IWD 2025 - an interview with: Lindsay Southward

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

From the age of 18, I dreamed of becoming an actress. For a while, I pursued that passion. I had an agent, worked at a theatre school, and landed small roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, and Brookside. I was waiting for my big break when my dad gave me some advice that changed my path. He said, "You're great with people and a natural problem-solver, you should look into personnel" (as HR was called back then).

Taking his advice, I explored opportunities in the field and began my HR career at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool. There, I worked my way up to HR Manager before joining Village Hotels for the first time. Over the next eight years, I progressed from HR Manager in Liverpool to Cluster PD Manager, supporting colleagues across the Wirral and Liverpool hotels.

In February 2009, I became Head of Learning & Development at Village, helping to shape the Group’s approach to training. Four years later, I joined Malmaison, a boutique hotel chain, as Director of People Development. I was soon promoted to Group People Director, overseeing HR strategy for Malmaison and its sister brand, Hotel du Vin.

After nearly six years there, I returned to Village in 2019 as Group Director of People & Brand Development, before stepping into an expanded role as Group Director of Operations & People in October 2021. Village has always felt like home to me and it’s a brand I love. Returning gave me the opportunity to help evolve the business and create an environment where people can build fulfilling careers, just as I did, while feeling valued and rewarded along the way.

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

For me, ‘accelerate action’ means kickstarting initiatives that drive real, measurable results. This begins with an honest, critical evaluation of the workplace, identifying areas where we can do better and committing to meaningful change.

As HR leaders, we must go beyond policies and checkboxes to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment for both colleagues and customers. Everyone should feel comfortable and valued in their workplace, and it’s our responsibility to ensure the right initiatives are in place to make that happen.

While International Women’s Day is an important moment of recognition, it shouldn't be a once-a-year conversation. HR can sometimes be too reactive, and true progress comes from sustained efforts, continuous learning, and real accountability in making workplaces more equitable every day.

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

It’s important to have fun at work but also take time to talk to each other and learn about what people need to help them be at their best. Here at Village, we have a strong and open communication network that supports women and all employees to help be each other’s cheerleaders. A small thank you and well-done letter, even to peers, is something we do and it should never be underestimated how powerful a small gesture like this can be for someone. 

Making a difference in people's lives - both at Village and in the communities, we serve - is what really drives me. At Village, we put people first, and this commitment is a key part of our Village Green initiative, the Group’s ESG & Sustainability strategy. Whether they are customers or colleagues, we ensure that everyone, including women, feel supported and empowered through our initiatives. We also focus on doing right by people, the planet, and the local communities we serve.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

It’s really important for us at Village. We want to create an inclusive place to work for all, and that starts by understanding the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

To me, it’s all about culture, creating a space where everyone has a voice, their opinions are listened to, they matter and are acted upon, and most importantly, individual perspectives are used to create change or enhance what we do. 

One thing I’ve always said is it’s important to have a best friend at work, someone to always trust and rely on both professionally and personally At Village we have a strong female executive team and treat each other as family. We have created strong friendships with colleagues, built through trust, honesty, hard work and mutual respect for each other and our roles.

Village is an equal opportunities organisation that strives to create a transparent and inclusive culture that recognises that everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to thrive. 

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

Once you're in a leadership position, it’s crucial to ensure you are present and helping to shape  the agenda. Having influence in business discussions is key, and often, the best way to do this is through strong 'people skills.' 

For example, at Village Hotels, I have used my people skills to strengthen my relationships with the CEO and CFO, the two most senior leaders in the business. This helped me secure a seat at the table during important discussions. By deepening these relationships, I was able to bring the ‘people’ agenda into focus. As a result, I have built a stronger HR team, one that isn’t just made up solely of HR business partners but encompasses a wider remit. I have also adopted a new title as ‘People and Business Partner’, which reflects the central role that the 'people pillar' plays in Village's operations and as a key part of our Village Green initiative.

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

Be bold, be confident, and never shy away. Trust in your abilities and own your place at the table. 

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 in my life, including the people and team I work with every day at Village. They help me grow and learn and ensure continuous self-development. 

Over the years, you meet and work for many different people who demonstrate leadership in many ways, some good and some bad, but they are all experiences that help shape who you become. 

I don’t think I’d ever say one person has been solely influential. I would like to think that I have become an inclusive, energetic and strong leader through the people around me at Village. I have learnt the importance of listening to others and reacting to change, and never being arrogant enough to think I know it all. Showing humility and vulnerability, asking for help, and letting people know you need them are all part of being an impactful leader.