Marriott's leading ladies

Peng says she would never have thought of becoming a general manager if not for encouragement from her boss.

It is all part of Marriott's spirit to serve, Pan says.

"The brand is always putting people first as it believes if you treat employees well they will treat guests well. That's what I agree with and advocate, and there is no reason for me to leave," she says. "Someone once asked if I would ever consider changing jobs. I said I would change my job if I became unhappy, but that has never happened."

Being loyal is important, they tell those working in the hotel industry.

"You have got to be patient if you want to achieve something. It is very clear that those who make it to the top are those who do not quit halfway," says Peng. She feels sorry that many of her colleagues gave up when they were almost within sight of their goals.

When it comes to family and work, Wang says striking a healthy balance is easier than many would imagine. She lets family members know what she is busy with when she has to put in extra time at work.

"We cherish the time when we are together and that improves our relationship," says Wang.

Pan says she always finds time to relax as she believes that improving efficiency during her 10-hour or so workday is key. In fact, she even has time to learn belly dancing.

"You should quit a job if you don't love it. Only when you have love for the job will it be fun," says Pan, who firmly believes innovation is of utmost importance.

In addition to her belly dancing, Pan loves traveling, music and "all that is beautiful". And when she cannot travel, she reads books.

Reading is also what the other two women enjoy in their spare time.

"I read a lot," says Peng, who is frequently inspired by what she reads.

For Wang, books do more than impart knowledge.

"Everyone has hard times and indeed friends are important, but reading also plays a role in tiding me over rough periods," she says.