Women in Leadership
Tell us about you and your career - how did you get to where you are now? My first job was in a coffee shop in my small town back in Canada when I was 15, looking back, that first job changed everything for me. I was a painfully shy kid at school, but at my part time job I was someone completely different. I was outgoing, I made people laugh, I loved being a part of a team and the buzz that comes with a busy café when everyone is working in sync and both customers and the staff are genuinely having a great time. I found a love of learning about people who were different from me, I was curious about everyone I was meeting, and because I was genuinely interested in people, and took pride in having a positive part in everyone’s day - It was the first time in my life I had found something I was really good at and enjoyed. It was also the first time I was given consistent great feedback, and real responsibilities. Needless to say, my confidence soared and from then on, even though I went on to try jobs in different industries, hospitality was always somewhere I felt at home. During my twenties I continued in hospitality on the side of both study and travel. It was such a great option to come back to between travels, and of course while travelling. Coming to Australia for the first time and being in a place where most of the produce was local and the coffee was more of an art than a drink, I realised that you could improve someone’s experience with not only exceptional customer experience but also an exceptional product. It levelled up my passion for the industry even more, maybe this job wasn’t just an interim while looking for the big career goal - perhaps it was it. Since settling in Tasmania with my partner in 2016 I have worked in both cafes and fine dining restaurants, mainly in supervisor roles. Through these roles and the wonderful chefs and suppliers I have met, my produce appreciation and knowledge has gone up another level yet again. This Island State is a playground for all things food and drink, the quality of produce and the passion of those who create these dishes and experiences are second to none. I am constantly inspired by those I meet in all facets of the hospitality industry in Tasmania. I landed my current role with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys at the end of 2020, where for the first time in my career I am not solely front of house but manage the catering for their Wineglass Bay Cruise. In this role I am fortunate to be able to connect with both
It’s hard to believe the THA Women in Leadership Program was launched only three months ago! Time is flying and we have so many exciting events and new content to share with you. As Sarah and I travelled the state, meeting you all and launching the program, we heard you loud and clear - the need for a hospitality and tourism-specific unconscious bias program is desperately needed. So that is exactly what we are doing - creating a program that is industry and Tasmania-specific. This is currently in the creation phase with the hope to get it out to you all before the busy summer season. Watch this space! You will also see some events coming up on our social media pages soon - we are partnering with the Women in Tourism and Hospitality Tasmania to bring some great networking and learning opportunities to the sector. The last few weeks have seen the very first THA Women in Leadership Scholarship recipients announced. Fifteen people from around the state have been awarded scholarships to study either a Cert IV or Diploma in Leadership and Management, Leadership Development Program or Foundations of Directorship through AICD. We were overwhelmed by the number of applications we received in the first year of offering these scholarships and can’t wait to hear from the recipients as to how their study progresses. Talsa Yates is one of the lucky recipients of the Diploma of Leadership and Management scholarships through SCALA. She has been generous enough to share her story with us.
34 Tasmanian Hospitality Review August/September Edition
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