From Behind the Bar to the Boardroom: Learning to Lead from a Career in Hospitality

When I first stepped into hospitality, it wasn’t part of a grand career plan. I was a casual barman looking to earn a bit of money, work with people, and be part of a fast-paced, exciting environment. What I didn’t realise then was that this part-time job would spark a career that would take me through every layer of hotel operations, culminating in opening new properties and managing large-scale teams.

I learnt early on that there is no single path to leadership in hospitality. Some people follow a structured route where they study hospitality management at university, go through graduate programmes, and work their way up. Others, like myself, take a more organic path. I moved from barman to graduate manager, then assistant conference and banqueting manager, C&B manager, POPs manager, and so on. Each step was shaped by opportunities, mentorship, and a desire to grow.

I think back to something a former general manager once told me: "Don’t rush to become a general manager." At the time, I was ambitious and eager, but those words stuck with me. Now I understand why. Every role you take in hospitality teaches you something different. Rushing through those lessons can leave gaps that are hard to fill later on. You learn how to manage people, how to solve problems under pressure, and how to adapt your style to different teams and properties. That’s not something you can cram into your head from a book or a graduate short rotation.

Career progression in hospitality hasn't changed dramatically over the last decade. The fundamentals are still the same: work hard, be accountable, and communicate effectively. What has changed is the visibility of opportunities. Social media, networking platforms, and internal talent programmes have made it easier for people to see what’s possible. But the real secret is that you have to want it. You have to show up every day ready to make an impact.

Integrity is the foundation of everything. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to own your mistakes. If you mess up, hold your hand up and ask for help. Learn from your mistakes.  People respect that. It creates a culture where others feel safe to do the same, and that’s how you build strong teams.

Another piece of advice I give to young professionals is to speak up. If you want to move into a new role, say it. If you have ambitions to lead a property or a team, make that known. People aren’t mind readers. Some of the best opportunities in my career came because I was vocal about where I wanted to go. I said, "I want to be part of this opening." And because people knew that they came to me when the time was right.

Your journey in hospitality is entirely yours to shape. Whether you start at the front desk, in housekeeping, or behind the bar, every experience adds to your skill set. Be patient, be curious, and never stop learning. The boardroom isn't a destination you arrive at; it's a space you grow into through years of experience, reflection, and a commitment to serving others.