In the competitive realm of the hotel industry, a significant shift is underway—a rise in the representation of women in senior leadership roles. Once dominated by male executives, the industry is witnessing an impactful transformation as women break through barriers to claim their place in the upper echelons of leadership.
I am proud to be part of a company like Crescent Hotels & Resorts that stands as a notable example of this evolving landscape, with a rich history of cultivating strong women leaders within its ranks for some time now. At Crescent, we foster a culture where women feel valued and accepted for their contributions and are welcomed into senior leadership positions.
As an example, with a leadership team composed of 60% women, our commitment to gender equality is evident and reflected in our recognition within the industry. However, beyond receiving accolades, our main focus is to promote an environment where women can thrive and succeed based on their skills and merits. This commitment is not just a passing trend; it represents the trajectory through which our company continues to strengthen its dedication. Once we start these conversations, it’s essential to follow through with concrete actions—there’s no turning back as an industry once we commit to this path.
Within the last couple of years, I have seen others join Crescent to place a much stronger focus on elevating women into leadership roles. The prominence of women in leadership roles is not just about the numbers but a reflection of the unique perspectives and strengths they bring to the table. Traits such as empathy, emotional intelligence and effective communication skills are highly valued in managing teams and delivering exceptional experiences—a sentiment deeply ingrained in my ethos.
Despite these strides, there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality in the hospitality industry. Women continue to face obstacles such as unconscious bias, and limited access to networking opportunities. I also envision a shift towards addressing the gender pay gap within the industry and advocate for organizations to ensure fair compensation for women.
As we continue on this journey toward greater gender equality, we foster an environment that invites collaboration and collective action. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a more equitable future for all individuals in the hospitality industry.
Women are strong, we need to take care of each other, mentor each other, and assist with a path wherever we can. Empowered by their unique talents, diverse perspectives and unwavering determination, women leaders drive innovation, inspire change and pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry. I encourage aspiring women leaders to not only aim higher but actively seek visibility.
Dawn Gallagher is the chief commercial officer at Crescent Hotels & Resorts. She is a sales and marketing executive with experience in multiple markets and experience working with both branded and independent hotels. Gallagher oversees all Crescent sales, marketing, public relations, revenue and digital strategies.
This is a contributed piece to Hotel Business, authored by an industry professional. The thoughts expressed are the perspective of the bylined individual.
