IWD 2025 - an interview with : Joanne Taylor-Stagg
Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.
I started by studying Law. I had a waitressing job to pay for my university drinking habits, found I was speeding to work and dawdling to class and realized I had to change careers. I joined the Carlton Hotel’s Graduate programme (South Africa) and have never looked back.
I came to the Uk for what was supposed to be 2 years but was never ready to leave.
I worked in a small hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds before joining Marriott for 13 years – many different roles from Leeds in the North to Goodwood in the South.
I left to be in London for the Olympics and joined Crowne Plaza Docklands. I was promoted to Cluster GM looking after 3 Crowne Plazas. Then I was promoted again to a Divisional Director with RBH, where I was responsible for 10 4-star hotels across the country. But my true love is being a GM, so I looked for a role where I could make a difference and joined London & Regional to create the Trafalgar St James. After a successful opening and a slight detour, I was approached for the Athenaeum, and this has been my home for the last 6 years.
I am currently the General Manager of the Five Star Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair, London, where I have been for the last 6 years.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?
This slogan highlights the need for equity. It emphasises the importance of increasing momentum to address the systemic barriers and biases women face, both personally and professionally. The slogan is bittersweet for me, both in that women should already be appreciated, without needing a label for it! However, I am pleased that it is there for those without a voice or who are in a situation where they can’t be as forthcoming.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
This resonates with me. I recall when I aspired to be a GM, back then there were only a couple of female GMs out there – Pam Monks, Pam Milne and Theresa Maw were my inspiration. Lifting each other up and being a force for good for one another makes such a difference. I am in a position now to do the same for other women hoping for a GM position, and it is a privilege and a responsibility I cherish
How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?
Very important. Every person, whoever they are, has their own set of skills and insights – being able to combine this and utilise knowledge and experiences from across a range of people, makes us stronger.
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 represent some progress from where we have been in the past. However, this is by no means enough. I would like to add that in my hotel, I have a predominantly Female senior team, and we are successful.
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?
As Leaders, we have to acknowledge that women historically have been less comfortable than men at putting themselves forward. Harvard studies have found that job descriptions that use masculine language can affect women's perceptions or willingness to apply for a job. To close this gender, gap the bias needs to be removed, which can be easier said than done. Women and our male allies can make such a difference by being aware of this and reaching out to women with talent, who may be a little too reticent to put themselves forward, even though they are more than capable of doing the role. Adapt your recruitment to get the best person for the role regardless of gender.
Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?
I believe being approachable, transparent and values led, this allows your team to feel safe and confident and gives them the impetus to deliver their best even outside of their comfort zone.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?
Make more friends. Reach out to the people who inspire you, ask for help, you’ll be surprised how often they say yes.
Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?
I have many role models both male and female, but as it is IWD, let’s give the ladies a shout out. I am very lucky to have these special ladies help steer my career and leadership style
Apologies to anyone I may have missed!!
Author
Date Published: 17th February 2025
