Across Australia, women are reshaping the leadership landscape of hospitality – not by mirroring traditional models, but by introducing new standards of empathy, accountability, confidence and community.
Their insights reveal a shift happening across the industry: hospitality performs stronger when leadership is human, values-driven and unashamedly authentic. From overcoming self-doubt to redefining communication, these women are setting a new benchmark for how modern venues are led. Here are the leadership shifts redefining hospitality today.
Confidence Is Becoming a Core Leadership Tool
Women are stepping into leadership with a stronger sense of authority and self-belief, and it’s transforming how they run their venues. Confidence is no longer viewed as personality; it’s a practical capability that influences every part of a business, from communication to culture.
As Tara Senam, Founder & Director of Meraki Group, explains, “my biggest barrier is myself,” highlighting how self-belief directly shapes how others perceive your leadership. Likewise, Michelle Grand-Milkovic, Founder & Director of love.fish Barangaroo, observes that women often underestimate themselves more than their male counterparts, despite having equal or greater capability.
This shift toward owning expertise is strengthening decision-making and setting a new standard for leadership presence across the industry.
Empathy Is a Strategic Advantage
Empathy is becoming one of hospitality’s most effective leadership tools. Not as softness, but as clarity and communication.
Tara describes it simply: “empathy can still be firm.” Leaders can hold high standards while also seeing their people as individuals. Michelle reinforces this by noting “every decision you make affects others,” especially younger staff who thrive when leaders explain the why, not just the what.
This style of leadership lifts performance, reduces conflict and builds trust, creating teams that understand expectations and feel motivated to meet them.
Community Is Essential for Leadership Resilience
Leadership in hospitality can be isolating, and women are increasingly turning to community for guidance, perspective and support. Industry groups, peer networks and local operator circles are becoming invaluable sources of knowledge and confidence.
“Leadership is incredibly lonely. Networks are invaluable,” says Michelle, emphasising how essential industry relationships are to staying grounded.
For some, community even protects the business. Judy McMahon, Owner of Catalina Restaurant, describes how strong local support influenced key operational decisions during a difficult period, proving just how powerful community relationships can be.
Hospitality Is a Long-Term, Ambitious Career for Women
Women leading in hospitality are challenging the perception that hospitality is a temporary job. They are reframing it as a fulfilling, long-term profession with clear pathways to management and ownership.
“There is an incredible career waiting for women in hospitality,” Michelle shares, urging the industry to champion female talent early. Laura Goldberg, Co-Owner of Hurricane’s Grill, highlights the importance of visibility; young women need to see other women in leadership to imagine themselves there too.
This shift is critical for attracting and retaining the next generation of female talent.
Strength Is Being Redefined: Decisive, Compassionate and Always Learning
Women are reshaping what strong leadership looks like in hospitality. It is no longer defined by toughness alone, but by a balance of conviction and compassion.
Michelle describes leadership as similar to conducting an orchestra – constant movement, constant adaptation, requiring both decisiveness and sensitivity to what’s happening around you. Judy notes the importance of continuous growth, encouraging leaders to “be thirsty for knowledge.”
This version of strength; modern, intelligent and emotionally aware, is elevating workplaces across the industry.
The Takeaway: Women Are Redefining the Standard for Hospitality Leadership
The insights point to a new model of leadership. One built on empathy, clarity, community, accountability and unwavering self-belief.
Their message to women entering the industry is clear: You belong here. Your leadership is needed. And your voice has value, long before anyone gives you permission to use it.
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