27/05/2026
💻 CAME FOR THE LAPTOP, STAYED FOR THE LONG-HAUL ✈️
In 2015, Jolie Lam walked into the Novotel Auckland Airport for a job interview with one goal in mind — get the job and keep it long enough to buy a uni laptop. Everything after that was a bonus.
She got the job. She got the laptop. She's still here.
What started as semester breaks and summer shifts slowly became something else. A full-time role. A move into customer service, where she found herself escorting Gordon Ramsay and Lorde through arrivals like it was any other Tuesday.
"This shy girl somehow ended up on the radio and social media, representing Auckland Airport. It really helped build my confidence."
That confidence opened doors. She moved into landside operations, took on more responsibility, and eventually stepped into leadership — managing live operations and supporting the Emergency Operations Centre on some of the airport's biggest days.
Ten years, several roles, and one very memorable flood later — Jolie now helps run day-of operations across the airport.
"What keeps me here is the people and the fact that there's always something new to learn and somewhere new to grow. I came for a laptop and ended up with a career I'm really, really proud of."
When we asked what surprised her most, she didn't hesitate.
"I didn't expect to still be here — or to love it this much."
We did though, Jolie.