Women CEOs from Indonesia have been making remarkable strides, breaking barriers in diverse industries. Their leadership showcases resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a significant impact. In this landscape, Alexa Genoyer stands out as an exemplary entrepreneur, contributing to the country's hospitality and art sectors. As the CEO of Blue Karma Secrets, her transformative approach to luxury escapes has not only enchanted travelers but also uplifted local communities. Alexa's journey mirrors the collective strength and vision of women CEOs in Indonesia, creating spaces and experiences that transcend expectations.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Woman Leader magazine, Alexa shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in Indonesia. Let’s delve into it.

How did you find your way into the travel and hospitality industry? Can you share some key areas of expertise that you have cultivated as a business leader throughout your career?

My journey into the travel and hospitality industry began as a personal quest for escape and discovery. Traveling allowed me to immerse myself in unfamiliar cultures, igniting my curiosity and inspiring me to create spaces where others could experience the same magic.

Over the years, I've honed my expertise in several key areas. Firstly, my sensitivity to ancient wisdom and local traditions has guided me in creating authentic experiences that resonate with guests on a deeper level. Secondly, my commitment to fostering genuine connections with locals has enabled me to offer guests a truly immersive and humancentered experience. Additionally, my ventures into boutique hotels and private cruises have expanded my repertoire, showcasing my adaptability and innovative spirit in catering to diverse clientele. Through it all, my dedication to crafting safe, welcoming, and harmonious spaces remains at the heart of my approach as a business leader in the hospitality industry.

What inspired the creation of Blue Karma Secrets, and what are the specific areas in which the company specializes?

The creation of Blue Karma Secrets was inspired by a deep yearning for a place that resonated with my dreams and values. Born in Marseille, raised in Aix en Provence, and eventually settling in New Caledonia, I embarked on a quest to find a sanctuary that mirrored my visions of tranquility and cultural authenticity. It took three years of soul-searching and exploration before the serenity of Bali captivated me. Blue Karma Secrets specializes in offering guests a unique blend of traditional Balinese charm and modern luxury. From our carefully crafted accommodations to our rejuvenating spa experiences, every aspect of Blue Karma Secrets reflects a dedication to creating meaningful connections between our visitors and the local community. We prioritize immersive cultural experiences, whether through our culinary offerings featuring revisited local spices or through interactions with the warm-hearted Balinese people who grace our service team. Our aim is to be more than just a hotel by being a bridge between worlds, fostering understanding and appreciation for Balinese culture while providing guests with an unparalleled sense of tranquility and harmony.

As the CEO of Blue Karma Secrets, what are your primary responsibilities, and what areas do you focus on to facilitate the company's growth?

While I have entrusted the daily operations to the professional hands of Dijiwa Management, I remain deeply involved in each decision-making process, ensuring that our brand ethos and standards of excellence are upheld across all aspects of the business. From the ethics and sustainable commitments of our suppliers to the constantly evolving atmosphere of our venues, I am dedicated to maintaining our high standards.

To facilitate the company's growth, I prioritize listening. Each guest’s feedback is crucial to our success. With a focus on innovation, we constantly strive for improvement, aiming to enhance the guest experience in every way possible. This includes everything from the technology they have access to, to developing our signature eau de parfum, or even perfecting the French croissant baked in-house. We also diversify our offerings to expand our impact, reinforcing our commitment to the health and wellness of our guests, community, and environment. This includes initiatives such as Treelogy, a Moringa farm incubator following regenerative practices, Lucydream Art, a startup dedicated to giving visibility to talented local artists, and Seeds for a Child, a foundation focused on empowering underprivileged children.

Can you shed light on the major hurdles you face as a leader in this industry and elaborate on your strategies for overcoming these obstacles?

Reflecting on my professional journey, the primary obstacle in the hospitality sector is the everaccelerating pace of change. Staying abreast of emerging trends while preserving our identity and vision poses a continuous challenge. Along with this, communication hurdles and assembling the ideal team add to the complexity. However, I approach these challenges with a resolute mindset which is ‘there are no problems, only solutions.’ Navigating the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, my approach involves sustaining curiosity, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to our core values.

"Blue Karma Secrets embodies a fusion of luxury & purpose, curating transformative journeys in lush landscapes with impeccable hospitality for unforgettable, purposeful experiences"

Reflecting on your professional journey, what standout achievements do you consider the most significant?

My most significant victory is the moment I started believing in myself. Gaining the trust and confidence of the 160 individuals working with me, especially as a foreigner, is my proudest accomplishment. Equally important is the trust we've earned from our visitors, witnessing Blue Karma's growing reputation. These collective wins, rooted in self-belief and the support of both my team and guests, define the essence of my journey.

What has been your success mantra over the years as a business leader?

My success mantra as a business leader has been to live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.

A business leader you admire and why: I draw inspiration from individuals such Kadek Dirgayasa who was my architect, and Wahyu Putra, CEO of Dijiwa my management company, who exemplify strong leadership and unwavering commitment to their values. Their stories remind me that success isn't measured solely by financial gains, but by the positive impact we make on our communities and the world. I admire their resilience and dedication to creating meaningful change, regardless of the number of zeros in their bank accounts.

Message for aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs: Fully commit to your endeavors, staying focused and consistent in your approach, whether you're navigating through easy or tough times.

Alexa Genoyer, CEO, Blue Karma Secrets

Alexa Genoyer is a visionary business leader with a diverse background, holding a Graduate degree in Gemology from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). With a strong foundation in art, she currently serves as the Director of Lucydream Art, an international platform championing local artists to start within Indonesia but with no boudaries of countries neither cultures. Simultaneously, as the Chief Executive Officer of Oracle Yacht since 2019, Alexa oversees one of Indonesia's finest luxury cruises, promoting bespoke experiences in Komodo and Raja Ampat. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through as the CEO of Blue Karma Secrets since 2011, where she curates luxury escapes across Bali and beyond, earning accolades such as the Excellence Award by Charme et Caractere Luxury 2018, Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor 2018, 7 Best Luxury Retreats in the World 2019 by Book Retreats, Best Luxury Hotel by KAYAK Travel Awards 2020, Recognition of Excellence by Hotels Combined 2021, Top Yoga Retreat Centers in Bali by Yovada 2022, Best of the Best by Tripadvisor 2023, and many more.