The power of Mentorship…

Yasmine Hammadache, General Manager, Hotel Indigo York

September 2024

The hotel industry offers a vast variety of career opportunities for individuals passionate about hospitality, service, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Whether you’re starting at an entry-level position or aiming for a management role, the potential for growth and development in this sector is immense.

My journey in the hotel industry began in 2015 at the Hampton by Hilton York hotel. Like many in the industry, I found myself in the role somewhat by accident. After dropping out of college and jumping from retail jobs to bartending, I took on a receptionist job as a temporary stop-gap to save money for a season abroad with friends. Little did I know, this ‘temp’ job would ignite a passion for hospitality that would shape my career.

Starting as a receptionist, I quickly fell in love with the role. The one-on-one time with guests, the opportunity to make someone’s day better, and knowing that everyday would be different, was incredibly fulfilling and exciting. However, what truly set this experience apart was the supportive network of colleagues around me. It was the first time that I had worked somewhere where people genuinely believed in my potential and wanted me to succeed, something that I learnt later on in my career was not just specific to that one hotel but most hospitality businesses.

The Importance of Support and Development

The encouragement I received from my colleagues, management team and owners, was instrumental in my career progression. They championed me, showing me different parts of the business and allowing me to explore various roles within the hotel. This support not only built my confidence but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and without this network of supportive individuals, I often wonder where I might be today.

I loved the role but without people behind me, pushing me to excel and giving me the confidence to try different opportunities, would I have stayed?

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of mentorship and support in the hospitality industry. As I progressed into more senior roles, I realized how crucial it is to recognize and nurture hidden talent within the team. In such a fast-paced industry, it’s easy to overlook the potential of those around us, however, taking the time to mentor and develop our teams, can significantly impact their career trajectories and, ultimately, the success of the business.

The Future of Hospitality

One of the main reasons I love the hospitality industry, is because of the wide variety of career paths it has to offer, each of course with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Hospitality does not discriminate, you can come from any background, you can have higher education and go far, or not have an education and still go far.

“Work hard, find your key area which you have drive for and are passionate about, and your success rate of getting where you want to be, will be high.”

As the hospitality industry evolves, the need for hungry and passionate professionals continues to grow and it is essential for those in senior roles to remember the impact they can have on their teams’ futures. By recognizing talent, providing opportunities for growth, and offering mentorship, we can ensure the continued success and innovate on of the hospitality sector.

In conclusion, my journey from a temporary receptionist to a committed hospitality professional, highlights the incredible opportunities within the hotel industry and my story is one of many. With the right support and a willingness to explore different roles, anyone can build a fulfilling and dynamic career in this industry. As we move forward, let’s not forget the importance of championing our teams and nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders.