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Career Check-in with Alisa Sudarma: Life as a new mother with a new role at Expedia Group
Alisa, joined Expedia Group in December 2017, and currently works in our Tokyo, Japan, office as a Associate Recruiter.
Alisa has had an incredible journey in her time at Expedia Group so far, having relocated from the Bali, Indonesia, office, to Okinawa, Japan, and is now in Tokyo. A true traveler at heart! As well as these unique experiences, Alisa has also changed careers at EG, from market management to talent acquisition, and even more excitingly, became a mother for the first time in 2023.
Read on to find out Alisa’s experience of being on parental leave at EG, what it’s like to change career internally, and her experience being a part of different office communities.
My career journey at Expedia Group.
Tell us about your current role.
I’m currently an Associate Recruiter for our Travel Partnerships & Media, and Private Label Solutions divisions, in the Asia Pacific region. I handle the end-to-end recruitment process for a diverse range of talented individuals. I enjoy the role because it broadens my knowledge and also allows me to play a pivotal role in someone’s life decisions, which I find incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy working with global team and stakeholders, which helps me to challenge my cross-cultural communication skills, time management, and so much more.
Share about your current team.
I’m a part of the Global Talent Acquisition team, and our primary focus is identifying and attracting top talent for our organization. More specifically, we work closely with the teams we’re hiring for to understand their hiring needs, and to ensure we find the best people for each role by focusing on each candidate’s skills and competencies. I like contributing to the overall growth and success of the company. What’s great about the team is that we all come from different backgrounds so the diversity brings a wide variety of perspectives, enhancing our team dynamics.
My career change & relocation.
You started your market management career at the Expedia Group Bali, Indonesia office, and then moved to the Okinawa, Japan office. What did you enjoy about these experiences?
If I were to describe the Bali team in a single term, it would be: “family”. They extend beyond the conventional definition of colleagues. Even after departing from the office two years ago, I maintain regular contact with them. Their teamwork, unity, and creativity are simply astounding.
In Okinawa, I was a Market Manager with combined accounts between Micronesia and Okinawa. What I enjoyed the most about this time were the market visits! After the pandemic, it felt so exhilarating to go on market visits, meeting people, feeling the vacation vibes, and seeing the beautiful accommodations with our own eyes, as well as to have engaging conversations with our great hotel partners. There’s nothing quite like the luxury of writing a meeting recap while watching a beautiful sunset.
Why did you decide to change roles internally at Expedia Group and how were you supported in this change?
My decision was influenced by two main factors. The first was career growth – I was looking to challenge myself, learn new skills, and to expand my knowledge and experience. And secondly, I was considering the stage of my personal life – as a new mom, I had new priorities, and wanted to be in a role with less travel requirements, as I wanted to devote as much time as I can to my baby girl.
While I really enjoyed my position in Market Management, it required domestic and international travel (when I managed an international market). Fortunately, I discovered a position based in Tokyo, Japan in the Global Talent Acquisition team that would maximize my skillset, while offering greater work flexibility that aligned with my needs. I’ve been in the new team for over two months now and it has been a great start.
The support I received from my previous manager during this transition was truly exceptional and will forever be etched in my memory. She was my beacon during times when I felt adrift and uncertain about my next step, and she helped me organize my priorities, guided me towards resources, and consistently checked in on me during my maternity leave, helping me manage my anxiety. Her support was invaluable during this period of change.
What skills have you developed in your previous role that you can apply to this role?
Proficiency in cross-cultural communication is a skill I’ve honed through my extensive experience working with hotel partners from different countries. Currently, I interact with both internal stakeholders and external candidates from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. My ability to swiftly adapt, manage expectations, and demonstrate flexibility has been my strength. Additionally, negotiation skills are a crucial part of my toolkit. Above all, my previous role as a Market Manager has enriched my interactions with candidates. Drawing from this experience, I’ve been able to facilitate smooth conversations and, I hope, inspire them as well.
What are the best parts about working at Expedia Group Tokyo?
Since I came from smaller offices in Bali, Indonesia, and Okinawa, Japan, the main difference I’ve noticed in Tokyo is the opportunity to collaborate with different teams. We often communicate, engage and brainstorm together, which I greatly appreciate. On another note, living in Japan is an experience I truly cherish. Culinary delights, landscapes, skyscrapers, and extensive travel options within the country are some incredible benefits of living here.
My parental leave at Expedia Group.
How did Expedia Group support you before and during your parental leave?
I started my maternity leave in April 2023, my baby was then born in May 2023, and I then returned to work in May 2024.
Expedia Group was super supportive throughout the whole experience. Before I went on parental leave, my team and manager helped me plan everything out so that my account would be covered while I was away. My manager also reassured me about the return to my role, which took a away lot of anxiety.
What was also a great surprise was the new parental benefit that was introduced when I was out on leave: a transition back to work benefit, which allows for returning to parents to restart work on a flexible schedule.
Along with adjusting to a new daily routine and added responsibilities, there’s also the unexpected hormonal changes that a new mom has to deal with (which I didn’t expect). This stirred up a lot of anxiety about returning to work. I constantly found myself questioning if I could function at work as effectively as before, if I would inconvenience to my manager by possibly needing to take sudden leave if my baby fell ill, if I could fit in with a new team, and if I could juggle my time efficiently given my increased responsibilities. The introduction of the new transition back benefit, which enables flexible working, has significantly boosted my confidence in returning to work.
How have you been supported while being a new mother and taking on a new role?
Outside of work, support from my friends and family has been a significant pillar of strength during my transition into motherhood. Their understanding, assistance, and emotional support have been invaluable during this new phase of my life.
In the workplace, the support from my manager and colleagues has been instrumental in helping me adapt to my new role. Their patience, understanding, and encouragement have made the transition smoother. Additionally, the existence of the “return from maternity” Slack channel has been a great resource. This platform has provided me with a community of individuals who are going through or have gone through similar experiences, offering advice, sharing experiences, and providing a sense of camaraderie during this significant life change. This supportive and inclusive work environment has indeed made a positive impact on my journey as a new mother taking on a new role.
What are some tips you have for mothers who are thinking of returning to the workplace?
- Understand the company’s parental benefits: make sure to familiarize yourself with the parental benefits and utilize them to the fullest.
- Connect with fellow parents: establish a connection with other parents within your team or organization. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer support as you navigate through this transition.
- Communicate openly with your manager: it’s crucial to be open and honest with your manager about your feelings and any adjustments you might need to make your transition back to work more comfortable.
- Plan your schedule: balancing work and parenting duties can be challenging. Plan your schedule carefully, considering your child’s routine and your work commitments.
- Make time for self reward: amidst the hustle of balancing work and family, don’t forget to reward yourself. Take time out for self-care activities that you enjoy.
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