At a recent Women in Hotels event, industry leaders came together to share raw, real, and inspiring insights into what it takes to lead, grow, and thrive in hospitality. Through candid storytelling and actionable advice, the event underscored the power of community, mentorship, adaptability, and self-belief in shaping successful teams and venues.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned operator, or someone considering a future in hospitality, the messages shared are both timeless and timely — and a strong reminder of the benefit of taking time out to attend events like these.
NAVIGATING LOSS IN THE WORKPLACE
Kristen Foat emphasised the importance of surrounding yourself with a team that not only supports your goals but is also capable of stepping into your role one day. It’s about creating a culture of mutual growth and shared success.
“Support takes time. While you’re lifting others up, remember you also need support from above to thrive.”
Her message was clear – stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning. The more you grow, the more your team grows with you.
BUILDING A VENUE AND CULTURE
Opening a venue and running one long-term are two completely different challenges, and Melanie Aldred knows both sides well. While experience and speed matter when launching, longevity relies on attitude, adaptability, and alignment with community values.
“You can teach someone to carry three plates – you can’t teach them to care.”
She highlighted the importance of trusting your gut, having honest conversations early, and hiring people who genuinely want to create a great experience. Above all, she reminded attendees that venues evolve, and being attuned to your community is key to staying relevant and successful.
FLEXIBILITY IN LEADERSHIP
Robbie Coccaro shared the heart-warming and insightful journey of a young woman in their cadet program — a 13-week structured experience designed to introduce new talent to all aspects of the business, supported by mentorship and ongoing reviews.
The story was a powerful reminder that building great teams starts with making people feel seen, safe, and supported. Even small acts — like inviting someone to eat lunch with the team — can be transformative.
“If she leaves us for another opportunity, that’s okay. We’ve helped her grow — and she’s helped us grow, too.”
His philosophy is rooted in patience, clear expectations, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.
FLEXIBILITY IN LEADERSHIP
Robbie Coccaro shared the heart-warming and insightful journey of a young woman in their cadet program — a 13-week structured experience designed to introduce new talent to all aspects of the business, supported by mentorship and ongoing reviews.
The story was a powerful reminder that building great teams starts with making people feel seen, safe, and supported. Even small acts — like inviting someone to eat lunch with the team — can be transformative.
“If she leaves us for another opportunity, that’s okay. We’ve helped her grow — and she’s helped us grow, too.”
His philosophy is rooted in patience, clear expectations, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.
PERSEVERING THROUGH ROADBLOCKS
Few stories capture a room like Sally Gebert’s. Her journey to open a long-awaited pub in a community that had gone five years without one was anything but smooth. Legal challenges, partnership breakdowns, and last-minute deadlines could have derailed the dream.
“I can do this. Once I get there, it will be amazing.”
Sally’s story is one of grit, integrity, and leadership under pressure. By staying true to her values and maintaining open
communication with her team — even when the details were messy — she created a workplace that is fast becoming a beloved community hub. The energy and ownership her team brought to the venue was a direct reflection of the trust and belief she placed in them.
The Women in Hotels event wasn’t just a panel — it was a masterclass in leadership, lived experience, and honest storytelling.
In an industry that thrives on people, these kinds of spaces are critical. They remind us that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about purpose, persistence, and people. It’s about lifting others as we climb and creating workplaces that reflect the best of who we are.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether events like these are worth your time — this is your sign to show up. The insights are invaluable, the connections are real, and the inspiration stays with you long after the event ends.