Women play a vital role in the hospitality industry, yet despite this, they remain underrepresented in top leadership positions. In fact, reports said that only about 24% of chief-level roles in hotel companies are held by women, primarily in human resources and sales/marketing. This gap underscores the need for ongoing conversations about breaking barriers and fostering female leadership.
During THAIFEX-HOREC Asia 2025, a fireside chat titled ‘Women Leading Hospitality and Management’ gathered industry leaders to discuss their experiences and insights.
Samantha Lauver-Marion, Director of Global Partnerships at the Asia Institute of Hospitality Management, moderated the conversation, which included Naureen Ahmed, founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, and Nitika Bhardwaj, Dean of International College at Dhurakij Pundit University.
Ahmed and Bhardwaj considered their experiences as leaders and the significance of encouraging more women to take roles in hospitality. Ahmed mentioned that the industry seemed open to her from the beginning.
“Hospitality is where I found my home and my people. Everyone came from different backgrounds, was social, open-minded, and shared a love of travel and experiences. I felt I belonged,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bhardwaj highlighted how early leadership experiences—whether in the workplace or through team sports—help build strong communication and management skills.
Networking, mentorship, and sponsorship
Both speakers stressed the value of networking, mentorship, and sponsorship in career advancement. Ahmed explained that sponsorship goes beyond mentorship—it means actively advocating for others’ career growth, even when they’re not in the room.
“Sponsorship is when you, as a leader, are invested in someone else’s career beyond your own. It means speaking up for others,” she said.
Bhardwaj pointed out that external coaching offers unbiased perspectives on workplace challenges. She also encouraged students to build professional connections beyond their academic environment to expand their opportunities.
Preparing women for leadership
Education plays a key role in leadership development. Bhardwaj emphasized the need to balance technical expertise with soft skills like communication and adaptability.
“You’re not growing until you’re uncomfortable,” she said, encouraging students to embrace challenges as learning opportunities.
Ahmed urged aspiring female leaders to take charge of their careers—attending industry events, using LinkedIn for professional branding, and accepting speaking engagements to boost visibility. “Confidence is built through action. Feel the fear and do it anyway,” she advised.
Representation and inclusion in the workplace
Bhardwaj highlighted the impact of representation, citing how women hold senior positions at Dhurakij Pundit University, including the presidency. Seeing women in leadership reinforces the idea that advancement is based on merit, not gender.
Ahmed highlighted the significance of a work environment that welcomes diverse perspectives and allows employees to communicate freely. She advised managers to initiate discussions about career growth and to make sure every opinion is considered, not only the most prominent ones.
As the session ended, both leaders shared guidance with women aspiring to leadership positions. Bhardwaj suggested finding mentors, maintaining a balance between confidence and humility, and always enhancing communication abilities. Ahmed recommended establishing clear career objectives, actively communicating them, and utilizing both internal and external networks for assistance.
Their message was clear: with the right mindset, support system, and opportunities, women can thrive and lead in the hospitality industry.
