As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, I have reflected on how far we have come as an industry and, more personally, as a female-led business! Selling Savvy is all about empowering people – helping sales teams develop skills, build confidence, and ultimately drive success in the hospitality and events sector. But what makes IWD significant for us, is that we are an all-female team, working in an industry that, despite its progress, does still have a gender gap in leadership roles.
Hospitality and sales are industries where women make up over 50% of the workforce, yet leadership positions remain disproportionately male. While progress has been made – with more women stepping into senior roles, an increasing number of businesses are recognising the need for diversity, with conversations happening around gender equality more often.
Women in Hospitality & Sales: Progress and Challenges
We see that many organisations are actively working to bridge the gender gap through mentorship programmes, flexible working initiatives, and leadership development opportunities. The sales landscape, in particular, has seen an increase in female-led approaches that emphasise consultative, relationship-driven selling – something that Selling Savvy has long been championing.
We train and support incredible women who not only excel in their careers but also balance their personal lives, push past challenges, and drive the industry forward. Below are just a few of the women who we have had the privilege of working with, all of whom have inspired us and continue to shape the industry in remarkable ways.
Inspirational Clients & Colleagues
Rebecca Hawkes – Empowering Her Team at Searcys
Rebecca leads with a people-first approach, always ensuring that her team’s needs are prioritised in any training discussions. Managing a large team across multiple venues, we can see that she has a forward-thinking mindset and is consistently looking for growth opportunities—not just for herself but for everyone around her.
Kathryn Williams – Lifelong Learner at Corrigan Collection
Kathryn is a firm believer that you’re never too experienced to learn. She has undergone tremendous personal growth over the years and is always open to self-reflection and professional development, which we love. Beyond her own career, she is giving back to the industry through collaborations and hosting events, reinforcing her status as a true advocate for the hospitality sector.
Lisa Hatswell – A Voice for Unique Venues of London
As Managing Director of Unique Venues of London, Lisa consistently makes sure that her member venues are central to every decision. She advocates for democracy in training topics, ensuring her team receives the support they truly need, which is music to our ears. Her commitment to elevating the industry is inspiring.
Antonetta De Vivo – The Definition of Relationship-Driven Sales
Antonetta is one of the most consultative salespeople I have ever met. Her approach is built entirely on relationships, and she is a true supporter of Selling Savvy – even stopping to take photos whenever she sees us on stage at Confex! Juggling a big career while raising two young daughters makes her the perfect example of balancing ambition and family life.
Sian Hayward – From Delegate to Leader
Sian attended the very first Selling Savvy workshop on her first day as an event coordinator. Since then, she has worked her way up to Assistant Conference Planning Manager at De Vere Beaumont Estate, consistently demonstrating hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for supporting her team. We have loved watching her progress.
On International Women’s Day I definitely couldn’t mention our wonderful clients without including the two women that make Selling Savvy run like clockwork, every day!
Kat Rack – From Client to Trainer
Kat was one of the very first Selling Savvy clients, and over the years, she has become an integral part of our team as a trainer. Her enthusiasm for sales, business, and client relationships is infectious. She constantly steps outside of her comfort zone (especially when I give her a little push!), and the results speak for themselves. She gets fantastic feedback from training sessions, and her ability to build genuine friendships with clients is second to none.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kat is also an amazing mum to two young daughters, proving that it’s possible to thrive in a demanding industry while being present for your family.
Louisa Ritchie – A True Client-Centric Leader
Louisa is the person who grounds me when I’m thinking at a high level, pulling me back into the details and ensuring we truly focus on client needs. She is relationship-driven, proactive, and an exceptional sales professional who always takes a long-term approach to business growth.
Her dedication extends beyond work as she is a wonderful mum to two teenagers, juggling the pressures of work, family, and the ever-busy taxi service that comes with teenage children!
The Future of Women in Hospitality & Sales
I am committed to working with and alongside more inspirational women through training and mentorship. I am confident that the future is all about inclusion, equality, and success – which all go hand in hand. The message to every woman working in hospitality and sales is this: keep pushing boundaries, keep challenging the norm, and keep lifting each other up!
Happy International Women’s Day 2025.
Kate Plowright
Founder, Selling Savvy
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