In 2011, at a time when the late Fijian Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, was facing political turmoil, Talei, his eldest granddaughter, left for the United States in search of better life.
Eleven years later, Talei Qarase-Borman, has become the first Fijian to scoop the 2023 Excellence Leadership Award from Interim HealthCare, the leading home care, hospice and medical staff company in the US.
Aside from being proud of her achievement, Talei believes her purpose is to be of service to others.
“I’ve been very blessed to have found a line of work where I feel fulfilled,” a soft-spoken Talei said.
“We’re able to provide quality of service to people in the community while also providing employment opportunity to people around us.
“Both of these, make my heart full and keep me going.”
Talei joined the healthcare industry as soon as she arrived in the US, starting off her career as a caregiver for seniors.
She then joined Interim HealthCare in 2016 as a Customer Service Representative and worked her way up the ladder before being promoted to a managerial role in January 2021.
Talei’s work includes managing the company’s two divisions – Personal and Support Services CSS and Staffing.
Her most recent award is given to individuals who are nominated due to their leadership qualities. While she is humbled by this outstanding achievement, she hopes that she wouldn’t be the last Fijian.
Talei believes Fijians possess a natural flair for service and can achieve the highest standards of customer service etiquette anywhere in the world.
“I manage Interim HealthCare of Sonoma County and we provide personal care and staffing services in Sonoma County, California.
“I dedicate the award to God our Heavenly Father- for his continued guidance and direction throughout my life, not forgetting my church family.
“My husband and kids – for always having faith in me and supporting me in my career and all my responsibilities inside and outside of work, not forgetting our immediate and extended families.
“My boss, my mentor and owner of Interim Healthcare – Cathy Olsen, for continuing to have faith in me to manager Interim of Sonoma County.
“Last but not the least, my first mentor, who has been a great example of a true leader, my late Tua.”
Being a mother and a wife, Talei also acknowledged her husband for being the backbone of the family and for always being there in her demanding professional life.
She said that they were an unbreakable husband and wife team that shouldered responsibilities and supported each other through thick and thin.
“Wherever I am lacking in the home or elsewhere due to work and my many other responsibilities, he is there to support me and vice versa.
“I don’t think I’d be sane if I didn’t have a solid support system, and I’m so grateful that I have one.”
Talei has urged youths and young Fijians to stay humble, keep learning and growing, and always strive to give back, in whatever capacity that may be.
In life she continues to be reminded by a famous quote of her late grandfather and PM: “We encircle the globe with a chain of love, faith and trust, knowing that He (God) is listening.”
These words the main reasons Talei is able to conquer her trials head on.
“I have my own four-legged stool rule… lotu , vuvale, vanua kei na matanitu. (church, family, land and traditional ties, and government)”