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realize the strength you have until you use it .”
An affinity for the softer side of the business doesn ’ t help women get to the top . “ I see a lot of young women getting business degrees but wanting to go into event planning ,” Russo says . “ I wish they would think more broadly .”
Debrah Dhugga , managing director of Dukes Hotel in London , says women must understand the commercial side : “ If you ’ re a GM , you ’ re responsible for the results of the hotel along with your staff and your guests — it ’ s all linked together .”
WOMEN “ NEED TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES — TELL THEIR BOSSES ABOUT THE SKILLS THEY WISH TO ACQUIRE AND THE POSITIONS TO WHICH THEY ASPIRE . THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE NOTICED SITTING QUIETLY IN THEIR CUBICLES .”
HOLLY GAGNON , CEO , SENECA GAMING CORP .
HIGHER AMBITIONS Women “ need to promote themselves — tell their bosses about the skills they wish to acquire and the positions to which they aspire ,” Gagnon says . “ They are not going to be noticed sitting quietly in their cubicles .”
Amanda Hyndman , general manager and area vice president , operations , at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park , London , says women sometimes lack confidence in their own abilities . Training at Mandarin Oriental isn ’ t designed specifically for women but focuses on communication , interpersonal skills and conflict
ODDS OF WOMEN in hotel company corporate operations
MANAGER VP
CHIEF
DIRECTOR EVP / SVP
PRESIDENT / PRINCIPAL
Source : Castell Project 2019
22 hotelsmag . com March 2019