The hospitality industry thrives on strong leadership, creativity, and the ability to navigate complex situations with grace. Here we’ve gathered invaluable advice from seven trailblazing women who have carved out their own paths in the industry. 

1

"Don’t fear confrontation; embrace it with openness. When something feels off, address it head-on. Whether it’s a guest or a team member, be proactive and truly listen. It’s easy to look like we’re listening, but active listening takes practice. It’s not about planning your next response — it’s about fully hearing what the other person is saying. That’s where the real connection happens."

— Saori Minakawa, Director of People & Culture at NA:EUN Hospitality
2

"Go with your gut. Even 20 (yikes) years into my writing career, I sometimes question my credentials, my understanding of a particular topic, or even my point of view. Also: When it comes to executing on big ideas, don’t ask for permission. I used to work from a co-working space that painted the phrase, “permission granted,” on the wall. It was great motivation and a reminder to think big."

— Kristen Hawley, Freelance Journalist & Founder / Editor of Expedite
3

"A valuable piece of advice for me was to take things slowly and view my career as a long game. It's really tempting to compare oneself to others in our industry, especially with how interconnected we are. I remind myself often to make more deliberate decisions and invest in my skills and relationships. Also, it's extremely important to focus on work-life balance!"

— Lauren Hoey, Wine Director at Manuela
4

"Being able to remain calm and confident during stressful times is incredibly important. I’ve seen many chefs lose their cool when challenges arise, and it just makes the situation worse. The staff tends to feel and mimic the mental state of their leader – if a chef is visibly stressed, the cooks will sense that energy and adopt it themselves."

— Angie Rito. Chef & Partner of Don Angie and San Sabino
5

"Others don't have to lose for you to win. Bring as many people as you can with you to the top!"

— Lisa Karvellas, Co-Owner and CEO of Cedar Lakes Estates
6

"One of the best pieces of advice I have received from a past mentor was that it's OK to take the next step in your career even if you feel you are not ready. No matter what position you hold, there is always more to learn."

— Rachel Pancho, Executive Pastry Chef at Ai Fiori
7

“Ensure that your schedule is balanced, plan ahead and leave room for flexibility, most importantly always consider how your actions/ behavior/ response times affect other individuals.”

— Lauren Paylor O'Brien, Owner & Co-Founder of Focus on Health, Siponey Spritz Co. and CEO at LP Drinks Co.