As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect moment to talk about the incredible women who drive Scotts Hotel Killarney. In fact, women represent 43% of our workforce. However, what’s truly remarkable is that most of our senior leadership positions are held by female professionals. In the post below we are bringing you inspiring stories and advice by some of the amazing women leading our teams at Scotts Hotel Killarney.
Lina, Bar Manager
Starting her journey at Scotts Hotel in 2013, Lina began as a part of our accommodation team gaining valuable experience before transitioning to the bar. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and ability to learn quickly saw her progress from a bar assistant to a leadership role. By 2023, she had earned the title of Bar Manager. Today Lina is overseeing bars daily operations, manages her team, and ensures an exceptional guest experience.
Lina’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. Her advice to women entering the industry is simple and clear: “Be strong, work hard, and keep challenging yourself.”
Patricia, Sales & Marketing Manager
Patricia’s journey at Scotts Hotel spans over 17 years. She says through this period she has seen the industry transform with the digital revolution. From relying on traditional methods like print advertising and postal mail shots, Patricia now focuses on building and enhancing the hotel’s online presence through digital marketing and web development. This shift has allowed for real-time data access and customer insights, fundamentally changing how the hotel engages with guests.
Patricia encourages young women to build core skills, network, and embrace digital tools. “Showcase your passion, be resilient, and advocate for yourself,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of seeking female role models and valuing one’s unique perspective in this dynamic industry.
Rose, Business Development Manager
Rose’s journey at Scotts Hotel is a testament to the power of embracing change and continuous learning. Starting her career in the Visitor Centre almost eight years ago, she transitioned into the Reservations department. There she was given the opportunity to use her existing skills and develop many more new skills. This growth trajectory eventually led her to the role of Business Development Manager. Rose attributes her success to embracing technology and understanding customer needs, which have been pivotal in building strong relationships with both new and existing clients.
Rose advises young women entering the hospitality industry to embrace change and step outside their comfort zones. “View every day as an opportunity to learn something new,” she says. “Use your voice and talk yourself up because nobody else will if you can’t do it for yourself.”
Ruth, Food & Beverage Manager
Ruth has been with Scotts Hotel for 18 years. During this time hospitality industry kept on changing driven by customer preferences, technology, and sustainability. She notes the growing demand for locally sourced ingredients alongside the technological revolution transforming operations with online booking systems, contactless payments, and digital menus. Amid staffing challenges, Ruth emphasizes the importance of investing in training and staff retention as having a strong team means a lot.
For young women entering the hospitality industry, Ruth advises that embracing change is crucial, as every day brings new challenges and developments: “It’s a tough industry, but it can be quite rewarding,”. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong relationships with guests, many of whom, in Ruth’s case, have evolved into close friendships.
Embracing the Theme: “Accelerate the Action”
Patricia, Rose and Ruth agree that hospitality industry must be adaptable to women’s needs and offer flexible working options, especially for working parents and caregivers. They stress the importance of transparent promotion processes and encouraging women to apply for senior positions. By educating staff on the importance of gender equality, the industry can foster a culture of inclusion.
“Let’s celebrate our strong female leaders and keep pushing for progress” Patricia says. “We can accelerate action by ensuring equal pay, prioritizing safety, empowering women with ongoing training, and making work-life balance a top priority. Let’s showcase their achievements and keep tracking our progress to build an even more inclusive and supportive environment.“
As we honor the incredible contributions of women at Scotts Hotel Killarney, we should remain committed to accelerating the action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Here’s to the women leading the way and paving the path for future generations.