Black History Month 2023 - Denise Allen

A bit about my heritage

I have a beautiful blended mixed background on both sides of my family.

Indian & German (my mother), Irish and Nigerian (my father)

We come from a working-class background where both of my parents separately came to the UK where there very difficult times around race relations. My dad who is Irish and with a mixed Nigerian background came over in the early 60s. Very difficult times where he was often welcome with signs of “no blacks, no Irish, no dogs”. Worked as a kitchen porter in a hotel in London so I think hospitality has always been in my blood 😊

Both parents have worked incredibly hard and given me the support to get me to where I am today. Their values on equity and sense of belonging have always been instilled in us and I continue to do this with my two beautiful daughters Eve and Hazel.

Career achievements 

Been in hospitality sector for over 25 years and worked with some amazing businesses and people. 

Started as a graduate at 19 and had a rewarding career across the sector in different departments, operations, finance and HR in the last 20 years.

Access and being able to work with some great leaders who have supported my personal development, particularly in the last 5 years.

Being able to navigate my career with opportunity to have great mentors and sponsors of me and my growth.

One key achievement - Recognised as a Woman to Watch in 2022 as below

Implementation of Reverse mentoring programme for business leaders – there is a real commitment and want to understand more on underrepresented groups within hospitality

Future aspirations

Do a good job and continue to love what I do.

Continue to drive an inclusive agenda within our business and sector.

I love mentoring and been heavily involved in this over the last 2 years, so would see more of this for future talent coming into hospitality.

Who inspired you / who are your role models? 

My parents personally have inspired me to be the person I am today, their drive, commitment, love and resilience. 

Outside of my personal life I would have to say the likes of Michelle Obama and Malorie Blackman are great role models. What strong and influential people they are!

What can the industry to do promote more diversity in leadership? 

Raise awareness of why it is so important and the value that it brings. There are some great businesses / charities and local communities that can support our hospitality business and broadening our talent base.

Think differently when it comes to attracting talent. It includes the source of where we advertise roles. Create partnerships with businesses where their own values mirror those of wanting to create a more inclusive culture like our business.

Support people who are identified as future leaders in their transition into the future roles. We know that people from underrepresented groups often suffer from imposter syndrome, so we need to invest and ensure they are supported and nurtured the right way.

Challenge the business leaders (in the right way) and take them on a journey to really understand the value of an inclusive workforce and a truly represented leadership team. Our business is really doing some great work in this area already, so we need to maintain this.

What advice would you go back and give to your 20-year-old self?

Wow, you wouldn’t believe what I got up to when I was 20 years old 😊 I loved that time of my life as I met my future husband and still have my same close trusted friendship group.

Probably don’t be as stubborn, stop self-criticising and doubting yourself. Learn from your mistakes (and there have been a few!) 

Don’t stand in the background, believe and have confidence in yourself and relax a bit.