Day series is Symphony Loo. The Asia’s Regional On-Premise Customer Marketing Manager of the Campari Group is a powerhouse in the industry and leads by example. Here she shares the biggest influencers in her life and her hopes for the future.

A little bit about me

I have been with the Campari Group for the past 5.5 years, and my journey in the food and beverage industry began at a young age, precisely when I was 13 years old. My exposure to the industry started through my extended family, who owned a restaurant, where I spent a lot of time around every weekend. These early experiences laid the foundation for my career in hospitality, particularly in the food and beverage sector.

I continued to stay involved in the food and beverage industry while pursuing my studies. Eventually, I enrolled in a Hotel Management University, which further solidified my expertise in the field. From there, my career path in hospitality continued to evolve, shaping the trajectory of my professional journey.

The favorite part of my job is that there is never a dull moment.

Working alongside passionate teammates is a privilege. Every day, I have the opportunity to engage in work that I am truly passionate about, allowing me to both pursue my interests and find fulfillment in what I do.

My passion in what I do is what drives me as an individual.

Symphony Loo in her Campari Red.

How I approach my work

Don’t die in beauty. – This advice has been essential for me as I used to place immense pressure on myself to achieve perfection in everything I did, leading to unnecessary stress. I’ve come to understand that not everything needs to be flawless; sometimes, beauty and success can emerge from imperfection.

Communication is fundamental to my daily routine. Whether it’s with mentors or teammates, I engage in meaningful exchanges regularly. Even if we aren’t physically present in a school setting every day, I believe that our environment serves as our classroom. In this environment, I embrace the opportunity to learn new perspectives each day.

Don’t die in beauty. – This advice has been essential for me as I used to place immense pressure on myself to achieve perfection in everything I did, leading to unnecessary stress.

As a working mom, I find myself wanting a multitude of things – it’s quite amusing! However, if I were to distill it down to a simple statement, I aspire to achieve a better work-life balance.

I firmly believe that trust is the most valuable source of motivation. This is what employers can do to motivate at work.

My thoughts on mentorship

First and foremost, my father and my late mother have been the most influential figures in my life. My father has always been a role model, demonstrating the importance of humility and staying grounded. Meanwhile, my late mother was an incredibly hardworking individual, leaving a lasting impression on me. Their values and teachings have laid the foundation for my life and career.

Additionally, I also admire several industry leaders whom I look up to. I deeply appreciate the significant efforts they have made to contribute to the community and the industry as a whole.

Role models are significant for me. Having someone to look up to, to aspire to mirror as I progress in life and career, is invaluable. In our industry, there are indeed a few individuals whom I deeply admire and aspire to emulate as I continue to grow.

Having someone to look up to, to aspire to mirror as I progress in life and career, is invaluable. In our industry, there are indeed a few individuals whom I deeply admire and aspire to emulate as I continue to grow.

What do I look for in a mentor or leader? To lead by example, demonstrating humility, respect, and a willingness to accept feedback openly.

While it’s crucial to stay on top of industry developments, I believe it’s equally important to uplift the next generation. Cultivating a larger heart and embracing our successors fosters a culture of acceptance and enables the rise of future leaders.

My hopes for the future

Simplicity is key. Let’s demonstrate to the new generation that success in this industry isn’t about fierce competition or striving to be the absolute best. It’s about embracing the journey, doing our best, and being the best version of ourselves.

I strongly believe that everyone in the industry holds significant power, from the bar back and floor staff to the bartender, chef, bar manager, and even the dishwasher. Each individual has the ability to make a positive impact and drive change. That’s why it’s crucial for each of us to strive to be our best every single day.

We should take advantage of any opportunity to hold sharing sessions. Let’s encourage our community to embrace a mindset of continuous learning.

We should take advantage of any opportunity to hold sharing sessions. Let’s encourage our community to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Attend workshops, participate in masterclasses, indulge in reading books, and engage in conversations with diverse individuals. There’s always something new to discover and learn from others.

What do you want my legacy to be? That I am committed to making sustainable contributions to our industry while prioritizing work-life balance.