IWD 2025 - an interview with: Koula Achillea

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

The last 15 years I have led the finance teams and also IT, revenue management, purchasing, legal and transformation teams across various hospitality businesses in board level roles.  I have been fortunate to have been in organisations with ambitions growth plans and a strong agenda for change 

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

It means we should recognise our journey thus far but also the need to accelerate action towards addressing the imbalance 

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

I feel that it is my duty to “lower the ladder” and support other women,

I actively do this with women both inside and outside of my organisation.

A colleague did this for me in the past and role modelled the behaviour which I now also follow 

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

It is important at all levels of an organisation but in particular at senior level and this includes all types of diversity.  But it can only be impactful if we create a safe enough environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

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?

The inherent gap and challenge that we face 

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?

Businesses need to believe in the benefits that a diverse workplace brings, they n should set targets for senior female leader representation and actively set strategic plans to work towards this.

It is crucial to support this with a strong maternity and flexible working policy.

I also mentor many women and support Be inclusive hospitality where I mentor hospitality business owners from unrepresentative backgrounds 

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

• Be clear about what your super power is - this will give you confidence to shine and help you get through the tough times
• A Growth mindset is everything 
• Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better everyday 
• You don’t need to know all the answers to everything- that’s what you have a team for- it’s more important to know the right questions to ask 

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

• Invest in yourself- if you have confidence gaps get a strategic coach.
• Build your network- don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to me in LinkedIn if you think I might be able to help 

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

Yes - I was very fortunate to have a strong female leader in Finance early on in my career.

She epitomised a role model, lowered the ladder and was hugely influential.