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At the Independent Hotel Show Miami, female leaders shared powerful insights on self-advocacy, mentorship, and the importance of leading "like a girl."
The hospitality industry, where women are equally represented at entry-level positions, still struggles with a striking lack of female leaders in top roles. At the Independent Hotel Show Miami, I had the privilege of moderating the 'Advancing Women in Hospitality' panel, a conversation focused on overcoming barriers and elevating women into leadership, featuring three successful leaders—Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple Hotels; Bettina Landt, Managing Director of White Elephant Palm Beach; and Victoria DelVecchio, General Manager of CitizenM Miami. These dynamic women shared candid insights into their journeys, offering actionable advice on leadership, self-advocacy, and the importance of building inclusive workplaces.
The Gender Pay Gap in Hospitality
I began the discussion by highlighting a sobering reality: the gender pay gap persists across industries, with hospitality being no exception.
“Today is International Equal Pay Day, and we’re still seeing that women in the U.S. make 16% less than men. According to the latest Lean In report, at this rate, gender equality for white women will take another 22 years to achieve—and for women of color, it could take an additional 50 years.”
This alarming statistic set the tone for our panel, focusing on the ways women can push past these barriers and advance in leadership roles, where representation remains lacking.
Mentorship is Key for Women in Hospitality
A recurring theme throughout our discussion was the importance of mentorship, both formal and informal. Mentors not only provide guidance but can also advocate for women in leadership positions—a critical element in career growth.
“Everyone who has advanced in their career has had someone who helped them along the way, whether it was a formal mentor or an informal relationship. It’s not just about learning the job, it’s about having someone in your corner,” Dina Belon shared.
Bettina Landt added that mentorship also teaches young managers what not to do. “You can learn just as much from leaders who have poor management styles as you can from great ones. Take the best practices from those around you, but also identify what you don’t want to replicate as you build your own management style,” she advised.
"You can also identify the not-so-good practices... sometimes you learn from the best in both ways." –– Bettina Landt
The Power of Advocating for Yourself
Self-advocacy was one of the most impactful subjects we discussed, as many women find it difficult to promote their accomplishments without fear of negative perceptions. According to a study by Indeed, 73% of women fear how they’re perceived when self-promoting, leading to hesitation in pushing for leadership roles.
Victoria DelVecchio, who admitted that self-advocacy wasn’t something she considered early in her career, stressed that it’s critical for women to embrace their worth and advocate for their ambitions.
“It’s not about boasting. It’s about stating your intentions clearly—let people know where you want to grow and what your goals are. Don’t be afraid to carve out that space for yourself in your organization,” Victoria advised.
This Generation of Leaders is Paving the Way for the Next
One of the most inspiring takeaways from the session was the panelists’ commitment to ensuring that the next generation of women in hospitality have a different experience. Women like Dina, Bettina, and Victoria are dedicated to using their leadership positions to foster opportunities for the next wave of female leaders.
“As women who have faced challenges in our careers, we are passionate about making sure the next generation has a smoother path. We want to make sure that we’re not just breaking through the ceiling for ourselves but opening the door for those who follow,” Dina emphasized.
Leading "Like a Girl" is a Strength, Not a Weakness
During our conversation, Dina Belon brought up a powerful point about the perception of leadership styles. Women are often told to adjust their approach to fit more traditional, male-dominated models of leadership. Dina, however, firmly believes in embracing what some might label as "leading like a girl."
“I was once told by a male superior that I didn’t have enough executive presence,” Dina shared. “But over time, I realized I didn’t need to lead like him. I could hold people accountable in my own way. Leading like a girl means leading with empathy, collaboration, and strength. It’s about finding your leadership style, believing in it, and not letting anyone tell you to change.”
"Leading like a girl is a strength... It’s about finding your own leadership style and owning it." –– Dina Belon
Independent Hotels Offer More Opportunities for Women
Our panel also explored how working in independent hotels can provide women with more opportunities for career advancement compared to large hotel chains. Independent hotels often offer a more personal environment, where creativity and innovation are encouraged.
“In the independent hotel space, you get more exposure to different parts of the business. The relationships are shorter, and you can implement creative ideas faster. I advanced much quicker in an independent hotel than I would have in a major corporate brand,” Bettina shared.
Victoria added that independent hotels often allow for greater flexibility, which is especially important for women managing both career and family.
Self-Advocacy: Overcoming the Double Bind
Despite the importance of advocating for oneself, many women fear the backlash that can come from being too assertive. I cited research showing that assertive women often experience negative perceptions, and the panel acknowledged this “double bind,” where women are expected to lead with confidence but are penalized for doing so.
“I was once told by a male superior that I didn’t have enough executive presence,” Dina shared. “But over time, I realized I didn’t need to lead like him. I could hold people accountable in my own way. Find your leadership style, believe in it, and don’t let anyone tell you to change.”
Building a Supportive Work Environment
In an industry known for its fast-paced and high-pressure environment, fostering teamwork is essential to maintaining balance and growth.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Victoria quoted, emphasizing the importance of building a collaborative team. “In hospitality, we need each other. The pressure is high, so building a strong, supportive environment is key to success.”
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” –– Victoria DelVecchio
Quickfire Leadership Tips from the Panelists
We wrapped up the session with each panelist offering a parting piece of advice for women in hospitality:
Bettina Landt: "Find a company where you truly enjoy the people you work with. Hospitality demands a lot of time, so make sure you love the team you’re spending it with."
Dina Belon: "Find someone who will advocate for you, whether it’s a mentor, sponsor, or friend. Keep moving forward and don’t stop advocating for yourself."
Victoria DelVecchio: "Trust the process. Every experience adds to your toolkit. Focus on teamwork because hospitality is all about going far together. 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'"