For years, hospitality industry experts and analysts have
talked about the "glass ceiling" that has prevented women in the
field from ascending to the upper ranks of supervisory and managerial
positions. To an extent, the same conditions prevail in virtually every
industry -- although women have come a long way in the workplace, men continue
to hold most leadership roles. However, the unique culture and history that
define the hospitality industry have made the prospect of change particularly
challenging.
Although this pattern continues to hold true in the
hospitality industry, the last several decades have been a period of remarkable
change and growth for women in the field. In restaurants, hotels, catering
firms, resorts, and many other venues, women are becoming much more visible in
management roles and other key positions than ever before, and experts predict
that the opportunities for women in the industry will only increase as
businesses struggle to keep pace with growth and demand in the field.
A new generation of female supervisors, leaders, and executives
Women have long worked in positions of de facto leadership
in the hospitality industry, such as supervising or managing a family-owned
business, or assuming additional responsibilities in their boss's absence.
However, it was not until 1980s that large numbers of women first began to be
formally hired into leadership roles.
Since that time, the opportunities for women in the
hospitality industry have begun to expand exponentially. Today, you can find
successful women filling managerial roles at every level, ranging from floor
supervisors to executive board members.
Although they are still significantly outnumbered by their
male counterparts, these women have broken through the once-impenetrable
"glass ceiling" and are now leading the way for a new generation of
females who aspire to leadership positions in the hospitality industry.
Some inspiring success stories include:
- DENISE FUGO, President and founder of Sammy's Restaurants
- Fugo began her foodservice career as a 15-year-old Burger King cashier and
later held a series of waitressing jobs. Promotions were hard to come by, so
she and her husband eventually decided to open their own nightclub. Later, the
property morphed into an award-winning fine-dining restaurant. Eventually, the
couple came to own 7 restaurants and nightclubs in the Chicago area. Now, she's an industry leader
who is involved in the administration of the National Restaurant Association.
- MARY K. MAHONEY, President, Howard Johnson Division,
Cendant Corp. - After a beginning in marketing, Mahoney entered the hospitality
industry and gradually worked her way up the managerial ladder over the course
of a 23-year career. Today, Mahoney leads the Howard Johnson brand. Enhancing the
work/life balance for working mothers and recruiting women for managerial and
executive roles have both been goals of her tenure.
- JULIA STEWART, President and Chief Organizational Officer,
IHOP - As a high school student, Stewart worked as an IHOP server during summer
breaks. Today, she is the president and COO of the company. After obtaining a
bachelor's degree in management, she gradually worked up the chain of
leadership in several foodservice roles, with stints at a number of well-known
companies in the field, including Taco Bell, Black Angus, and Applebee's.
Tips for success from women who have reached the top
As is the case in virtually every industry, women are still
under-represented in supervisory, managerial, and executive roles in the hospitality
industry. However, the status quo is changing rapidly, creating many
opportunities for women willing to put in the hard work that is necessary to
make it to the top. Here are some hints for success from some of the most
influential women in the industry:
- MARY MAHONEY: "I always advise other female
professionals to look for companies where women are already in place in high
level positions and for companies that offer internal mentoring programs."
- MARLA DAVIS, President of the Network of Executive Women
in Hospitality: "Joining a professional association shows initiative and
provides ambitious women with training and support, as well as networking and
mentoring opportunities."
- MARY MANTLE, VP of sales and marketing for Park Plaza
International: "One of the biggest challenges women face is how to be
tough [in a male-dominated industry] without being difficult. There's skill in
knowing how to state your opinion without being obstinate."
- JOY ROTHSCHILD, Senior VP of Human Resources, Omni Hotels:
"I find that this is one industry where hard work, spirit, and energy
trump degrees or where you sit on the pecking order. If you are willing to put
in the time--which is easier said than done--you should have no obstacles. You
do need to be willing to go where the opportunities are. The more flexible you
are, the better."