Name: Sheniel Julien
Address: Choc Bay Castries, St Lucia
Nationality: Grenadian
Employment History:
- Pre-Sandals: Island Montessori School, Secretary
- Sandals Start: 2019 Front Desk Agent, Sandals Grenada
- Position Change: 2022 Environment, Health & Safety Manager, Sandals Halcyon (St Lucia)
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Environmental and Occupational Health, Bachelor in Psychology (Hons)
- Why did you pursue joining the Sandals brand?
I heard great things about the company from my sister, who has been in the company for about 6-plus years. She told me that the company rewards smart hardworking people like me and that I would be a great fit because of my personality and degree. After speaking with her, I did some research and realised that the company had many branches in different Caribbean islands. This to me, was the icing on the cake because being able to one day be able to travel to another Caribbean island to work has always been an interest of mine.
- How has your Sandals experience empowered/uplifted you?
My job makes me feel important; I get to use my degree and help the planet through our many sustainability initiatives and through the resort’s policy, I can also help the community and animals. Being able to talk to guests and team members about the initiatives of the company and what my job entails makes me feel proud that I have come so far. Being an employee at Sandals has given me so much exposure. The company saw my potential, dedication, and hard work and decided to put faith in me in such an important role; I am now working in another country as an EHS manager. I am now out of my comfort zone, and I am going to continue to make the best out of every opportunity that comes.
- What has been your greatest challenge during your Sandals journey?
Staying motivated; there were many times when I was at the front desk that I thought about getting a job that required less effort and time, but I decided to stay because my goal was to not only have a job but a career. I then took my time and looked at the different managerial roles in the company. The one role that stood out to me was Environment, Health and Safety. It was at that moment that I decided to get an additional degree, my Masters. After getting my degree, I was still at the front desk, this again demotivated me because I felt like I was being underutilised, but rather than giving up, I spoke to the HR manager and explained my thoughts and goals, which later landed me an interview. The journey was definitely not easy, and staying motivated was a challenge, but to this day, I do not regret but instead appreciate my journey because I am the person I am today because I did not give up.
- How have you evolved as a person during your time at Sandals?
I am definitely more self-aware and confident, my public speaking skills have improved, and my experience in the health and safety field continues to grow. I have had the opportunity to talk in front of large groups of people who take the time to listen to my ideas and understand the importance of my role.
- What are some personal milestones and/ or major life events you’ve experienced recently? How have they affected your perspective?
Having lost both parents in my young adult life has definitely influenced and encouraged me to live life to the fullest and to never given up. The outlook I now have on life is that it is way too short, I keep this in mind when making all my decisions. I have taken more risks because of that. Losing my parents also gave a greater sense of responsibility and accountability. I have taken the role of leader so many times in household, it became like second nature to me; this has definitely shined through in my career.
- Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, in the past, people would tend to underestimate me simply because I am a young woman. However, in my current role, I am even more empowered.
- As a Leading Lady, you are in a position of power. What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power, to me, means the ability to invoke positive change. My current role is definitely one of power, the audits that I conduct highlight areas of non-conformances that can negatively impact the health and safety of team members and guests. Through my suggested corrective actions, those health and safety risks are greatly minimised. I help to create and enforce sustainability policies for the hotel, which positively impact the environment, team members and community. I also conduct training in areas of health and safety, which in my view, empowers team members with the knowledge needed to conduct their jobs in manner that does not negatively impact their well-being.
- Who has been instrumental in supporting you during your development here? How did they support you?
My eldest sister and youngest brother have been my pillars of support. Watching them go after their dreams inspired me to do the same. My sister started her own pizza-making business during the pandemic and was very successful. She was not afraid of a challenge, she saw an opportunity and went for it. Last year, my younger brother won the Groovy Soca Monarch king title as a new artist. He never once second-guessed his ability instead, he took a chance on his talent and invested time and energy in making music that is widely recognised as being great. They continue to encourage me to be my best.
- What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
My mom always used bible references to me as encouragement, so I would have to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” No matter what difficulty I may face, I know I can get through it because I am not alone.
- What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t be afraid to try new things, it might just be the beginning of a whole new world of possibilities for you.
- Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Diversity, in my view, gives a business character, people from different walks of life have had different experiences, and these different experiences will definitely influence their decision-making. By having people from different backgrounds, the business would have a better chance of understanding and reaching new clients as they are diverse as well.
- What are you looking forward to?
I am happy to see the strides that women continue to make in the world. More and more women are coming out of their shells and owning the workplace. In the organisation, I am looking forward to seeing more women in the role of General Manager. For me, I am looking forward to gaining more experience in my field so that one day I can become the best EHS manager in the organisation and be recognised on a Sandals Resorts international level.
Sandals
I’m so proud of you congratulations