International Women’s Day: Honest Conversations with Trailblazers in Hospitality

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale bring together a panel of inspiring women from across the hospitality industry to discuss leadership, representation and the realities of building a career in hotels today.Centred around this year’s theme, Give To Gain, the discussion reflected on what it means to build a career in hospitality with generosity, resilience and purpose, and how we can continue to support and elevate the future women of our industry.Recorded at the Library at Montcalm Mayfair, the conversation explores the progress hospitality has made towards gender equality, and where the industry still has work to do. The panel share personal stories from their own careers, reflecting on the mentors who shaped them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities they see for the next generation of women entering hospitality.From breaking stereotypes to building supportive cultures and redefining what leadership looks like, this episode offers an honest and hopeful perspective on how the industry can continue to evolve.Key topics include:✅ Personal career journeys and the moments that shaped each leader✅ The role of mentorship and sponsorship in hospitality careers✅ Progress made towards gender equality in the industry✅ Breaking stereotypes and challenging outdated leadership models✅ Creating inclusive cultures where diverse voices are heard✅ Balancing career growth with personal priorities✅ Why representation matters at every level of hospitality✅ Advice for the next generation of women entering the industry✅ The responsibility leaders have to lift others as they riseThrough candid discussion and shared experiences, the panel highlight how collaboration, visibility and supportive leadership can help create a more inclusive future for hospitality.🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation celebrating International Women’s Day on Suite Talk.Read more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction to the International Women’s Day special episode03:05 – Meet the panel and their hospitality journeys07:10 – Early career challenges and defining moments12:45 – The mentors and role models who shaped their careers18:30 – Breaking stereotypes in hospitality leadership23:50 – The importance of representation across the industry29:40 – How workplace culture has evolved in recent years34:15 – Supporting the next generation of women in hospitality39:20 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry43:30 – Reflections on the future of hospitality leadershipConnect with Our Guests:Samantha Van ExterJoanne Taylor-StaggAnne GoldenEljesa Saciri📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality.🔗 Learn more at Montcalm Mayfair and Hotel Magazine.