For Banyan Tree Private Collection managing director Marina Kleiman, getting to the top of the career ladder was the easy part. What might be tricky is trying to stay at the top of her game while juggling the demands of home.
'The biggest challenge is to make sure that the time I give to my loved ones is not compromised. This is a constant challenge in a very demanding and competitive industry,' says Kleiman, a native of Argentina who lives in Hong Kong.
This task is made more difficult because her elderly parents live in Buenos Aires - halfway across the world with an 11-hour time difference. Kleiman says that while Argentine families often rely on frequent family gatherings and reunions to stay close, her work in Asia makes it difficult for her to be there for her parents. Whereas most Argentine families get together at least twice a month, Kleiman says she only sees her parents twice a year.
'It's difficult. I would like to give them more support and to be there when they need me, but it's not always possible.'
Fortunately, she says her family members are a forgiving lot. 'They fully support and understand my situation, and in today's world you just have to live where your working opportunities arise. Hong Kong has been my home for more than 14 years and, as such, I am very grateful to this city and what it has to offer.'
To make up for the geographical distance from her family, Kleiman says it is important to make sure that the time together is well spent.
