Kelly’s Cause International Women’s Day Event
We had our International Women’s Day Panel Event on Monday 13 March, where we heard from some truly inspirational speakers and had in depth discussions on everything from policies to practising what you preach. There were a few truly standout points that have been on our minds ever since:
Kind management - Nisha Oberoi, Restaurant General Manager of Paradise, explained how early in her career she was berated for being too ‘kind’ or ‘maternal’ with those she managed. As she grew in experience she realised that this was actually a benefit. That women do not need to be more like men in order to take leadership positions and get the most from their team. She also recalled how poorly she had been managed at points which became her driving force to always speak to her team assertively but with kindness and consideration.
Nisha Oberoi
Male Allies - Sofia Gassne, Head of HR at Hawksmoor, highlighted great ways in which their CEO leads by example in their commitment to creating equity in the work place, including refusing to speak on panels with a lack of diversity. They operate a zero tolerance harassment policy - and by zero we mean ZERO, as well as running sexual harassment training which includes male colleagues. Gassne candidly acknowledged that they were fortunate to have the resources to put towards such training.
Sofia Gassne
Job Shares - Lauren Barnett founder of Home Hospitality, explained how no one is better or more willing to support parents, than other parents, and that by creating more job sharing opportunities - the industry could address the lack of women over 30 in service roles. She explained how she historically hid her engagement ring when approaching job interviews to ensure that there wasn’t a chance of them not hiring her based on being at a stage of life where she might want children, concluding that women thriving in the industry depends on them coming to work as their whole self.
Lauren Barnett
Policies - Paris Barghchi, freelance hospo pro, explained how important it is to question working practices and if a policy doesn’t exist… make it! She also talked about an amazing experience where an employer supported her through extended sick leave AND gave her the opportunity to visit a private medical professional. She commented on how she hadn’t even considered that this would be something any hospitality business would offer and that it is always worth going against the status quo and to speak up to actively drive the industry forward.
Paris Barghchi
We can’t wait to host another event next year and loved giving our network the opportunity to reconnect as well as meet new like-minded individuals! A big thank you to Lantana Cafe for their beautiful space, Annapurna Cafe for the sausage rolls and Nice and Blacklines for the bevs! If you came - we’d love to hear your feedback at hello@kellyscause.com