IWD 2025 - an interview with: Eva Harmati

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

To me, “accelerate action” is a reminder to not just talk about change, but to actively push for it, especially in the hospitality sector where progress often feels too slow. Throughout my career, I have seen so many incredibly talented women who have the potential to lead, but the path to leadership is often blocked by barriers like unconscious bias, lack of mentorship or limited access to opportunities. I have personally experienced moments where I had to fight harder to be heard or to prove myself simply because I was a woman. The slogan serves as a call to action, to push harder and faster against these barriers and to help create an environment where women can not only enter leadership roles but truly thrive in them. The change is possible, but it requires that we move decisively, providing the support, opportunities and recognition women deserve.

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

Lifting each other up is incredibly important, and for me, it goes beyond just offering encouragement. It is about mentoring, actively listening and sometimes just being a shoulder for someone who needs it. Throughout my career, I have experienced firsthand how much of an impact support can have, whether it is sharing advice or simply providing a safe space to express doubts. By lifting each other up, we create an environment where women can thrive together, push past challenges and break through barriers that might otherwise seem impossible.

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?

The hospitality industry is still largely male dominated, and I have personally experienced the challenges that come with that. When I worked at a company where I was the only female leader at the time, it became clear how much the culture favoured men in leadership positions. Not only was I often the only woman in important meetings, but I also significantly noticed the disparity in leadership salaries. It was scary to see that my male counterparts, who held similar or even less experience, were paid more simply because the system was built around the idea that leadership roles were predominantly for men. This kind of pay gap was not just a financial issue, it reflected the cultural bias that exists in many organisations.

So, for business leaders, it is not enough to just talk about addressing the gender gap. We need to take real action. This means having transparent salary structures to eliminate pay disparity and actively challenging biases when making hiring or promotion decisions. It is about creating and embed the culture where women don’t just get to occupy leadership positions but are treated equally once they get there.

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

For senior leaders: Stay grounded and lead by example. Stay connected to your purpose and remember why you are in the position you are. Lead with humility, focus on empowering others and create a culture that values collaboration and mentorship.

For those on the way to leadership: Trust yourself and embrace failure. In your journey, moments of doubt will arise, but trust your instincts and view setbacks as learning opportunities. Taking risks and learning from failure will help you grow stronger and more resilient.

For those just starting their careers: Build strong relationships and keep pushing boundaries. Leadership is about people, so invest time in creating meaningful connections. Stretch beyond what feels comfortable, growth happens when you step outside your limits.

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

The most important advice I would give to a woman starting a career at the leadership level is don’t wait for permission to lead. From day one, step into your power, take ownership and show your value. I learned in my career, when I was the only woman in the room, that waiting for validation or a title wasn’t going to get me anywhere. Instead, I took the lead on projects and made my voice heard, this built my confidence and earned me respect.

It is essential to know your worth and never apologise for your ambition. Too often, women are made to feel like they have to downplay their aspirations. Don’t do that, own your goals, trust your abilities and never apologise for aiming high. Leadership is not easy, but it is in those challenges that we grow. Your potential is limitless, believe it and go for it.

What advice would you give to women facing self-doubt in leadership roles?

To any woman facing self-doubt, know that it is completely normal and often a sign that you are stepping outside your comfort zone, which is where growth truly happens. I have had my fair share of moments where I doubted myself, but I have learned how to navigate through it. Here are a few things that have helped me:

Reframe the doubt - Instead of seeing doubt as a weakness, treat it as a sign that you are pushing yourself and learning. Mistakes are a part of the process. Focus on what you can learn from each experience rather than fearing failure.

Celebrate small wins - When self-doubt surface, look back at your accomplishments, no matter how small. Every success you achieve, even in the smallest ones, shows that you are capable and making progress.

Trust your intuition - Women often have strong instincts that guide us, and I have found that listening to that inner voice is key. When you trust yourself, you build the confidence to tackle challenges and move forward.

Remember, self-doubt doesn’t define you, it is just part of the journey. You are not alone in this, and every leader faces it at some point. Keep trusting in your abilities and keep pushing forward. 

What role does work-life balance play in your leadership journey and how do you manage it?

Work-life balance is essential in leadership journey. Early on, I believed success meant working nonstop, but I quickly realised that real productivity and effective leadership come from being well rested and energised. 

As women, we often feel the need to overcompensate and work harder to prove ourselves and this can lead to frustration. Without balance, the pressures of constantly "proving" yourself can leave you feeling drained and disconnected from what truly matters. When you miss that balance, it leads to unhappiness and eventually, a loss of joy in your role and career. Women especially need to listen to their instincts when they are out of balance, when you start feeling stressed or overwhelmed, that is the time to pause and reassess. Ignoring those signals risks burnout and ultimately, a lack of satisfaction in both your personal and professional life.

So, whether it is time for family, a hobby or just a quiet moment, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Never forget that your wellbeing is essential for long term success and effective leadership.