Women Leaders In The Hospitality Industry With Patience Masebe

In an industry historically dominated by men, the rise of women leaders in hospitality is both a remarkable achievement and a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. Patience Masebe, a trailblazer in her own right, has navigated the challenges of this dynamic field with grace and determination. From her early days as a young female leader to her current position of influence, Patience shares her journey, the unique strengths women bring to the table, and her vision for a more inclusive future in hospitality.

1. As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

In 2018 I started my journey in hospitality, back then I was both young and female. I had to identify my unique offering to a vast and growing industry. Overtime I gained confidence in my unique skills and gifts as a direct result of support from other leaders in the industry, some of which were males. It was a challenge but one that I could conquer because of great mentorship and continuous training. My unwavering passion for the hospitality industry allowed me to see myself and other woman beyond the culture set boundaries and stereotypes. I can now proclaim that the norms and stereotypes that used to exist in the industry are being ceased by innovation, woman empowerment and other non-discrimination policies and procedures. That is a great achievement for the hospitality industry, if we continue to empower our leaders regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, etc we will continue to see growth, profitability, investment returns but more importantly we will have happy and flourishing human capital.

2. In your opinion, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to leadership roles in the hospitality sector, and how do these contribute to the success of your hotel?

While it is worth noting that great leadership traits can be seen in both men and women leaders. It is also worthy to note that there is a tangible difference in the way that women in leadership display and apply their unique contributions and perspectives to leadership. Women have a diverse set of skills that come naturally to them such as inclusivity, adaptability, empathy and strengthened communication.

I have found that the teams I manage have little to no conflict and I assume it is a direct result of my ability to sense discomforts and immediately address them. I have an open line of communication with my team and encourage them to share their thoughts not just with me but with each other in a way that is respectful and professional, I have found that this encourages trust within the teas well as individual confidence. Not to forget a sense of belonging.

An integration of these dynamic traits from female leaders in hospitality assists in enhancing positivity, productivity, and creativity from the teams that they lead. This can potentially increase revenue and occupancy at the hotel properties and impact of the culture. Because woman naturally tents to pay attention to finer details this trait can lead to personalised guest service which is to the benefit of the hotel and its guests.

3. How do you see the future of gender diversity and inclusion in the hospitality sector, and what advice would you give to other aspiring female leaders in this industry?

The future is bright. I am anticipating a hospitality industry where inclusivity reigns and people are truly valued and professionally trained. We are paving the way for diversity and innovation in our industry. All boundaries that existed in the past are slowly being peeled away as we unite in the name of inclusivity.

I would encourage aspiring female leaders to remove all limits in their mindset. They can be whoever they want to be. A general manager, a hotel owner, a Revenue Manager, A reservationist. There truly is no limit, anything is possible. Capitalise on your strengths and work on your weaknesses, we all have something unique to offer to the industry that can potentially birth new revenue streams.

Patience Masebe’s story is a powerful reminder that the hospitality industry thrives when it embraces diversity and champions the strengths of all its leaders, regardless of gender. Her insights and experiences highlight the transformative impact of female leadership in creating inclusive, empathetic, and highly effective teams. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, the future holds endless possibilities for aspiring female leaders, with Patience’s journey serving as an inspiring beacon for those who dare to dream big and break boundaries.