Women in the Industry

Celebrating International Women’s Day with The Evolve Group UK

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, March 8, marks a global celebration of women’s achievements, a call to action against discrimination, and a collective effort towards gender equality. This year’s theme envisions a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination – a diverse, equitable, and inclusive world where differences are not only recognised but also celebrated. At The Evolve Group UK, we stand united to #InspireInclusion and forge a path towards women’s equality.

Celebrating International Women’s Day in the Hospitality Industry

In the bustling world of the hospitality industry, women are making their mark, breaking barriers, and inspiring change. Today, we turn the spotlight on the incredible women within The Evolve Group UK who contribute to the success of our brands. We’ve had the privilege of speaking to several female leaders across our diverse portfolio, gaining insights into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Holly Futcher – Evolve Hospitality

What sparked your interest in the hospitality industry?

I have naturally always worked in the industry since the age of 16 and then decided to study International Hospitality Management at University, which then led me to Evolve. It just made sense for me to pursue a career in an industry that I knew, loved and most importantly brought people together.

Would you encourage young people to take up a career in the hospitality industry?

Absolutely. Hospitality offers many career opportunities. It’s slowly becoming a more attractive industry to work in to promote a better work life balance that younger people look for now. Young people need a better understanding of the real opportunities and progression within the industry and that’s down to us to scream and shout about it.

Lucy Storton – Collins King

Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your culinary journey?

Regarding influences I have a friend called Danielle who was my first mentor in the industry. We met when I was about 9 months into working in a kitchen, me having had no formal catering training, and she always had time to explain and guide me and really shaped the sort of Chef I aimed to be.

What advice would you give to aspiring women looking to pursue a career in the hospitality industry?

Regarding advice for women (or anyone) looking to go into the industry, I’d say to look for collaborative places of work with a culture of acceptance and where they are happy to build people up. Working in places like that always got the best out of me and helped me to develop most. And never be shy to ask to see something or be able to help on something that you’re keen to learn, the most that can be said is no.

Stephanie Leung – Evolve Hospitality

Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment in your hospitality & culinary career?

An accomplishment that I prize the most: the relationships built with everyone that I have been working with. This alone has led to many memorable experiences along the way!

Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your journey?

Hélène (my first Head Pastry chef at Bar Boulud MOLON) – she was an amazing pastry chef as well as manager. “You’re running and I’m running with you” was how she led/supported the team and that has always stuck with me. Flore and Marguerite at the Five Fields too; both immensely strong and talented individuals that I can’t praise enough!

Anna Sampieri – Enhance Catering

How do you overcome and navigate challenges in a male-dominated industry?

Knowledge! Knowledge is power in this industry, knowing so much about it allows you to feel empowered. I educate myself everyday and always trying to implement new ideas, being informed helps build confidence and to be a valuable resource. It allows the men to consider my voice and perspective and not underestimate my ability to match theirs. Speaking up during meetings, sharing opinions and not shy away, it’s about having faith in your abilities and ideas. And cultivating confidence, staying positive and having drive is admirable, while you don’t want to be the ‘Devil that wears Prada’ embrace your authenticity.

How do you balance your professional and personal life in a demanding industry?

This is a difficult one to answer, but something I’ve learnt that is a must to be put in place. While I thrive to succeed and am always accessible to my clients whatever time it is, a day off with an out of office, one needs to be adhered to! Being organised and efficient and communication is the fundamental answer here. It allows me to not stress about the things that still need to be done and if there are things outstanding, communicate this to whoever is looking after your desk and have faith in them. And plan things, put things in that diary, watch that netflix series, go to the gym, be as occupied in my personal life as I am in my work.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant strides made towards gender equality in the hospitality industry. The Evolve Group UK takes pride in the diverse and talented women who contribute to the success of our brands. Their stories inspire us to continue fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

Let’s take action, raise awareness, and drive gender parity. International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere, and inclusion means that all actions are valid. Together, let’s #InspireInclusion and work towards a world where women’s achievements are celebrated every day, and bias, stereotypes, and discrimination are mere relics of the past. Happy International Women’s Day!