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Women remain vastly underrepresented on conference stages within hospitality, but a new movement is underway to change that. The Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, where hertelier is a founding member, has launched a Speaker Directory featuring over 1,000 accomplished women leaders across various sectors. This resource empowers conference organizers to diversify their panels and spotlight more female voices.
Which is why it was so inspiring to hear from Catt McLoed recently that Daniel Simmons, Chief Commercial Officer at Best Loved/HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts, not only encouraged her to speak at the recent Independent Hotel Show London but also actively supports his female colleagues in sharing their expertise. Please meet "Ally of the Month", our Mr. October, Daniel Simmons, who shares his journey in hospitality, the importance of advocating for women on conference stages, and how he sees allyship as crucial to a more balanced industry.
What drew you to hospitality, and what was your first job in the industry?
I was always fascinated by hotels and hospitality as a young adult. I saw the glamour, fun, and excitement in the settings and the people, and it truly felt thrilling. It wasn’t until my first roles in the industry that I discovered the hard work, team spirit, and behind-the-scenes dramas that always seem to be resolved. I studied Catering & Hospitality at the University of Surrey, but catering wasn’t my strength, so I found myself in a sales role in Amsterdam. It was a fantastic start working with a small hotel group, Karensa, now part of NH Hotels. The experience allowed me to work in every department as a graduate trainee, from housekeeping and restaurant service to front desk operations—an invaluable foundation in this fascinating industry I am proud to be a part of.
What women influenced you early in your life, and how has this shaped your views on women in the workplace?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have always reported to women early in my career. I’m especially grateful to a Reservations Manager who taught me to own up to mistakes—there’s always a solution, and it’s best not to try and cover things up. Then there was a General Manager who encouraged me to pursue a sales career and supported me as I tackled high sales targets. I’m also grateful to many incredible female colleagues who recommended me for roles that ultimately shaped my career. Their mentorship has been essential to my path to becoming CCO of one of the top representation and technology companies globally, with over 2,500 clients in 100 countries.
Who has impacted your career in your current role?
I’m fortunate to have a team of outstanding department heads. Yvonne Cobb, our CFO, provides essential financial guidance. Kathryn Mays and Sarah Whitehead lead our service delivery team, optimizing processes to boost client revenue and streamline our workload. Deborah McGee is remarkable at converting new leads into clients for HotelREZ, while Emma Stevenson manages our demand team and global agency partnerships. Veronica Katsoridou oversees digital web services, creating world-class collateral, websites, and booking engines. Jennifer Morgan heads account management, assisting clients in achieving their revenue, sales, and marketing goals. Lastly, Catt McLeod, who leads our Elegant Hotel Collection, has been instrumental in establishing this brand in the marketplace. Her positivity, motivation, and impressive knowledge of hotel distribution have been invaluable.
Why is supporting women in speaking roles so important to you?
Catt exemplifies this importance; she builds industry relationships through respect, knowledge, and genuine friendship, reminding us of the importance of work-life balance. Her vast expertise and caring personality make her an incredible asset on panels. We met 20 years ago when Catt was at Pegasus/Utell, and even then, I saw the potential for a remarkable career in her.
How can other companies better support their female leaders on stage?
We still encounter events and panels that feature only men, though it’s improved over the last decade. Achieving a balanced representation is crucial. Companies must thoughtfully choose representatives who truly reflect their brand’s diversity and inclusivity.
Any advice for women seeking to advocate for themselves as speakers and thought-leaders?
Women can best advocate for themselves as speakers and thought leaders by focusing on these key areas:
Building a Strong Platform: Showcase expertise through consistent content creation, whether it’s blog posts, articles, or a social media presence. Highlighting achievements and experience builds credibility.
Networking Strategically: Connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and audiences. Attend relevant events and conferences to increase visibility.
Developing a Unique Voice: Articulate ideas clearly and passionately. Embrace personal experiences and perspectives to stand out.
Cultivating Confidence: Practice active listening and respond thoughtfully. Mastering presentation skills and body language is critical.
Seeking Mentorship and Support: Connect with established female leaders in the field. Guidance from those who have walked a similar path can be invaluable.
Leveraging Existing Networks: Engage with existing communities and groups for promotion and visibility.
Actively Seeking Speaking Opportunities: Proactively research and apply for speaking engagements aligned with your expertise.
Managing Expectations and Addressing Bias: Women should acknowledge potential biases and stereotypes; preparing a concise and persuasive elevator pitch can help manage these expectations effectively.
What role does inclusivity play in building a successful team at HotelREZ?
Our success stems from the fact that women lead all our departments. We have a flexible work approach, with a focus on achieving KPIs and budgets while genuinely caring for our team. I’m incredibly lucky to work with such knowledgeable, intelligent, and kind women.
Thank you, Daniel!