by Mimi Oliver, CEO of WaterWalk Holding Co. and WaterWalk Hospitality
Hospitality has lengthy been an business formed by custom, with management roles traditionally dominated by males. Prolonged-stay accommodations, specifically, have quietly remained a gentle drive within the business – important, relationship-driven and constructed on long-term worth. Right this moment, that’s altering. Prolonged keep is likely one of the fastest-growing segments in hospitality, pushed by rising demand, evolving visitor expectations and a wide-open door for innovation. It’s a pivotal time, and a primary alternative for girls to step in and lead. Like many others, I didn’t initially see hospitality as a long-term profession, however prolonged keep modified that perspective. It’s not nearly one-night bookings or fast turnovers; it’s about creating an setting that individuals reside in, return to and really feel at house.
The extended-stay area is a pure match for girls who’re keen to steer with perseverance, heat and confidence. Most significantly, it’s an opportunity to assist outline the way forward for hospitality.
The Prolonged-Keep Growth
We’re at a turning level in hospitality. Whereas the extended-stay phase is booming, the general growth pipeline has slowed. Which means firms are prioritizing operations, tradition and long-term technique greater than ever. It’s now not nearly rising quick, it’s about rising sensible. This shift creates a perfect opening for girls to maneuver into management roles, particularly in visitor expertise, growth and operations. The whole lot comes again to operations; you need to be an skilled there earlier than you possibly can lead a model or its development.
There’s additionally a broader motion inside the business to deliver extra ladies into possession and franchise growth. The conversations round inclusion, illustration and mentorship are getting louder — and the foremost gamers in hospitality are lastly paying consideration. That opens doorways not only for them, however for the remainder of the business to comply with.
Service as a Customary, Not a Perk
At WaterWalk Hospitality, now we have constructed a mannequin that challenges the outdated method of doing issues. It’s designed to fulfill the wants of a rising buyer base whereas additionally delivering operational effectivity and powerful returns for house owners. Now we have discovered success as a result of we lead with adaptability and a deep dedication to service, whether or not which means accommodating a navy group needing 70 rooms, or shortly outfitting suites with twin beds and pull-out couches for a building crew. These aren’t challenges – they’re alternatives to serve folks properly and construct belief. As a result of we handle each the model and the properties, now we have the flexibleness to behave shortly, keep inventive and empower our on-site groups to seek out options.
Probably the most helpful classes I’ve discovered – one thing deeply rooted in my household – is that nice service has nothing to do with value level. My dad and mom instilled in me a way of respect and repair, guided by the Ritz-Carlton credo: “Women and gents serving women and gents.” Whether or not you’re at a luxurious resort or financial system resort, that mindset applies. Know your visitor, anticipate their wants and make them really feel seen. That’s what makes hospitality not only a profession value pursuing, however one value main.
In case you’re an aspiring hospitality chief, particularly a girl seeking to carve out your path, right here’s what I’ve discovered: You don’t should know every part. You simply have to begin. Work in a resort. Strive totally different departments and ask questions. Construct a group, be taught visitor names and anticipate their wants. The extra you perceive how a property runs, the extra ready you’ll be to steer one. There can be occasions once you doubt your self or your expertise, however what issues is exhibiting up anyway, main with service, staying adaptable and letting your work communicate for itself. Hospitality is powered by folks, and ladies deliver a novel vitality to the desk. So, it’s vital to belief your intestine, as a result of it when that magical second hits and you’re feeling, “that is what I used to be meant to do.” In case you have ever felt drawn to this work, now’s the time to lean in. There’s room for you right here, and the way forward for hospitality is brighter due to it.
[Main photo credit: Depositphotos.com]
Mimi Oliver is CEO of WaterWalk Holding Co. and WaterWalk Hospitality. A 3rd-generation member of the family, Mimi carries the extended-stay management and innovation torch following her grandfather, Jack DeBoer, the late founding father of WaterWalk, and identified ‘pioneer of extended-stay.’ Mimi has labored throughout a number of models of the WaterWalk model, launching its Technology 2.0 idea and overseeing growth of 15 accommodations.
