Priyanka Saxena Ray
Challenges and Learnings
I wanted to be a pilot I couldn’t, so I did the next best thing… marry a pilot and work for an airline. From airline to hotels was a natural progression for me. My father was in the army. I never lived the same city or went to the same school for more than 2 years. Things like travel, entertainment socializing, adaptability, embracing change, and exploring places and cultures came naturally to me. So, I naturally gravitated towards hospitality. My blood group is H positive; Hospitality is the only industry I know or have ever worked in. And I wouldn’t have it any other way
Challenges, make you stronger and help you strengthen your resolve. One of the most important lessons I learnt was that ups and downs are a part of life. When you are on high celebrate but don’t let it go to your head and when the chips are down don’t kill yourself for it. Even a butterfly rests when there is a storm.
It’s ok to fail sometimes. You win some, you lose some. What is important is to stay grounded through it all. Sometimes it’s also ok to take a step back to take that leap forward.
Evolving role of Women in Hospitality
I am a believer in balanced leadership. It’s not about being a man or a woman. But more about having the competency and the right balance between domain knowledge and soft skills. I think women are far more empathetic and can multitask better than men. They are also a lot more resilient and calmer and composed during a crisis… all skills that will help them become better leaders specially in hospitality.
To have more women working in the hospitality sector, the industry must create platforms for women to champion other women…mentor, guide, support, network even just share experiences and express concerns. Sometimes you just need a sounding board, a guiding light. More and more women leaders must lead by example and share their stories and learnings with other women.
BLURB
Offering flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, and support for work-life balance can help women advance while maintaining personal commitments.
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