By Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, CEO of Sumo International Inc. LLC
The hospitality industry offers a vibrant and dynamic career path for women. However, navigating this path can come with unique challenges. At Sumo Sushi & Bento, we are dedicated to empowering women and providing them with the tools and opportunities needed for career advancement. Here, I share some personal insights and advice for women pursuing careers in hospitality, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and networking.
Embrace a Culture of Continuous Learning
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, continuous learning is crucial. The industry is always evolving, with new trends, technologies, and customer preferences emerging regularly. To stay ahead, it’s important to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Seek out training programs, workshops, and certifications that can enhance your skills and keep you updated on industry developments.
At Sumo Sushi & Bento, we prioritize continuous learning by offering our team access to various educational resources. This commitment to ongoing development ensures that everyone is well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry and deliver exceptional service.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in career growth, especially in the hospitality industry by sharing their experiences, offering valuable advice on navigating career challenges. For women, having a mentor who understands the specific obstacles they may face can be particularly beneficial. Supporting our female team members by fostering a supportive environment where women can thrive and achieve their career goals.
Networking: Building Connections
Networking is essential for career advancement in hospitality. Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities, provide access to industry knowledge, and offer support from peers and mentors. Engage with industry associations, attend conferences, and participate in networking events to expand your professional connections.
Within Sumo Sushi & Bento, we encourage our team members to network both internally and externally. By connecting with industry leaders and peers, our employees gain valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Developing Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in hospitality. Whether it’s interacting with guests, leading a team, or collaborating with colleagues, strong communication skills are vital. Focus on honing your ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage with others in a meaningful way.
Embracing Growth Opportunities
Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing growth opportunities is key to career advancement. We are committed to nurturing talent from within by providing our female team members with opportunities to take on new responsibilities and advance their careers. By promoting from within, we create a pathway for growth and development that benefits both our employees and our organization.
Our Industry Today
The hospitality industry today offers a wealth of opportunities for women who are committed to their professional growth. By embracing continuous learning, seeking out mentorship, building strong networks, developing communication skills, advocating for themselves, and embracing growth opportunities, women can achieve remarkable success in their careers.
Our management teams are dedicated to supporting the career advancement of women in hospitality. Through our commitment to mentorship, networking, and continuous development, we empower our female employees to reach their full potential and thrive in their professional journeys.
