Celebrating International Women’s Day at Marriott: Karin Trantallis

This week, we are celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by showcasing some of the exceptionally talented women associates at Marriott International. Today, you’ll meet Karin Trantallis, who is Chief Legal Counsel for us in Asia Pacific, including Greater China. Karin’s career was inspired by her mother who was a successful businesswoman, mom and wife. Karin’s mom always wanted to be a lawyer herself. Karin fulfilled her mother’s dream. I hope you’ll read her touching story about how she did it and the advice she has for the women who are coming behind her.

Karin Trantallis

WHO: Karin Trantallis is Chief Legal Counsel for Marriott International in Asia Pacific, including Greater China. She manages a team of 50 associates – 30 of whom are attorneys. 

WHAT INSPIRED AND LAUNCHED YOUR CAREER: I was born and raised in Hong Kong. My mother ran a business with my father, and she was as strong as any man out there. She did everything my father did plus she came home and made sure there were groceries in the kitchen and the four kids were okay. To me, she was everything I wanted to be – a mother, wife and successful businesswoman. My mom always wanted to be a lawyer herself. In my mind, I think I took on her dream. But it was solidified when my family went through a big legal battle. The lawyers came to our house and made sense of a complex situation. I decided I wanted to do that. After law school, I worked at a law firm.

WHAT WAS A KEY DECISION THAT PROPELLED YOUR CAREER FORWARD: One day, a recruiter called me. I didn’t know anything about hotels, but I was impressed when I met with the Marriott team. Everyone was passionate about what they did and clearly enjoyed working for the company. I joined as a corporate counsel. I worked closely with the team in Hong Kong and traveled to many places with them. It was a sea change for me because I was happy and really felt part of the team.

WHO IS YOUR MENTOR: My predecessor headed up the legal team for 20 years. She brought me in, taught me everything and really injected confidence in me. She encouraged me to always reach for the next thing.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE: Women always try to do 10 jobs. We want to be the perfect mom, the perfect associate, the perfect wife, the perfect daughter and the perfect daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, none of us can achieve perfection. Don’t try to. Learn to let go and be kind to yourself. Your own interests should take priority sometimes. Stop telling yourself you can wait. Take care of yourself! If there was a younger version of me, that is what I would tell her.

Karin is spot on when she talks about the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect and the need to take care of yourself. Taking time for ourselves has to be a part of our wellness plan. I also appreciate the way Karin described her predecessor and how she helped prepare Karin to take on her role one day. Developing and coaching other women is a key part of being a leader.