LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH: INTERVIEW SERIES
February 2021
This February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK. To celebrate, Checking-IN speaks to a series of LGBT+ professionals across the hospitality industry and asked them who their LGBT+ hero or role model is and how these historical figures might have influenced them in their work.
Commemorating this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme of “Body, Mind & Spirit” we’ve also asked how people are coping during the pandemic and how inclusion and diversity are championed within their organisations and by their employers so that people can be their authentic selves at work.
For any further information about Checking-IN, our featured people or if you’d like to get involved and contribute to our LGBT+ History Month series, please get in touch at will.davies@checking-in.co.uk.
Thank you all for sharing your stories!
Zan Kaufman
Founder/MD, Bleecker Burger
She/Her
Checking-IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you either personally or professionally?
Zan Kaufman: Marsha P. Johnson was a gay activist. Marsha was a key figure in the Stonewall riots and pushed back against the police during the uprising at the Stonewall Inn.
Marsha was a fundamental figure in the movement for transgender rights and founded the Gay Liberation Front and co-founded Street Transvestite Action. Marsha P. Johnson fought to carve out rights that we can all be thankful for now.
Marsha inspires me to be brave and to use my power to amplify the voices of minority communities.
C-IN: What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?
ZK: I consciously choose this path because it is something I love. It is pretty awesome to spend your time doing something that makes you happy. More specifically, I get to spend my time brightening people's days.
C-IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
ZK: I basically started my hospitality career with the Bleecker truck having little contact with the London hospitality world. However, over the years, there have been a collection of many people in hospitality that have given me wisdom and support. The hospitality community as a whole is really supportive of each other.
C-IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry could encourage more LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
ZK: Of course. I can't think of any LGBTQ+ role models in hospitality off the top of my head. These people are not celebrated in the mainstream. The ones that are celebrated are white, straight and male. It is all getting a bit boring.
C-IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
ZK: No. I rarely hear it talked about. At Bleecker, this is part of our vision. We are trying to make our voices heard. Burgers give us a platform to shout.
C-IN: Is there anything that you do, as an employer and business owner, to encourage LGBT+ people to be their authentic selves at work
ZK: One of our values is, we are diverse. If people can't be who they are and need to hide or change to go to work, it is suffocating. It is very important to me that our Bleecker leaders feel free to be themselves and encourage and demonstrate this behaviour to their teams.
C-IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
ZK: Taking my 2 year to a trampoline park and then out to a restaurant.
Instagram @bleeckerburger
Twitter @bleeckerburger
LinkedIn
William Yarney
Common Decency Manager
NoMad London
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
William Yarney: I got into hospitality initially for my love of food & people but that soon led to service. I landed my first job at 16 at The Berkeley though a summer work placement through the Springboard Charity. That placement tuned into a part time job whilst I studied for my Diploma in Professional Cookery & Food Service with me shifting my focus to front of house as my career progressed and I got older.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
WY: I think we do not do enough, and we can do more. Visibility is key and I think the industry could do a lot more in showcasing how diverse and inclusive it can be. The industry has changed tremendously since I first started out, but that change has not always trickled all the way through to every part of businesses. Champion those which are breaking barriers and show that our industry is truly forward thinking and relative to the era we are living in.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
WY: There are too many to count, but I would say anyone who challenges convention and creates space for something new. Whether it woman in typically dominated male roles or the progression of the LGBT+ community in our industry in terms of visibility and management.
C/IN: What can the hospitality industry do to encourage more Black and LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire others coming up through the ranks?
WY: Create spaces for them to flourish. Encouragement is one thing, but you need to think have we created a safe space and environment for them to come through the ranks. Champion their voices and listen to their stories. When people aspire, there is a power in familiarity.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career?
WY: I have various proud moments, but I would say generally breaking the glass ceiling in the industry as a gay black man. But if I have to pick, winning Restaurant of the Year in 2016 with Taste of London/Evening standard and being awarded a top review from AA Gill before he passed at the age of 24 with a young team who were all locally recruited from the area.
C/IN: As this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is “Body, Mind & Spirit”, what are you doing to motivate yourself and your team and stay positive during the pandemic.
WY: I always must remind myself not everything is forever. So, this not only centres me when I need to focus and enjoy the moment. But also, if I’m ever in a dark place like it came to mental health with the lockdown. Hospitality is one of the most resilient industries and we always bounce back. Ensure you are keeping active and fit and meditation has done wonders for me.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
WY: Being in a space with various people that’s dimly lit. A DJ set on in full swing with a Negroni or two in hand. But just seeing hospitality come to life once again!
Peter Bradley
Director of Food & Beverage
Renaissance St Pancras Hotel
He/Him
Checking-IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you either personally or professionally?
Peter Bradley: Can I be greedy and have two? I have always found the works, life and times of Oscar Wilde to be a particularly inspirational story. You may think me biased because we are both Irish, however Wilde’s social commentary of the day is not only timeless but one which can never be replicated, such was his genius. His time spent in prison (because of the law of the day) was met with courage, resilience and patience and an experience which he used only to strengthen his literary gift. His influence is felt today in many aspects of arts and society, paving the way for a greater acceptance of the talent of LGBTQ people over the decades.
The second is David Norris – one of the world’s greatest Joyce scholars, gay rights advocate and senator – the man who through decades of tireless campaigning brought equality to LGBT rights in Ireland. This is the man who stood up to bring a small country like Ireland kicking and screaming into the times of modern equality. A true national hero!
C/IN: What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?
PB: In my view it’s the worlds’ most dynamic industry, which requires from you but also gives back incredible levels of energy, creativity and job satisfaction. Hospitality truly makes us multi-talented individuals who can turn our hand to any aspect of running a business whilst enjoying great career progression, for those who wish to avail of it. Hospitality also allows us to be expressive of our ideas whilst also exposing us to technical business aspects – a great combination.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
PB: I have worked with GM’s over the years who have been role models due to their creativity, passion for the business, drive and strong moral leadership – two names that come to mid are Dirk Crokaert (Montague on the Gardens Hotel) and Anne Legrand (St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel). However, my biggest influence is undoubtedly my father (backed up by my mother!). After 40 years working in local government in Ireland, he is one of the best leaders I have met and the fountain of all knowledge of things relating to management, leadership and most importantly, knowing what the right thing is to do and when! He is a strong advocate for all social causes and as a bonus I can also get free advice at the end of the phone, which is very nice 😊
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry could encourage more LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
PB: I feel that all organisations can be better at promoting diversity, not just for the sake of doing it for publicity but doing it because they mean it. It was great to be able to participate in London Pride over the last number of years with the Marriott Business Council and indeed the late Arne Sorenson was a huge advocate for diversity and the advancement of LGBTQ persons within the company and business as a whole. It would be nice to see more companies join such events in future and also have more formal representations to LGBT organisations. Overall, like in any business, the more senior roles that are held by LGBTQ persons the more it becomes culturally accepted. That said we’re not doing to bad a job so far.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
PB: I think that we have come a long way over the last 15 years. Even as close as that, I was working with some individuals who had strongly held beliefs about LGBTQ people and weren’t afraid to share their opinions – even in the workplace (but usually in close groups or hushed voices so that they weren’t overheard). These days that thankfully doesn’t seem to happen anymore and companies have become a lot better at diversity and inclusion training coupled with stronger processes in terms of reporting of incidents and supported follow up. I certainly feel as an industry that we are much better at allowing our people to be open about who they are and this in turn will also help to ensure better recruitment and retention in years to come.
C/IN: What do you think employers can do more (or less) of to encourage LGBT+ people to be their authentic selves at work?
PB: I think the industry has made great strides in terms of encouraging all people, not just LGBTQ, to be themselves and I am sure that this culture will continue to grow and expand over the coming years and decades.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
PB: A very much needed decent haircut (Vidal Sassoon I ain’t!) and a gastropub Sunday lunch with friends in South London!
Heather Hamilton
General Manager
Sloane Square Hotel
She/Her
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Heather Hamilton: After graduating from St Andrews Uni with a degree in Economics and Management I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. My step-father was in the hospitality industry and (in an effort to get me out the house!) suggested I move to London to take a job in reservations that was available. In all honestly, I really didn’t enjoy it to begin with because I was really shy and it was totally out of my comfort zone but after a little time I realised it was really challenging me and helping me grow in confidence. I never understood there was so much to hospitality beforehand. There were so many arms to the business and I loved learning all the different areas. So that’s what I did – I said yes to every opportunity that came up, no matter what or where, and eventually worked my way from Res Agent to General Manager. 15 years later, I’m not sure I could do anything else.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
HH: I think our industry is miles ahead of many others. It’s naturally diverse, open and creative, allowing people to be themselves. There is still work to do though as it can always be better but I do enjoy being part of an industry which is so open.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
HH: I have been lucky to work alongside some great people across my career, including my step-dad who has always given me guidance, even after retiring from the industry. My first ever General Manager, Hasham Soliman (Currently General Manager at The Dixon, Tower Bridge), was a huge influence and support at the very start of my career and still to this day. He pushed me at every opportunity and took chances on me when I wasn’t necessarily the most experienced person for the job. I have worked for him several times throughout my career and now he’s still my biggest ally as a fellow GM. I wouldn’t be where I am without his continuous support. I always admired how he developed people around him and took them on a journey. I’d like to hope I am creating something similar for those around me.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
HH: Absolutely. I think there are parts of the LGBT+ community which are better represented than others. It would be great to see more LGBT+ role models as a whole, but ideally with a more equal spread of representation. I think it’s important for young people to see role models they can relate to in senior roles, really showing that his is an industry where anyone can succeed and everyone is welcome.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
HH: If I think historically, I tend to think of someone like Barbara Gittings who was fighting for gay rights a decade before Stonewall and she was part of the movement in the 70s finally winning the retraction of homosexuality as a mental disorder. She gave decades of her life to the gay rights movement. More recently though, it’s great to see people like Laverne Cox doing so much for the visibility of the transgender community in mainstream media.
C/IN: As this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is “Body, Mind & Spirit”, what are you doing to motivate yourself and your team, and stay positive during the pandemic.
HH: I feel proud that we have kept our doors open throughout the last year, for those who need us, and also lucky to have such a supportive board behind us. It’s been a difficult year but I’ve really tried to keep myself and the team focussed on the future. We are using this time to work on projects and activities that will make our team and our product even better for our guests, when things do open up again. We’ve really gone back to basics and it’s almost like doing a pre-opening again so that’s been fun. We’ve also recognised that everyone’s dealing with this situation differently so it’s been really important for us to listen to the team and try and respond to their individually needs and preferences to allow them to feel safe and comfortable. We have been able to support the team with staying on property if they prefer, weekly COVID testing, home working or rota’s that reduce travelling needs. We’ve still managed to have some fun too.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
HH: The return of hospitality – people, drinks, dinner, travel. This last year has really shown how central hospitality is to our way of life and I can’t wait to enjoy it again.
Lexie Lenoir
Events Manager
The Landmark London
She/Her
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Lexie: I started working in Hospitality in 2015. I was very young but at the time it seemed like the sector I was the most attracted to. I wanted to explore the world of hospitality and see if I could make a career of it, which I did in the end!
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Lexie: Over the past few years I have seen an increase into promoting D&I within the workplace but I definitely think there is a lot more that can be done. My main issue with it is that it always stems from a negative experience and it’s not consistent enough. We should promote diversity across all stages of the sector (including senior levels) at all times. I think that businesses have a duty to implement those changes so everyone feels like they have a shot at having a robust hospitality career.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
Lexie: I’ve always looked across the pond for inspiration, purely because I like the way Americans carry themselves and their business, and my source of inspiration over the past few years has been Kathy Romero. That’s not say that there are a lot of people in the UK who amaze me like Nova Reid who does a lot of work around anti-racism and Lady Phyll who founded UK Black Pride (which I’m also part of).
C/IN: What can the hospitality industry do to encourage more women, Black and LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire others coming up through the ranks?
Lexie: Having more people in those key positions will inspire others to take the space. The more visibility, the more people will be encouraged to actually reach for higher ranks and not think that this isn’t available to them because of the colour of their skin or their sexual orientation. Hard work and passion should be put at the forefront so young people can build those valuable skills to progress within the sector.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career?
Lexie: I have numerous moments in my career that I am proud of, from the evolution of my career to when I started planning weddings at Tower Bridge.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model
Lexie: There are so many figures who have inspired me throughout my life! Notably Lady Phyll, co-founder of UK Black Pride is a role model for me.
C/IN: As this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is “Body, Mind & Spirit”, what are you doing to motivate yourself and your team, and stay positive during the pandemic.
Lexie: I’ve been quite regimental on my fitness and ensuring that I’m fit to return to work once things are back on track. It’s important for me to keep my mind and my body fit with daily exercises, walks outside, and also eating as healthy as possible. I quit drinking this year also which has had a huge impact on my wellbeing, and started volunteering for the NHS to do my bit. I’ve had my lazy days also, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve also been conscious that bad habits creep in very easily! Balance is key.
With my team we have regular meetings and keep in touch via WhatsApp -checking in on your team mates is really important as you never know what other people are going through.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Lexie: Planning weddings & events! I’ve been keeping an eye on the government’s plans in hope of returning to work asap. I’m quite pleased that the end is near and that I’ll be going back on the floor soon, and interact with my team and my clients.
I’m also looking forward to catching up with my friends and giving real hugs!
Instagram @lexie_lenoir
Gavin Gooddy
Marketing Director
Restaurant Associates
He/Him
Checking-IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you either personally or professionally
Gavin: David Bowie has always been a source of inspiration for his daring attitude to defying societal norms, pushing the boundaries of creativity within the music scene as well as leading the way in contextualizing pop through LGBT identity.
C/IN: What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?
Gavin: The hospitality industry is an incredibly dynamic and innovative sector that appreciates peoples from all walks of life. I love how it embraces diversity and modernity and is often at the forefront of social trends in adapting to peoples ever changing lifestyles and tastes.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry could encourage more LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks
Gavin: I think most sectors can do more to promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace especially at a senior level. As we have seen with the recent Black Lives Matters movement and trans rights discussions, we have many glass ceilings to demolish in order to inspire the youth of today to dream bigger than ever before.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Gavin: There are some excellent hospitality businesses doing a fantastic job in promoting diversity and inclusion especially in the social enterprise category such as Beyond Food and Food for Soul. In recent years, many of the largest hospitality providers have established steering committees and D&I champions to promote equality and fairness within their own organisations which has been encouraging to witness, however there is always more we can be doing collectively as an industry.
C/IN: What do you think employers can do more (or less) of to encourage LGBT+ people to be their authentic selves at work?
Gavin: At Restaurant Associates, we organise a wide variety of inclusive events and talks to promote a culture of diversity and respect within the workplace. As a business, we actively support LGBT+ campaigns such as PRIDE and social mobility causes such as the ‘The Outside Project’ alongside celebrating the diversity within the team in order to encourage people to be their authentic selves. I believe it is important that the D&I agenda remains a top business priority for all companies and not considered as a ‘nice to have’ especially during these challenging times.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Gavin: I am really looking forward to restaurants reopening and enjoying a meal with my friends and family again. The experience of dining out and breaking bread with others is a deeply personnel and gratifying ritual that enables you to connect with others in way that zoom can never replace.
Nathan Nalla
Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Soho House & Director at Be The Riot
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Nathan: I'm a bit of a traitor to Hospitality since I only recently came back to the industry after working in the charity sector for a few years. Like many people, my first jobs were as a waiter and behind the bar. I'm happy to work anywhere that I can make a positive impact but the hospitality sector definitely comes with its perks!
C/IN: Does the hospitality industry do enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Nathan: There's definitely more work to be done in Hospitality! There is diversity in the industry but often in the most junior roles. We still see many of the typical barriers for certain groups to progress. I think a common challenge is striking a healthy balance between the needs of the customer and the needs of the team. Supporting the development of underrepresented talent is vital.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Nathan: I think role models and diverse representation is very important. The real value comes from sustainable culture change that truly means you can progress no matter what your sexual orientation, gender identity or racial background etc. Efforts should never be tokenistic or short-sighted attempts to quickly "fix the problem".
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace
Nathan: Yeah we do a lot at Soho House! In 2020 we launched Our Pledge (https://www.sohohouse.com/house-notes/our-pledge) which is our commitment to the inclusion of BIPOC communities. This is a public pledge and we have already made progress in many of the areas we outline. I'm really happy to say that but it hasn't always been this way and there's also much more work still to be done.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Nathan: I'm proud of the decision I made to step out of my comfort zone and move from Birmingham, where I grew up and where pretty much all of my family are to London to pursue a new career. I feel I’ve grown immensely since taking that step and it’s really helped me to see the world quite differently. Moving into the field of Diversity & Inclusion was such a perfect fit for me, the work is exciting, rewarding and every day is unique.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
Nathan: I'm really inspired by every LGBTQ+ person I meet who is truly living as their authentic self, unapologetically. It isn't easy. I accepted my own sexuality aged 24 and I’m still on a journey of embracing my true self. For my role model, many of the people I work with at Soho House come to my mind! If I have to choose, I’d say Marsha P Johnson embodied this authenticity. I get chills thinking about her tenacity and bravery during a time where people were a lot less “switched on” and there was so much hate.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Nathan: I really want to spend some time with my family up in Birmingham! My mum turned 60 in December and we had a "surprise birthday zoom" which was really cute but it's never quite the same as being together in person.
Aali Ghufran
Director of Sales & Marketing
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Marriott International
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality
Aali: I knew that I wanted to work in hospitality since a very young age, I grew up in a household where both my parents worked in the airline business so I took that as an inspiration. In hospitality each day is different to the other, and you get to experience customers from different cultures and all walks of life.
C/IN: Does the hospitality industry do enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Aali: Although great progress has been made towards LGBTQ equality, many companies are still playing catch up when it comes to hiring, supporting and understanding the value of LGBTQ employees.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks
Aali: I strongly believe that the industry should encourage more LGBTQ role models at senior levels, LGBTQ youth entering the industry should be given confidence that they are valued and are given equal opportunity to climb up the ladder of success. It not only benefits the mental well-being of the employees but also increases job satisfaction, and creates a positive and inclusive environment which leads to greater productivity.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Aali: I led a charity effort for Santa Maria Orphanage in Mexico, where we raised Corporate sponsorship to feed 300 orphans every weekend, along with organising meals over weekends the companies would donate toys and books to the children. We received an overwhelming response and managed to fill the whole calendar year.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
Aali: I am a great admirer of Harvey Milk, first openly gay politician to be ever elected in California and a prominent, outspoken LGBTQ activist. During his time in office, he sponsored a bill banning discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. His struggle to be elected and his course to take a stand for the LGBTQ community is admirable. Most inspiring is the way he brought ordinary people into his fight and the hope he gave to the gay community that by working together, they could bing change. I love this quote from Harvey Milk ‘If a bullet should enter by brain, let that bullet destroy every closed door in the country’.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Aali: I am looking forward to spending my Sundays in the park with friends, and taking my little nieces out for fun-filled London weekends.
Catherine Burton
Retired British Airways Captain
& Aviation & Diversity Consultant
She/Her
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into aviation?
Cat: Well that was never in question. My dad flew for the RCAF during the Second World War, met my mother and stayed, flying jet fighters with the RAuxAF, then airliners with Cambrian Airways, in Cardiff. I was in love with aircraft, and flying from a toddler and first flew solo in 1968, at 16. I retired as, to quote my chief pilot, “British Airways most senior woman pilot,” 49 years later.
C/IN: Do you think the airline industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Cat: They are trying. As Diversity Champion, my brief from British Airways was to go into schools to encourage more girls to consider becoming airline pilots. When I took the role, we had 5% women pilots, rising to 9% when I retired. Just being a woman is still a diversity issue in the cockpit. As for LGBT+, I was able to mentor several transgender pilots after I returned to work, and also did ‘floor plate talks’ to other departments. I never found any hint of prejudice. Maybe that was because British Airways never did less that support me. Indeed, it never felt like a chore to them. I knew they were proud of me, both as a corporation and as 40,000 people.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
Cat: As a pilot, my dad. As a transgender woman, a UPS captain, Kelly Lepley. Without her, I’d have remained convinced that transition was a career breaker.
C/IN: What can the airline industry do to encourage more women and LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire others coming up through the ranks?
Cat: They need to root out sexism in flight training. In my current role as a senior flight instructor, I constantly talk to young women about their treatment in ground school where they are often still belittled for being ‘other.’ The only woman.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career
Cat: The day British Airways second transgender pilot came back to work, as herself.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
Cat: All those early pioneers in transgender activism, from Marsha P Johnson to Christine Burns and Stephen Whittle.
C/IN: As this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is “Body, Mind & Spirit”, what are you doing to motivate yourself and your team, and stay positive during the pandemic
Cat: Oh. I’m working hard in other roles. Chair of GIRES. Chair of Race Equality First. And trying to untangle the changes to aviation training resulting from BREXIT, especially the withdrawal from EASA.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Cat: Getting back to flying. We pilots get grumpy when grounded and this is one of the longest periods without a flight in my life.
LinkedIn
Twitter @CatBurton_UK
![Clarissa Troiani[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d309595c8f08f00018f2fa2/1613568846639-PW89TX8KRHXNYEUO2LH5/Clarissa+Troiani%5B1%5D.jpg)
Clarissa Troiani
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Andaz London Liverpool Street (Hyatt)
She/Her
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality
Clarissa: I clearly remember my first day working in hospitality. I was only 13yrs old at the time and I was helping out a family friend during the weekends in a beach bar in Sardinia. I was so excited, I could be around people, music -my second biggest passion, food and drinks - obviously not alcohol at the time! By the age of 18 I was becoming very passionate about mixology. It's hard to express the feelings I had at the time, I could see the customers and employees happy, having a great time, dancing and laughing and in that moment, I fell in love with this business. It was then I realised I wanted this job to be part of my life and try to make people smile every day, something that I still do after 14 years.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Clarissa: I have to say no. I worked in different places in my career, unfortunately some where I received homophobic and sexist comments on a daily basis, but I never let some ignorant people affect me and I had a strong HR team behind me as this behaviour should always be reported. I finally found a place that was putting an effort on showing enough visibility and zero tolerance policy towards discrimination when I joined Hyatt. I’m not just saying this because I currently work for them but because I can see they are trying to accomplish and foster a safe and inclusive workplace for all through an entire department of global inclusion and diversity ( Women@Hyatt, Hypride, HyattdisABILITIES, Hyatt B.L.A.C.K., Hyatt Asian – Pacific Islander, Latinos@Hyatt) and try to reach everybody with a positive message “We care for people so they can be their best”.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
Clarissa: I tend to look up to strong and passionate women in this business, there are 3 particular women I really learned from. I worked with them in my previous job with Kornicis. One was called Julia, she was the assistant manager at the time, very organized, efficient and focused. Then Diana, she had a lot of experience and was very good at creating connections. Last but by no means least there was Lauren, I learnt from her to stand up for what is right without fear, to be proud and confident.
I also would like to mention Melissa from Andaz, I’m learning a few important things from her, she really cares for people, she is sensitive regarding certain topics and not afraid to show it. She’s smart and very diplomatic, I really need to work on the last one as I can be bomb of emotions sometimes.
C/IN: What can the hospitality industry do to encourage more women and LGBT+ role models at a senior level, to inspire others coming up through the ranks?
Clarissa: I deeply believe in equality, I think everyone should be encouraged and everyone should have their chance of growth in the business (if well deserved and if that person worked hard for it and proved to really care). Our capacities at work shouldn’t be defined by our gender, sexuality, skin colour or religion, that is not something that should affect if we succeed or not. That being said I would encourage those who are limited by this to grab every opportunity that comes to them and to not be afraid or limit themselves because of what others think, believe or say.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career
Clarissa: My proudest moment shockingly is not about me. I love teaching and passing my knowledge to people and there is one particular person I mentored for years. I met Gigia when she used to work as a waitress, she had this big amazing personality but no goals then so I chose to take her under my wing and teach her everything I knew as I could see a lot of potential. She has made incredible progress during the years we worked together and I was so proud when I saw her managing a venue on her own. I also realized she taught me a few things, the most important one was to be comfortable in my own skin… just like that when the student became the teacher.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
Clarissa: As a queer woman in the 21st century I am so grateful and appreciate every single historic LGBT+ figure, they fought everyday for freedom to love and be their own person and my life and others wouldn’t be as free and “easy” if it wasn’t for them. Art and music always had a big impact on me, so I have to mention Andy Warhol, Freddie Mercury and Elton John as my top 3. I also have a current role model, she is a 30yrs old actress Dominique Provost-Chalkley, she came out last year but I look up to her not just for finding herself now but because she is actively bringing positive changes worldwide through a non-profit organization called Start the Wave. They focus on empowering and supporting different projects regarding equality and justice, pride, kindness, environment, veganism and animal rights, meditation and spirituality, she inspired me to be a better person for me and for others.
C/IN: As this year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is “Body, Mind & Spirit'', what are you doing to motivate yourself and your team, and stay positive during the pandemic.
Clarissa: I drastically changed my lifestyle this year and I try to keep my days very busy. I was finally able to quit smoking, I completely changed my diet as nutrition is really important for both mind and body, I did a full 3 months detox from alcohol and junk food, I meditate and do yoga everyday plus I try to run and work out twice per week, I’m starting soon therapy as in this time anxiety can easily kick in, I’m reading a lot about mindfulness recently, catching up on tv shows, keep my brain trained, currently taking a diploma in Leadership and Management. But what is really getting me through this is going back to playing and writing music and my dog entertains me daily, he is a proper laugh.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Clarissa: I can’t wait to be able to see my family and my friends again, it has been hard to spend this much time apart. I’m looking forward to getting back to work, meeting new people, going dancing, seeing a concert or anything social really.
Mostly, I can’t wait to be able to hug people again once the virus is done with.
LinkedIn
Instagram @clarissa.troiani
Omar Dore
Junior Sous Chef
London Marriot County Hall Hotel
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Omar: I was born and lived on the Caribbean Island of St Kitts & Nevis until aged 18. I remember as a young boy watching the huge cruise ships come in and was fascinated by these hotels floating from Island to Island. There were 2 major hotels on the Island itself, and tourism was the main industry on the Island. Although so many people from so many different countries would come to visit for a holiday, for me it was just home, and I would wonder what life was like for these strange visitors. Whilst at college when aged 17 a talent scout approached me and asked if I would like to work for the five star luxury Marriott hotel, I could hardly say no and this is where my dream and journey begun.
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Omar: Being a young gay black male gives me a unique perspective on this question. I can honestly say that I have never in the 4 countries that I have worked in experienced prejudice or in any way felt held back on the basis of my skin colour or sexuality. In fact, I would say that hospitality is one of the most inclusive, and accepting industries to work in. I suspect this may be due to the wide demographic of customers we serve.
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace?
Omar: Yes, we have something called ‘One Marriott.’ It’s an internal association which you can join for support, events, networking, and promote diversity moving through the company ranks. I signed up three years ago, I have attended various social events, including a pride float through London, making various contacts and friends throughout the company that I would not have otherwise.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
Omar: There have been so many people that have helped and given me opportunities during my career. One that stands out would be a chef named Anthony Bourdain who sadly died a few years ago. I remember watching him on TV as a child and getting a cook book signed by him is the USA. By coincidence or some may say fate I landed a job in the kitchen at the Marriott, working my way from kitchen porter to Junior Sous Chef.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ and/or BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Omar: I can only really answer this from the perspective of the company I work for, as I have remained with Marriott now for 13 years and they are the only Hospitality Company I have worked for. I would like to think every company has done as much as Marriott to inspire minorities to apply for senior roles. I know of many BAME and openly LGBT+ people at senior head office roles, and these help encourage more to apply for such roles.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model? Omar: Being from the Caribbean I never really got to meet or see anyone gay until I transferred to the Marriott in Florida in the early 2000’s. One of the first openly gay people I can remember seeing on TV, and who I still follow is RuPaul. Whilst I would not say he particularly motivated me in my career, he did in a more general way, giving me confidence in being myself, and realising my strengths.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
OMG everything, customers, actual customers! A date with my partner, walking into shops, seeing a film, going on holiday and being able to see friends again.
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Charlotte Weatherall
Director of Sales & Marketing
The Langham, London
She/Her
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Charlotte: I actually studied for a Sports Studies degree and had accepted a job to work in the Marketing department at Reebok when I graduated but I had always loved to travel, so as part of my job search, had applied for a number of roles in hotels too. I was fortunate to be invited to take part in an assessment centre, which included an overnight stay at the Sheraton Park Lane, for the Starwood management trainee programme and I thought it sounded like a great experience so took part. Thankfully I was offered and accepted a place based at The Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh, turned down Reebok and have worked in the industry ever since.
C/IN: Does the hospitality industry do enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Charlotte: I think diversity and inclusion is something gradually filtering through hospitality rather than organisations specifically focusing on it as part of their strategic plans.
I do believe that the industry was quick to see the commercial value of the LGBT+ market and I feel confident in saying that today, there is excellent representation of gay men in the workforce but I would question if other groups within our community are as proportionately well represented or embraced.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Charlotte: I believe that role models play an incredibly important role in encouraging and providing a safe environment for others to express themselves.
I think the best way to effect cultural change in any organisation is to ensure that there is diversity across senior management. This diversity not only provides breadth of opinion and perspective but also helps to positively influence recruitment and colleague engagement.
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace?
Charlotte: Most notable The Langham, London is the official accommodation partner for Pride in London. We are extremely fortunate that the parade starts from the front of the hotel and we use this as a platform for a series of events throughout the year and as an opportunity for colleagues to join in with the Pride in London celebrations on the day.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Charlotte: My proudest moment was promoting a Sales Coordinator to Sales Executive when I worked as Director of Sales & Marketing in Dubai. The promotion meant he qualified for a car loan and I remember him driving his new car into work and wanting to show it to me; he was so proud of himself. More often than not, my proudest moments have been seeing team members develop and progress.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model
Charlotte: Captain Hannah Graf MBE. I appreciate I have not gone back very far in history but I think her story is remarkable and one that many will look back to and be inspired by, in the future.
In 2013 Hannah came out as a trans woman and was the highest ranking trans person in the British Army. I can’t imagine the courage it must have taken at the time and she continues to do an incredible job of being a great role model to so many, raising awareness and speaking out about of the issues she faced.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
My wife, Emily, gave birth to our first daughter at the end of September last year and we have really missed being able to spend time with our families, celebrating her arrival, so I can’t wait to enjoy a big family get together when we are able to!
LinkedIn
Instagram @charweath
Ben McEwen
Sales Director, Lexington Catering
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Ben: It was more by chance than design, at 14 years of age I was busy planning a career as a Marine Biologist. I got a part time job in a restaurant and fell in love with it. More part time work in pubs and a nightclub followed and once I finished my A-levels my Dad encouraged me to complete a degree in Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes. The rest is history!
C/IN: Do you think the hospitality industry does enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Ben: Yes and no. The industry is a very fragmented and so we have all sorts. The larger companies tend to have established and structured programmes, whilst smaller companies often rely on particular individuals to lead the way. I remember working in a small countryside pub in Kent as a teenager. We were a family, diverse and inclusive by nature, but did we actively do anything to promote it? Probably not.
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace?
Ben: I’m very fortunate, diversity and inclusion is part of our philosophy at Lexington and we have a programme of training and events around it, from company induction through to our Respect Conference.
C/IN: Who’s been your biggest ally or role model during your career?
Ben: There have been lots of amazing role models at different stages of my career but Sean Wheeler stands out. He has been a great mentor, role model and valued friend. He is incredibly active in the industry and has always looked to enable those around him to succeed.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Ben: I believe our industry is inclusive and there are examples of great leaders from diverse backgrounds in senior roles, but more can be done. Encouraging diversity in senior roles is a good starting point but we have to work on development pathways for young people and be vocal about different routes through the industry.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?Ben: Suspect this will be a popular answer but Alan Turing. His achievements were important and incredible and yet he was treated appallingly. It makes you think how many other important contributions from the LGBT+ community have been overlooked throughout history.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
Ben: That first glass of wine in a hotel bar or a pub with friends and being able to see the family, it’s been a long time!
Hugh Smithson-Wright
Founder of PR & Communications consultancy Hugh Richard Wright
He/Him
Checking-IN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Hugh: I started out writing about hospitality in the late 2000s, reviewing restaurants and hotels as well as writing about restaurant trends. But it wasn’t until 2013 that I started working in the industry, when I went in-house with Aqua Restaurant Group as communications manager. I’d always seen myself staying a freelancer but it was a really exciting opportunity – they were just about to open, simultaneously, two of the biggest – and highest - restaurants in London, at The Shard – and it was too good to turn down. I left and started my consultancy business in 2015 and now I couldn’t imagine working in any other sector. I love hospitality.
C/IN: Does the hospitality industry do enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Hugh: I think it does a good job, but could always do more. One thing I hear a lot is that because of the very shift-led nature of hospitality it can be very hard to embed E&D into the culture because training means taking people out of the business and at times that might not be convenient to them. But that to me sounds like an excuse – if a business absolutely lives and breathes equality and diversity and is run with a commitment to it at its heart, you don’t need to give staff sit-down training for it to become the culture.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Hugh: 100% yes, although I think throughout the industry there are already some amazing LGBT+ and BAME role models right up to the highest levels. The danger with these umbrella terms though is complacency, by which I mean thinking that we’re doing well on ‘LGBT+’ inclusion when what we mean is that there are, say, visible gay men in high-profile roles but not trans people, or with BAME because we can think of an East Asian head chef, for example, but no Black GMs. Real inclusivity means that there is equal opportunity for everyone who comes under those broad umbrella terms, not just one group. So that’s our next big challenge, I think.
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace?
Hugh: Well my employer is me, but I do absolutely try to live my values. Within the wider industry, I’m often asked to contribute to panel discussions and I won’t participate in panels that are all-white or all-male (or both!) – organisers really need to think about who they’re platforming or it’s just meaningless.
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Hugh: My business turned five last October; I’d hoped to be able to have a big, glittering soirée to celebrate, which of course wasn’t possible, but it still felt like a massive milestone. Just keeping the business afloat throughout lockdown when the industry I supply has taken such a battering was a proud and poignant moment.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?
Hugh: Personally, Peter Tatchell, who has committed his entire life to campaigning for queer equality and human rights, often putting himself at risk of physical harm, prosecution and persecution. It’s easy to think of oneself as an activist for tweeting a hashtag; it’s something else entirely to attempt a citizen’s arrest on Robert Mugabe. Professionally, I have always looked up to and admired Eliot Sandiford, who’s now director of communications UK for Jumeirah. It was Eliot who recommended me to Aqua, thus starting my career in hospitality, which I’ll always be grateful for, and he’s just utterly brilliant at what he does, not to mention enviably stylish.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends?
What I’ve missed most is being able to enjoy hospitality spontaneously – just popping into a pub or bar for a glass of wine without having to book, check in, be seated, only be with one other household, have something to eat and be out by 10. I just want to be able to bump into someone in the street and say “Hey, shall we go for a Martini?” without it being a logistical nightmare.
Twitter @HGHRCHRDWRGHT
Instagram @hughrichardwright
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Sarah Hawkins
Director of Sales – Doubletree by Hilton Leeds
She/Her
CheckingIN: How and why did you get into hospitality?
Sarah: I was looking for a change in career as I was in Insurance sales at the time, it was my friend that worked for Thistle hotels at the time that told me about a role that had opened, I applied and was successful, that was over 18 years ago and I’ve never looked back.
C/IN: Does the hospitality industry do enough to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace/industry?
Sarah: I certainly think so, personally this industry has opened its arms and allowed me to show my creativeness in which I have been rewarded so many times with awards and accolades, I have also had the honour to see so many of my LBGT+ friends and colleagues to do well and that because there is a respect for one another by all in the industry.
C/IN: Do you feel the hospitality industry should encourage more LGBT+ / BAME role models at a senior level, to inspire people coming up through the ranks?
Sarah: Of Course, we live in a day and age where I hope that anyone can move up the ranks if they have the correct skills, there are no barriers, and again I have seen friends in the LGBT+ community raise in the ranks because they were right for the role, and this is exactly how it should be, it would be nice to know that the hospitality industry could be a leader in this sense.
C/IN: Does your employer do anything to celebrate or promote inclusion and diversity in your workplace?
Sarah: It has a fantastic ethic which supports diversity whole heartedly, I have to say Valor Europe Hospitality is the best company that I have ever worked for and I would recommend anyone that has an opportunity to work for them should jump at the chance – you get to be you, you get to be heard, you get to try!!
C/IN: What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Sarah: My proudest moment really has to be when I won People’s choice award by the LHVA (Leeds Hotel & Venues Association) this award goes to a public vote which means not only could my internal colleagues vote for me but my external clients which means that I’m not only accepted for my hard work within my own work place but outside too, but on another note I have won Sales person of the year twice out of only the awards running 4 years that also shows what respect my employer has for me.
C/IN: As it’s LGBT+ History Month is there one historical LGBT+ figure who has inspired or motivated you or has acted as a role model?Sarah: The person that jumps out at me as soon as I read this question just has to be Alan Turing, a gay man that changed the world when the world turned its back on him, I strive to make sure that we live in a world where that should never happen again.
C/IN: What are you looking forward to most once lockdown ends
Sarah: Seeing my clients, I am really happy to say that over the course of my Hospitality career lots of my clients have turned in to some of my best friends and that’s why I love this industry, I miss meeting people for the first time, getting to know people and networking. But most of all I can’t wait to start winning that business back for this amazing industry.
