Earlier this month, we praised the incredible women across our group as part of International Women’s Day, recognising those who deliver extraordinary hospitality every day. From leading our teams to creating extraordinary experiences, our female leaders bring passion and leadership to everything they do.
Two standout women who embody this are Kelly Harrison from The Willow Hotel and Brenda Shepherd from Hermit Park Hotel. We asked what drives them in their roles and about their passion for working in hospitality.
Kelly Harrison – Venue Manager, The Willow Hotel
*”Hospitality for me has always been about teamwork, great mentors, and the energy of a busy venue. I thrive on the buzz of service and love mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
One of my most memorable moments? A venue full of cricket fans all dressed as Richie Benaud, in full character — now that was a sight to see!”*
Brenda Shepherd – Venue Manager, Hermit Park Hotel
What started as just a job quickly became my passion. Every day brings new challenges, and I love leading and developing my team.
One of my proudest moments was going out of my way to help a customer. He later told me how impressed he was with the service — and that he owned a major airline catering business. It reminded me that the small moments of great service are often the ones people remember most. My advice? Listen, learn, and never stop asking questions.”*
We’re proud to have such passionate and driven women leading our teams. Their contribution is a vital part of who we are, and we remain committed to supporting and creating opportunities for the women in our business to grow and thrive.
