-
The ForWard initiative is designed to celebrate and elevate women in hospitality – Image Credit AHLA Foundation
Visit
- Disruption is seen as a necessary catalyst for change and improvement in the hotel industry, particularly regarding diversity and representation.
- Including underrepresented voices, such as those of women and minorities, not only adds value to the industry but also sets a precedent for future generations.
The hotel industry is no stranger to disruption. During the “ForWard @ALIS: Breaking Boundaries” session at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, industry leaders shared their insights on the role of disruption within the sector. Hospitality Hued founder Ashli Johnson explained that disruption can be seen as a necessary response when a current system or approach is not working.
Rachel Humphrey, founder of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, states that the introduction of new ideas and perspectives often drives change and improvement. Even if these new ideas do not initially succeed, their presence prompts a reevaluation of existing practices.
Jagruti Panwala, president and CEO of Wealth Protection Strategies, emphasized the current opportunity for the voices of minorities and women to be heard in the industry. This inclusion enriches the industry and paves the way for future workers.
Thomas Penny III, president of Donohoe Hospitality, shared a personal experience of disruption when his daughter questioned the lack of female representation in a company’s executive leadership. He underscored the importance of representation at the highest levels of an organization.
Penny further elaborated that changes and increased representation in the hotel industry are not an “either/or proposition” but an “and proposition.” He encouraged the creation of more seats at the table, stating that the industry is large enough to accommodate everyone.
Johnson echoed Penny’s sentiments, stating that while traditions and history are important, acknowledging when they no longer serve the greater good is also essential. She stressed the importance of welcoming individuals from other fields into the hotel industry, as they can offer valuable new perspectives. Johnson cited the appointment of Keisha Smith, who has a non-hotel industry background, as the new chief people and culture officer at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts as an example of this.
The ForWard initiative, designed to “celebrate and elevate women in hospitality,” reflects these ongoing conversations and efforts to harness disruption for positive change in the hotel industry.
Discover more at CoStar.
