Happy International Women’s Day!

This week it’s International Women’s Day and we’re celebrating our incredible team! We caught up with our Sales Director, Joanne, who revealed what inspires her and how to become a great leader in the workplace…

What does your role at Stoke Park involve?

The management of Sales and Marketing for Stoke Park.

What has your career journey involved?

After studying Hotel Management at Thames Valley University, I worked at The Grafton Hotel London, before joining the opening team for The Copthorne Hotel - which was an incredible experience! After five years there, I joined Stoke Park. At that time, Stoke Park was an exclusive golf club with function rooms, but over the years we have also added some of the finest accommodation and spa facilities in the country and maintained and improved the golf course to be one of the finest in the world.

What is your favourite thing about working at Stoke Park?

Every single day is a new adventure: with new guests through the door, new events to welcome and new desserts to try!

What sets meeting and events at Stoke Park apart?

We offer the very best available. With breathtaking interiors and surroundings, Stoke Park is a magical place for any celebration! Our exceptional location and practical space is perfect for those looking to escape the working environment, with all the latest services and facilities needed for productive meetings and company events.

What has been your career highlight?

I’ve enjoyed many highlights, but travelling to the United States and all around Europe - to let the world’s travellers know about Stoke Park and all it has to offer - has to be one of the best! In terms of my proudest achievement, I’d have to say building our corporate business year-on-year and creating an award-winning sales and event co-ordination team.

What inspires you day-to-day?

Absolutely the team! From the Marketing Team through to the Chef and his team - their creativity and magic never fails to surprise me. I am also inspired by the dedication and passion of the Sales Teams, who provide the best experience for our clients - whether it’s someone looking to join our award-winning health club or a company hosting a VIP conference.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Be open to adventure, be prepared for long hours and be ready for challenging situations… but this is all character building! Take time to explore every department within a hotel, so that you can really understand how important every team is and what their day-to-day roles involve; both in terms of their challenges and motivation. With this knowledge you will be able to become a great leader. But most importantly, be passionate about your product and only work for a property that you truly believe in. That passion will shine through and keep you motivated for those twelve-hour shifts! I truly believe a career in hotels and hospitality is the most fabulous experience.