Did you know that women make up more than 52% of the restaurant and foodservice industry? In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th we wanted to shine a spotlight on a few powerful women in our clientbase working in the restaurant industry. These inspirational marketing leaders shared some fantastic advice for the next generation of industry leaders, both female and male.
Despite their different backgrounds and job titles, it was encouraging to see similar themes surface for each leader. Positive mentorships, work ethic, confidence, and kindness were just a few of the recurring topics these women touched on — highlighting just how important these elements are no matter where your career takes you.
Read on as these women in restaurant marketing share their stories and impart their wisdom.
Angela Zoiss, Chief Marketing Officer at Bottleneck Management
What do you attribute your success to?
There’s not just one thing, but here are a few of the most important:
- Consistent, hard work. Putting the effort in even when you don’t want to. There are very few shortcuts to success. It’s damn hard to succeed without putting in the work.
- A driven and intelligent team. I’ve not been successful without the help, support, and collaboration from teammates along the way. Finding a team who shares your values and work ethic makes things easier and more enjoyable.
- An optimistic outlook. Looking for and celebrating the good in a situation goes a long way, in life and work. So does being resilient to disappointment, frustration, and roadblocks as often as possible.
- The golden rule. It sounds simple, but being kind and treating others how you’d want to be treated is just such timeless advice. We learn it as children, and I’ve found that keeping it at the forefront is key to happy relationships.
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
This isn’t really a barrier, but worth noting. It seems to me that women have a harder time speaking up to negotiate their worth, financially. Not all women, of course. But I’ve known many, and have been guilty of it myself at times. It can be difficult, but separating emotion from negotiation is key. At the end of the day, you’re in a role to provide a service and you should be compensated fairly for that. Everyone should feel empowered to speak up. And guess what? I’ll bet you’re not the only one in your office doing so.
What is the primary source of motivation in your life?
This is new for me, but I have a 10-month-old daughter and, boy, has that been a motivator! Relationships (friends, family, significant other) have always been my primary source of motivation, so it makes sense that she’d have such an impact. I guess I just never realized how much she’d motivate me to be a better version of myself, professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
There have been so many strong female leaders that have laid such tremendous groundwork for female leadership that’s really opened so many doors for women, so the next generation should feel empowered to go after any roles they feel passionately about. I’ve been fortunate to work with an organization who appreciates and understands the value of female leadership, and that’s much more common today than at any point in the past. So you can absolutely shoot for the top, whatever that means to you.
What’s the best way women can support other women professionally?
Prop each other up as often as possible. Celebrate each other’s wins rather than being intimidated. Talk things out directly when you can vs. letting them fester. Be flexible where you can, but stand your ground when it’s important. And again, it sounds simple, but just be kind.
Lauren Roadman, Community Engagement Lead at Breckenridge Brewery
What do you attribute your success to?
I’m very driven and motivated in my career, but a large part of my success is thanks to those around me who believed in me and encouraged me along the way. I have been fortunate to work for a company that has a wonderful leadership team that supports my role and actively participates in helping me achieve my goals.
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
Confidence. Women are always defined as women first – woman leader, woman director, woman manager, etc. This perpetuates the notion that we are something different than the norm. One of our regional managers, Christine Perich, once said, “Never lead with you’re a woman, lead with your expertise, lead with your experience, lead with what you bring to the table.” My goal is to exemplify this and help other women do the same. Work hard, don’t second guess yourself, and don’t hesitate to be the person in the room who asks the tough questions.
What is the primary source of motivation in your life?
My motivation comes from a variety of sources, including family, mentors, and goal-setting strategies. Life is fluid and constantly changing, but having long-term personal and professional goals keeps me motivated. I have always had a strong work ethic, which has driven me to learn new skills, to be open to opportunity and change, and to utilize that to advance my career.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Advocate for yourself, but also advocate for those around you. Progress doesn’t stop with one generation, we have to continue to pave the way for all generations to come.
What’s the best way women can support other women professionally?Advocate for others. If you see someone being talked over or not included in an important conversation or meeting, forward the invite and ask them for their input. Let’s build each other up!
Julia Thorn – Director of Marketing at Concept Entertainment
What do you attribute your success to?
My successes can be attributed to mentors I had early in my career, relationships I have cultivated and a strong work ethic.
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
Probably most significant would be my own self-doubt and limitations I placed on myself.
What is the primary source of motivation in your life?
I am motivated by challenges and seeing them through to the finish. There is nothing more satisfying than putting your mind to something and accomplishing it. And as a team member I understand that the quality of my work directly affects the ability of others to do their jobs effectively and produce good work for the company.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
As a leader, encourage collaboration. Departments and teams are strongest when individuals are motivated to contribute ideas to grow the business at all levels and involvement. And it’s important to continue to learn and be flexible. Since technology is the driving force behind just about everything in today’s world regardless of industry, it is essential to success. Technology is ever-changing, so flexibility can only work in your favor. Be willing and able to change with the times and needs of your company or clients.
What’s the best way women can support other women professionally?
Lift up other women by being a good listener, respecting one another and their opinions, encouraging their dreams, celebrating their successes and being trustworthy.
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