IWD 2025 - an interview with: Bevan Bunch

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

My career in hospitality started with my family. My mom is a chef, and I grew up working alongside her, learning firsthand what it takes to run a kitchen and create memorable dining experiences. Those early years shaped my understanding of food, hospitality, and the power of bringing people together around a table.

From there, I moved into fine dining, where I refined my skills in high-end restaurants and developed a deep appreciation for precision, service, and storytelling. Over time, I found myself drawn to the business side of hospitality—understanding what makes a restaurant or hotel successful and where so many talented operators get stuck. That curiosity led me to create New Deal Hospitality, a firm that helps entrepreneurs bring their hospitality visions to life. I love what I do because it blends strategy with creativity, and I get to work with passionate people who care deeply about what they’re building.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

For me, accelerate action means closing the gap between talking about change and actually making it happen. In hospitality, we’ve made progress, but leadership is still very male-dominated. There’s no shortage of talented women—it’s about creating the right structures, opportunities, and support systems to make sure those women can step into leadership and thrive. It also means advocating for us and each other in real, tangible ways—whether that’s hiring, mentoring, or making sure the right people are in the room.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It’s everything. No one gets to the top alone. I’ve been lucky to have amazing women in my life who’ve supported me, pushed me, and reminded me of my own strengths when I needed it. Now, I try to do the same for others. That might mean making an introduction, opening a door, or simply reminding someone that they belong at the table. If we don’t actively support each other, we’re missing one of the most powerful tools we have for real change.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

It’s non-negotiable. Hospitality is about people—it’s about creating experiences that make guests feel seen, welcome, and taken care of. If the leadership teams making the decisions don’t reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we’re missing the mark. Beyond that, diverse teams simply perform better. Different viewpoints lead to smarter decisions, more creativity, and stronger businesses.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

They tell me we’re not moving fast enough. It’s frustrating because I know so many brilliant women who are more than qualified for these roles, yet the numbers don’t reflect that reality. The issue isn’t a lack of talent—it’s systemic. We need better mentorship, more transparency in hiring and promotions, and leadership teams that actively work to bring women up alongside them.

As a successful leader, how do you think business leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

It starts with being intentional. Change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when leaders make a conscious effort to build more equitable workplaces. Some key ways to do that:

• Hire and promote with purpose – Don’t just say diversity matters—make it a priority in recruiting and promotions.
• Mentorship and sponsorship – It’s not just about giving advice; it’s about actively championing women in the workplace.
• Flexible policies – If we want to retain talented women, we need to support them with things like parental leave and better work-life balance.
• Funding women-led businesses – Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers for female entrepreneurs. More investment in women-led ventures will shift the landscape.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

• Know your worth – Don’t undersell yourself. Speak up, ask for what you need, and own your expertise.
• Build a strong network – The right people can open doors, challenge your thinking, and support you in ways you never expected.
• Trust your instincts – Analysis is important, but at some point, you have to make a call and go with it.
• Stay adaptable – Hospitality (and life) will throw curveballs. The most successful leaders know how to pivot and keep moving.
• Invest in your team – Your success is tied to the people around you. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of the business.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready—just go for it. So many women hold themselves back because they think they need to tick every box before they step into leadership. The truth is, no one ever feels fully prepared. Be bold, take up space, and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

Absolutely. My mom was my first role model. Watching her work in the kitchen, lead a team, and build something meaningful gave me an early understanding of what leadership looks like. She showed me that hospitality is about more than just great food—it’s about making people feel welcome, cared for, and part of something special.

Beyond that, I’ve learned from incredible women in hospitality who have set the bar high for what strong, empathetic leadership looks like. I’ve also been inspired by women in other industries who have carved out their own paths, taken risks, and built things from the ground up. Seeing their journeys has reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about being authentic, driven, and willing to lift others as you climb.