International Women’s Day 2019

SLH is still dedicated to celebrating and sharing all of the women who make up our brand. Women around the globe are uniting together to bring change to the world through equal treatment and equal opportunities for all women, everywhere. We reached out to the many women who make SLH magic, from hotel Owners to General Managers to some of our very own SLH staff. We believe women are a force to be reckoned with, and our team of truly remarkable hoteliers and employees exemplify it. We sat down with a few more of them to get their thoughts on being a woman in the luxury travel industry.

Debrah Dhugga, Managing Director at Dukes London in London, UK.

What challenges have you faced being a woman in the industry?

One of the greatest challenges for anyone who runs a business is the sheer amount of hours you have to put in and trying to do it as well as manage being a mum. I’ve done it by having a great deal of tolerance, organisation and a very understanding partner supporting me. I love being described as a “working mother” because it sums up everything about me – that’s exactly what I am!

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

It’s vital to lead by example, and I feel privileged to be in the position to be someone that women can look up to. My advice is to hold your head high and believe in yourself! I am very committed to mentoring young women, and I think the key is to get hands on experience in your chosen industry and to plan your career path from an early stage.

Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Founder, Owner & Managing Director at Akyra Beach Club Phuket, Akyra Thonglor Bangkok, Akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok, Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, and Aleenta Resort and Spa Hua Hin in Thailand.

Tell us about your journey of achieving success in the luxury hotel industry. 

The Aleenta brand started 13 years ago with the first property, which was formerly my family beach house. I was looking to offer an unforgettable independently minded experience, which is why all of my hotels are part of the SLH family. The journey has been exciting, and from the first hotel we grew organically to six with plans to open further properties in Southeast Asia.

Why is it important to have women fully represented in our industries at all levels?

Women have as much as men to offer in terms of perspective and skills, so why shouldn’t we be represented equally?

 Anne Arrowsmith, General Manager at 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tell us about your journey of achieving success in the luxury hotel industry…

Like many a journey is was rather circuitous. My first experience was accidental and prompted by a desire to travel, thus as a student I managed to be hired as a dish washer for the summer season at a hotel in Alberta, Canada. Fortune was on my side as on reporting to HR, they instantly assessed that I perhaps wasn’t ideal for the duties and instantly elevated me to assistant garde manger!

Again, motivated by travel, I was engaged by P&O SN Co (at that time owner of Princess Cruises) and spent four years in operations in the Front Office rising to Senior Assistant Purser. Back in the day, female officers were hired for administrative versus hospitality skills and interestingly I was the first female to be hired that broke that mold.

And the rest, as they say, is history. The opportunity to manage 137 Pillars House presented itself and like all prior steps in my career, it felt eminently right.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

In the past decade or so, I’ve seen many positive changes. Whilst being part of strong female teams in my time, the number of female GM’s was and remains entirely out of kilter and a more expansive approach to leadership positions is needed within the industry.

Essentially talent, in all its forms, needs to be recognised and rewarded purely on merit and competencies, with biases and insecurities relegated to the ‘ash heap of history’. I have never expected or wanted an unfair advantage over anyone, I simply desired and continue to promote “an even playing field” for all.

What makes you independently minded?

My grandfather had a wonderful approach to life “always think yourself as good as anyone else but never better”. This simple wisdom overcomes pretty much every prejudice – gender, race and religion while at the same time ensuring that you don’t take yourself too seriously.

I was also blessed in being raised in a loving working-class environment where our home was a magnet for friends and family – everyone was welcome and food, laughter and conversation was in large supply. This was hospitality and generosity in its truest form and has fueled my wanderlust, confidence and adventures.

Jeanette Mix, Founder & Owner and Helena Lundqvist, General Manager of Ett Hem in Stockholm, Sweden.

What challenges have you faced being a women in this industry?

I have always felt strong, safe and empowered by the fact that we are a hotel designed and led by women. All our senior positions are held by women, with Helena Lundqvist serving as our General Manager.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

I believe the future is bright. As we see more women in leading positions emerge in our industry, younger women will naturally look to raise the bar for their career goals even further.

Sarah Garcia, President & CEO of Casa Colonial Beach & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Tell us about your journey of achieving success in the luxury hotel industry.

I started my career as an architect, where I designed hotels and luxury homes in Dominican Republic, New York and Europe. My father, who founded VH Hotels, then gave me the opportunity to design two of our properties. Growing up in the hotel business helped me understand how to lead and grow in the industry. I am now an architect and have been the CEO of VH Hotels for over ten years.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

There are more men running the industry, but that is rapidly changing and no one will be able to stop this. Women nowadays are more independent than ever with great access to education, strong professional experience and tonnes of motivation. We are all working hard to be respected for our acts and to thrive in modern society.

Samornpun Somnam, Executive Director – Marketing of Keemala, Thailand.

What motivates you?

Definitely my family and their support for me. I am also motivated by the strong team of colleagues that surround me. I am lucky to be surrounded by strong, capable, independent women both in my personal life and at work.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

I believe that change needs to come from the top, because when the head moves the tail will surely follow. We need to push for an equal opportunity and non-biased workplaces, actively fostering a work environment that promotes gender equality through training, career development and job opportunities.

Iben Marburger Juul, General Manager of Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by other women in leadership positions. It’s always interesting to see how they achieve a work-life balance. We can learn a lot from each other as long as we are willing to show authenticity rather than a façade.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

It has to be a push/pull effort. Women need to be courageous enough to apply for higher positions and men need to be willing to hire them.

Why is it important to have women fully represented in our industry at all levels?

It’s important because the more balanced we are as an industry, the better we will be able to connect with our guests. At the end of the day, balance is necessary for harmony and harmony creates well-being, which is what we all try to achieve for our guests.

Tirawan Pangsrivongse, Owner of Cape Kudu Hotel and Cape Nidhra Hotel in Thailand.

What challenges have you faced being a women in this industry?

I feel very fortunate to have been born in Thailand, which is one of the least sexist countries in the world. That means that I have had the opportunity to exercise what I might call ‘the woman’s touch’ without any fear of criticism or censure from colleagues or the public.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in the industry?

I think my best advice would be to take care of the little things, without getting obsessed by them. Offer a personal touch and don’t give up when things get a bit awkward. Believe in what you do and it will succeed.

Gertrud Schneider, Owner of Kristiania Lech in Lech am Arlberg, Austria.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

Although women are particularly well-positioned to lead in the nuanced luxury market, it will take the effort and collaboration of men and women already within the industry to bring about change and more equal leadership teams.

Why is it important to have women fully represented in our industry at all levels?

Sublime beauty and high quality are key factors in the luxury market, and many women are characteristically more in-tune with these intricate and ethereal qualities of luxury. Women are also the main buyers for luxury experiences, making them more attuned to the needs of customers.

Marcelle Adderley, General Manager of Southbridge Napa Valley in Napa Valley, California, United States.

What challenges have you faced being a women in this industry?

Why don’t you pull up a chair and let’s open a fine bottle of Napa Cabernet – we have a lot of catching up to do! Seriously though, a good sense of humour and a thick skin can help navigate most challenges.

What do you think needs to happen to ensure women are given equal opportunities in the industry?

It is quite simple, really. We don’t need special treatment, we simply need equal treatment. Pay us for what we bring to the table, acknowledge what we do and never, ever underestimate our influence and work ethic.

Pegi Amarteifio, Vice President of PR Worldwide for SLH.

How have other women inspired you in the industry?

I’ve always stood side by side with amazing women in my career and been hugely inspired by their incredible talent. Women have taught me everything I know and helped me achieve success, which has encouraged me to always champion talented women.

What advice would you give to women in the industry?

Master your craft and never ever stop learning. Knowledge is power, and it gives you a wealth of confidence when sitting in a boardroom full of men. I have met so many talented women who don’t feel worthy of leading positions, including myself. I never saw too many women of colour in top positions, which used to make me feel self-conscious and at times not good enough. That’s why you should make every year the ‘year of yes’, because you need to grab every opportunity to realise your full worth and potential. Our time is now, so don’t be afraid to speak up and show your skill!