The need for more women in leadership roles within the hospitality industry was one of five key takeaways from an all-female industry panel to mark International Women’s Day.
Organised by hospitality freelancing platform Brigad, the Women in Hospitality: Shaping a New Future event on February 29th, examined key challenges women face within the industry.
Moderated by Be Inclusive Hospitality’s Lorraine Copes, the panel featured awarding-winning chef Chantelle Nicholson, Corinthia Hotel’s Cynthia Coomb and Francesca Turra, head sommelier at Fallow in London, who discussed a range of issues.
The other four key takeaways to come from the event were:
· the importance of mentorship
· the role the media can play in promoting women role models
· how allyship and collaboration with male colleagues can have a positive impact
· the need to further embrace equality, inclusion and diversity
The hospitality industry is the third largest employment sector in the UK, with 60 per cent of the workforce women – however, just 12 per cent are in senior leadership roles.
While the women in the panel have forged strong careers, the consensus was the limited number of women at the top does need addressing. This shift would also increase the number of female mentors, which was another key takeaway.
Coomb said: “In my early career there was a lack of female role models. Today that is different. The hospitality landscape is still changing and it can change a lot more. Improvements are happening but it is slow. There is a need for more role models that offer more inspiration.”
Nicholson expressed the value of women in key roles. She added: “With a female leadership team, women feel more secure and more confident.”
Turra said: “If you see no women in leadership roles, then you are not encouraging other women to apply for senior roles. There is a need to see an increase in women in leadership roles.”
On allyship, the panel emphasised how this has improved but more still needs to be done.
“It’s about everyone working together for a common goal,” said Nicholson.
Coomb added: “If you have that [allyship] it can make all the difference.”
The panel all agreed that they would also like to see more men taking a stance and calling out unacceptable behaviour and supporting their female colleagues – not taking over.
Reflecting on equality, inclusivity, and diversity, it was likened to the discussion about sustainability 15 years ago and how it was a small topic then but now very much on the agenda.
Coomb said: “Equality, inclusivity and diversity is a hot topic now but more action is needed though. People know what should be done but it’s not always happening.”
Nicholson was vocal on the role the media could also play in being more supportive of women in hospitality.
She said: “The amount of times I’ve seen the same people – males – rolled out, on the cover of a magazine or a campaign, I think, try a bit harder.
“Think a bit more before you feature someone. Think about the repercussions.”
Finally, they each also offered a piece of advice on how women could move forward with their careers in hospitality.
Trust your gut feeling was Nicholson’s advice.
Don’t compare yourself to others and find a mentor was Coomb’s view.
Find the right manager and / or mentor as it matters to your mental health was Turra’s advice.
The full event is available to watch on this You Tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d83LEWo-HyY
