Speaking at a briefing designed to help women rise to the top ranks in the industry, successful senior female executives said more women can take these positions but they must be willing to take on the lifestyle that comes with the industry.
“Women need to demonstrate that there is a career to be had in hospitality and that we, as women, can make it to the top,” said panellist Debrah Dhugga, general manager of Dukes Hotel.
However, she added that sacrifices she had to make in order to reach this stage in her career included seeing the long-term benefit of a job which paid no more than the cost of her childcare, missing her children’s school events and living away from home five days a week.
“This industry is a lifestyle. Many times my friends have said to me that they can’t believe I could leave my children. These comments hurt, but I had to rise above it. I did it because I wanted to. The cost can be great, but I wanted a career and although that can be perceived as selfish, you have to put yourself first. My children certainly haven’t suffered as a result.”
Panelist Alison Frith, owner and managing director of Artizian catering, set up her business in 1997. “I had a choice – children or my own business - and I chose to set up my own business,” she said. “When I am working 48-hour stints I realise I made the right decision. I couldn’t work those sort of hours with children.”
Climbing the ladder
Last week’s briefing, organised by HVS Executive Search and the Leading Ladies of London Association, highlighted that women make up 60 per cent of the workforce in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector. However, according to data from People 1st, they only hold 6 per cent of senior board executive positions.
“It seems that whilst many women progress to supervisor or unit manager level, few are currently able to make the step up to the next level. In the hospitality industry, on average, 25 per cent of the male workforce is employed as managers and are in senior positions compared with 18 per cent of females,” said HVS director Lorenza Alessie.
Mentors
In addition to being willing to make sacrifices, the discussion also highlighted that women who want to reach the top should ensure they have a strong support network, including the help of mentors and role models.
They should also take the lead from their male counterparts and draw more attention to their successes, particularly when it comes to salary negotiations, said the panellists.
They also called for women to be more open with their employers about their career aspirations and plans, particularly regarding returning to work after maternity leave.
“Anyone who comes into our industry and thinks it is a nine to five job never lasts,” said Dhugga . “It’s a lifestyle. You can be flexible up to a point, but you still have a business to run and you’ve got to be prepared to work for it.
“The further up the ladder you go the lonelier it is. A network of women and mentors gives you someone to discuss things with, and that can be extremely useful.”