In honor of International Women’s Day today, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has shared with HOTELS exclusive commentary from its female leaders about how to cultivate more diversity in a post-Covid world.
Preferred has approached the conversation surrounding diversity and gender equality head on, through an spirited dialogue with a diverse, global group of associates. The brand launched a dedicated taskforce to address concerns regarding the ubiquitous cultural upheavals, which included gender disparity, occurring in nearly every region, and through this conversation learned a valuable lesson: diversity is key in seeing what others may miss.
“As we approach International Women’s Day – and in fact, as we look ahead to every day in the future – it is especially important to recognize the efforts, successes, and tips from women on our team who hold vital leadership roles and whose example inspires more hospitality companies around the globe to work toward increased diversity at the executive level,” said CEO Lindsey Ueberroth.
Below, women from Preferred’s executive team share their personal insight into achieving a more equitable future in a post Covid-19 world; advice for women beginning their careers in the hospitality industry; how to support other women on their path to success, and more.
What obstacles are slowing down progress to gender equality in the workplace, and what specific elements can companies implement moving forward to bridge the gap?
Michelle Woodley, president: I believe gender equality continues to see positive movement, but has not yet reached its full potential. Leading by example and demonstrating the success of women in various roles within an organization is crucial. At Preferred, over 40% of our executive team is female. We recognize talent and good management. We don’t distinguish excellence by gender, though we realize that diversity of thought and approach is vital to a prosperous workplace. By having both women and men in top management, we receive a valuable mix of perspective in the areas of collaboration, communication style, and change management which helps us overcome barriers and make well rounded decisions.
Kristie Goshow, chief marketing officer: Two topics that warrant deeper conversation and consideration in the workplace are pregnancy and menopause. While many organizations have advanced their thinking and support frameworks for women prenatal and postpartum, menopause remains a topic that is rarely discussed, even though nearly half of the population will travel through this biological transition. As we continue to work toward a more equal future, it will be imperative for companies to evolve their health policies in order to include menopause as a work-related reality.
What was a pivotal moment in your life or career that has helped you reach your current levels of success?
Caroline Klein, chief communications officer: A game changer for me came early on and is something that I credit for helping me gain the confidence and drive I have had throughout my career – I went to a single-sex high school. This was a pivotal time in my formative years that taught me to never see or use gender as an advantage, disadvantage or something I needed to consider as I pursued the life I wanted to live.
Because of this, I learned to use my voice uninhibited, demonstrate my value during every encounter, and stand up for my worth for what I believed it to be – not what others told me it was – as a constant form of self-respect. This has allowed me to passionately pursue every opportunity I want, seeing objective qualifications as the only barrier and recognizing that I will always give myself the best chance if I stay true to who I know I am.
To this day, I never go into any negotiation or situation assuming that I am already at a disadvantage because I am a woman and believe my conviction has helped my career trajectory tremendously. I would empower every female to embrace the same mindset in the hopes that this would all but banish any proliferation of confirmation bias when it comes to gender.
Amy Butterfield, senior vice president, Global Group Sales: When my oldest daughter turned 13, my first thought was “uh oh!” and my second was that I wanted to be more present during this pivotal time. It was 2006, and I was exhilarated by the fast paced, unpredictable nature of my job running a successful Catering & Conference Services Team. While I was at the top of game, I realized that I wanted to make a change – my aspirations both professionally and personally were outgrowing my role.
I made an active choice to transition from hotel operations to hotel sales, which allowed me to better define my hours and truly create a work-life balance. This switch ended up propelling my career in directions I never could have imagined. I am still exhilarated by the fast paced, unpredictable nature of my job, I am still present with my wonderful family and I still strive to be at the top of my game.
Michelle Woodley: I distinctly remember the day I met my mentor, Mary Anne, who was the rooms executive at the hotel at which I was interviewing. She had a firm handshake, a big smile and dressed boldly in royal blue. I said to myself, ‘I want to be just like her.’ I was fortunate to meet her that day as I accepted the job as systems manager. From there, she was a fantastic role model for me personally and professionally and gave me the motivation to pursue any path and keep service culture and attitude top of mind.
How has COVID-19 helped/hurt/influenced gender equality?
Amy Butterfield: This pandemic has reshaped the narrative as it relates to work-life balance and the roles each parent plays at home. With all family members together at home in a way they likely haven’t experienced before, it has truly become all-hands-on-deck. And while dual-income households have certainly become more normalized in recent years, this past year has helped displace antiquated gender roles in a more profound manner.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be in leadership positions?
Kimberly Wilson, senior vice president, Global Sales – Corporate: Continuing to have leadership positions dominated by males alleviates the option for inclusivity and belonging. It is critical that women have or hold, are nominated, or selected and confirmed or hired for leadership positions because it is the right thing to do. Women have an equal opportunity for placement in leadership positions as shown through the continuous examples of women excelling within a variety of industry sectors or experiences. The world is diverse and having representation or inclusion of women from all creeds, race and religions disrupts the negative bias or stereotype of yesteryear. Think differently from the past and have courage to hire women for leadership positions.
Who do you consider to be your biggest female role model and what impact have they had on your life and career?
Kristie Goshow: Margaret Thatcher. While she may not have been everyone’s cup of tea in terms of her policies in the 1970s, she was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. As a young child, I was in awe of her strength of character and admired her controversial policies. “Maggie” was a force to be reckoned with. She tackled the establishment, led the critical privatization of state-owned assets in the pursuit of efficiency, economic improvement and true competition (which I later understood through Porter’s Five Forces). She was a woman willing to embrace conflict for the greater good. She was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold that office. In my personal opinion, Margaret Thatcher cleared a path for all women to succeed and I will personally be forever grateful.
Kimberly Wilson: I am blessed to have had many women play an integral part in my 25-plus year career in the hospitality industry. I want to specifically honor Pam Gilbert, who served as my first director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Houston hotel, while I assisted in the role of her executive assistant in 2002 for three years. Pam encouraged me to apply for a sales role after advising that a position in this capacity would open doors for many opportunities in the hospitality industry. She was so right. I learned so many valuable lessons under her tenure such as tenacity, the power of negotiation and leadership from a female perspective. I would not be in the position I am today with Preferred had she not seen my potential, encouraged me and mentored me to dig deeper and be the best in my role.