Has being a female in a maledominated space posed any challenges for you throughout your career ? If so , how did you overcome them ?
I ’ ve faced challenges in all directions – from boardrooms to boom lifts . I know exactly what it feels like to walk into a meeting and immediately be given a coffee order . Patience and resilience are my toolbox go-to ’ s ; it becomes apparent very quickly if someone knows what they are talking about .
What is your proudest achievement to date ?
Of the “ cherry ” projects in my portfolio , it always comes down to the team . The work always gets done – we are all professionals and the Luxury sector demands the best from us – but it ’ s the people and the dynamic of the project team that resonates and truly makes the project special . Being the person who curates and leads that type of team has been the absolute highlight of my career .
What will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of female leaders in hospitality and how do you overcome them ?
Work-life balance has never been more strained than in the last two years . I believe this will continue to be the single biggest challenge for female leaders moving forward . Support systems – both at home and in the workplace – will be paramount .
What is the most important message you want to share with women just starting out or looking to grow their career in hospitality ?
BE BRAVE . The only regrets I have in life stem from points at which I had to make a decision and I chose the “ less scary ” of the two options . Make the brave choice .
Why Hospitality ?
I stumbled into Hospitality as a third-year Architecture student who had no idea what industry sector I wanted to focus on . Turns out , Hospitality allowed me to be a part of all of them ! We create microcosms of the human experience and can facilitate oncein-a-lifetime , positively delightful occasions that may stay with the guest for the rest of their lives . It ’ s incredibly rewarding .
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