What are some hard lessons you had to learn in becoming a female powerhouse?

It really is true when they say it’s lonely at the top. While teamwork is vital to an organization’s success, each leadership position has its unique responsibilities and pressures. With the CEO role, relationship dynamics are impacted because of the demands of the position.

As a minority woman, you understand very quickly that you will be underestimated and often not taken seriously. I had to learn to take my seat at the table because not everyone would wait for me to sit down. I also had to learn to advocate for myself, which was not in my nature as a young adult. I understand that I am setting the bar for women who come after me, so it is important to not give them a lower starting point than they deserve. I am lucky to be in a nurturing organization that shares these values.

It is truly an honor to serve as CEO of TS Restaurants and, of course, I take my responsibilities seriously. I know that each decision I make or approve has an impact on over 2,500 families. The weight of that responsibility can be daunting, so I make sure to incorporate the company’s mission and values as guiding principles. The TS mission statement is “To create timeless memories and lifelong friendships with sunsets and aloha.” The values are ‘ohana, continuous improvement, serving our communities, pride in our employees, and fun. What makes TS special is that we have a company filled with people who embrace the mission and values professionally and personally. When you can find that kind of alignment, when people truly believe in the essence of a company, then you can have something magical. I’m so proud to say that’s what we have at TS.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments in this career?

My proudest accomplishment is being a representation of possibility for Polynesians. My mother is from Samoa and I grew up with a tremendous amount of pride for my culture. I love the idea that, with the success I have earned in my career, Polynesian kids can see me as an example of what can happen for anyone who is willing to do what is necessary to prepare for and create opportunities. I was raised by a single mom, the second person in my family to be born in the United States and the first to attend college. We did not have a lot in the way of material things, but my mom always encouraged me to dream. As a result, I learned to look at the world without self-imposed limits. I learned the world can be bigger than what I could actually see. In turn, I hope that I can inspire Polynesian youth to see through the lens of what is possible. If they can see it, then they can go make that happen with all of us cheering them on.

What wardrobe choices make you feel the best in your workplace on the day-to-day?

When I am in the restaurants, closed-toe shoes are a must! My clothing choices are pretty simple; though, I love to wear local Hawaiian and Samoan designs when I can. My most cherished item is a necklace with my late grandson’s fingerprint. When I think of him during the day, I touch his fingerprint and it’s like I’m holding his hand.

What makes you feel feminine?

I come from a line of beautiful, strong Samoan women, so I don’t think about being feminine in the customary sense of the word. When I think about being a woman, I think about perseverance, strength, honor and tradition. I think about the challenges that my mom, aunties, grandmother and great-grandmother faced, and I am inspired by their power. I think of how my husband so lovingly supports and holds up our family, and encourages me to be the best version of myself. I think about teaching my sons and grandchildren about my culture, and making sure they feel pride in where they come from. My family makes me feel everything I feel. They are my source of strength and the greatest joy in my life.

How do you overcome fears?

It is important to me to understand why. So, when I am faced with a fear, I first try to understand why I am afraid. Sometimes fear can be a good sign that you should not do something. I analyze the fear from a logical point of view and then, if I decide to proceed, I proceed with determination.

When I became CEO, I had many fears—fear of failure, fear of not knowing something I should, fear of making wrong decisions. I know that I will make mistakes so I cannot promise those who depend on me that I will be perfect. However, I can promise them that everything I do will be with the best intention and to the best of my abilities. I played sports growing up and am still an avid sports fan, so I very much buy into the notion of leaving everything on the field. If you have left it all out there, then you can overcome your fears.