In Conversation with Michelle Lazaro on Okada’s Rise & Legacy

The sun was just beginning to spill golden light through the grand windows of Okada Manila when Michelle Lazaro walked in for our interview. Poised, radiant, and effortlessly warm, she carried the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from years of meaningful leadership, strategic thinking, and earned respect.

I wasn’t just here to talk about titles or achievements. I wanted to understand the heartbeat behind the brilliance, strategy, and legacy that is maintained over time. The story of Michelle Lazaro, who shaped Okada Manila into a crown jewel of luxury, entertainment, and excellence.

So I began with the question that matters most:

"What does victory mean to you?"

She paused, a thoughtful silence filling the room, her smile soft and reflective.

“Victory,” she began, “isn’t always loud or seen. Sometimes, it’s the quiet confidence of knowing you did what was right, with a strategy and with dedication to accomplish goals. She added that for me, the victory was in the rise of Okada Manila resort prestige globally. Working in silence and letting the success make the noise

That name Lazaro is more than a surname. It's a legacy built on integrity, heart, and hard-earned respect. Michelle’s father, a respected figure long before her time at Okada Manila, was a man of discipline and compassion—his values etched deeply into her character.

The Journey Begins: A Heart Full of Purpose

Michelle Lazaro spoke about her early days—how she never imagined herself in the luxury resort industry, yet always carried an instinct to lead and serve with integrity. Her path to Okada Manila was built not on shortcuts but on grit, empathy, determination, and the courage to grow through challenge.

“I’ve always believed that how you lead is as important for creating success,” she said. “And at Okada, it’s never just about five-star standards—it’s about five-star hearts.”

Her story unfolded like a tapestry—woven with moments of pressure, breakthrough, and deep introspection.

The Role of Legacy and Learning

When I asked Michelle Lazaro what fuels her passion, her answer came without pause, anchored in emotion and meaning. “My father,” she said, her voice soft but unwavering. “He built his name on honesty, hard work, and humility. Every day, I try to walk with the same grace and take the legacy forward that reflects in Okada Manila's rise.”

That grace defines her leadership.  Michelle Lazaro doesn’t lead from a distance—she leads with presence. She’s a mentor, a listener, and an empowering force who walks shoulder-to-shoulder with her team.

“At Okada Manila,” she continued, “we’re not just creating five-star guest experiences. Creating a culture rooted in respect, purpose, and heart. And that always starts with how we treat one another.” It’s this human-first approach that makes her leadership truly unforgettable.

Defining Moments & Daily Victories

I asked her to recall a moment when she knew they were building something bigger than luxury and their contribution to Okada Manila.  She lit up. “It was during a team appreciation event. One of our youngest staff members came up to me and said, ‘This is the first place I’ve truly felt seen, not just for what I do, but for who I am. At Okada Manila, recognition isn’t reserved for titles, it’s rooted in respect.’ That was a win for me. That’s why we do this.”

She shared how she balances operational excellence with emotional intelligence.  How each department, whether in-housekeeping or VIP services, plays a vital role in delivering something unforgettable.

Eyes on the Future, Heart in the Present

As the conversation flowed, it was clear Michelle Lazaro is nurturing Okada Manila. With a vision that blends heritage and innovation, she’s helping craft a future that is both boldly modern and deeply rooted in Filipino warmth.

“The luxury of the future,” she told me, “is human. It’s about connection, meaning, and leaving people better than we found them.”

A Leader Who Listens

As our time drew to a close, I asked her one final question:

 “What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?”

“Stay curious. Stay kind. And don’t fear doing hard things with heart.” This means embracing lifelong learning with an open mind, treating others with compassion, and courageously facing challenges by leading with genuine passion and empathy. It’s a powerful mantra for personal growth and impactful leadership.

Walking away from that interview, I realized I hadn’t just met a leader—I had met a woman whose vision and strength are shaping Okada Manila’s culture but also redefining what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.

It was an inspiring, insightful conversation with the remarkable woman behind Okada Manila’s success and legacy.