What is the biggest challenge you face?
On the professional front, my most significant task is growing the Fairmont brand. Over the last decade, Fairmont has established itself as one of the leading luxury brands in North America, and we are now looking to replicate this success on a global scale. My core focus is on expanding our unrivalled collection of hotels and introducing the Fairmont brand in top markets in Europe, China, India and the Middle East. On a personal level, it’s getting to know and fully explore the new destination I now call home: Toronto.
What advice do you have for other women in the industry?
My top piece of advice for any woman pursuing a career in hospitality would be to do what you’re passionate about and to not shy away from taking chances. The hotel business is a global enterprise with career opportunities often sprouting up in different parts of the world, so being open to transfers and relocation is definitely an asset. Many of the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career have been a result of a willingness to take on new challenges in different places around the world.
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How has the working environment changed for women over time in the industry?
The biggest changes that have had such a tremendous impact on the way we work today is the advances in technology. Ten years ago who would have thought that we would be able to work remotely the way we do today. I travel with a BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad and a laptop—and use them all. Who would have thought that we could run our business from anywhere—we could be productive no matter where in the world we are—and since I have a global role, this makes my life so much easier.
Where would you like to see the industry evolving with women in the industry in 10 years?
Our industry has come a long way over the last few decades and women now find themselves in influential and important roles from general managers to executive chefs. That said, I personally don’t put much stock in to the gender topic, as it’s never held me back from reaching my goals or career ambitions. I firmly believe individuals should be judged on their merits alone, and given the current and future demand for global talent in the hotel industry, I don’t really see any limitations on women hoping to pursue a career in the hotel business.
