International Women’s Day is a day of unity – an opportunity for women across the world to lift each other up and celebrate each other’s achievements.
This year we have decided to speak to a few of the fabulous women in our business to find out more about their journey into the hospitality industry and what they are most proud of in their careers so far.
Emma Woods, Operations Manager
Talk us through your career path; I was a geography graduate and got into hospitality part-time as a student. I loved it – getting paid to talk to people! I learned my craft in the branded High Street sector and worked my way up. I was an Ops manager for 4 years before joining Chestnut. I’d been looking for a business as passionate about Norfolk as I am!
Can you tell me about something you are most proud of? Supporting others to achieve their (career) goals – gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction.
What motivates you? An energetic, hungry, ambitious and evolving business and the daily challenges that it presents – working alongside like-minded colleagues and teams who give their all to achieve.
What advice would you give to women starting out in business? Utilise the great people around you to help you learn, everyones story can inspire.
Charley O’Toole, People Director
Talk us through your career path; I’ve always worked in hospitality, I was fortunate enough to be able to do a variety of roles – from operations, training, openings, recruitment, HR and even a brief stint in brand marketing.
I have worked for both big and smaller companies that have given me the opportunity to expand within my role.
Can you tell me about something you are most proud of?
Being part of my teams’ career path and watching them grow and develop into more senior roles.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by 3 things – having a career, my current job and being a mummy to 2 girls (of course, not forgetting my fiancée).
What advice would you give to women starting out in business?
I am fortunate enough to have been (and to still be) surrounded by some incredible women and over the years have collected some of their advice to me:
Believe in yourself and set yourself goals that you want to achieve. This includes advocating for yourself, don’t forget you!
Be open to challenging yourself outside of your comfort zone – always keep learning and honing your craft.
Get comfortable with the change. Things can change, learn to be adaptable and resilient.
Find your tribe – surround yourself with like-minded people and people you can learn from.
Build a network – know what is happening around you.
Celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small.
Prioritise a Work – Life balance. It is so easy to get caught up in work life. Make sure you include time for you, whatever that is!
Embrace the failure. Learn from the mistakes and go again.
It is never too late to adapt to the change you want – never settle for something that doesn’t feel right. There is no timeline on when you can start that new career or study a new role – don’t regret what you can control.
Abi Stott, General Manager at The Feathers, Holt
Talk us through your career path; Originally, I was going to train to be a teacher but after my first summer working in a local pub that all changed. I have worked my way up through some brilliant roles in pubs, hotels, cafes and even in a head office capacity. Being a GM is the best role I’ve had!
Can you tell me about something you are most proud of? I am most proud when my team develop and you watch them learn. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible people and watching them grow and develop and take on their next role, and become assistant managers or General managers, is what I am most proud of.
What motivates you? My team! Working with them and doing what is both great for the business and supporting them both personally and at work!!!
What advice would you give to women starting out in business? Be brave! You don’t know just what you are capable of until you give it a go.
Genevieve Dorrington, Guest Experience Manager
Talk us through your career path; I started with Chestnut in 2016 as a reservations manager and moved to Central Reservations 18 months later. At the time there were only 4 pubs so I managed phone calls for the group on my own until the team grew along with the business. Now we manage 20 pubs and central reservations is an extremely important part of our Guests’ experience.
Can you tell me about something you are most proud of? My ability to evolve as quickly as the business does! Change is paramount to grow as a business and in order to maintain high standards of guest experience at the beginning of our guests’ journey I have had to grow with the business and adapt at each stage. I’m proud to say I’ve not only done that – but I’ve got better with time!
What motivates you? Turning a guests’ day around, making a difference to someone’s day and spreading humour and joy as much as possible.
What advice would you give to women starting out in business? If you are a mother, or want to be in the future, you can have both! Having a career and being a great mother is possible- make sure you surround yourself with positive people and a network of help so you can thrive in your career and when being a parent – and save time for yourself even if it’s only 1 hour a day!
Nicole Barratt, General Manager of The Crown Inn, Stoke by Nayland
Talk us through your career path; I started work in the City immediately after A levels and worked in insurance. Whilst having four children I went to work in a local school but was tempted into hospitality in my early 40s.
Can you tell me about something you are most proud of?
Always keeping a positive frame of mind even when life becomes difficult. Don't be a victim to your problems.
What motivates you? A love of life, learning and people.
What advice would you give to women starting out in business?
Always keep your sense of humour, be confident of yourself whilst being respectful of others.
We are proud to introduce you to a few of our people from across our business in a variety of roles and pubs. To find out more about our team or joining the journey, click here.
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