Meet Libbie Davies AIH

This week, we shone our IoH spotlight on one of our Graduate Members; Libbie Davies AIH and found out about her hospitality career so far, being a mentee in our Mentor Me scheme, her involvement with our London branch and how she launched Hospitality Talks.

Tell us about our current workplace and job role.

I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 with a first-class degree in BA (Hons) Business Management and secured a position on the Jurys Inn and Leonardo Graduate Scheme. I am currently placed at Jurys Inn Hinckley Island, a beautiful 365 bedroom hotel. Usually, on shift, I am the Duty Manager, but as a Graduate, I am on a progressive training programme to secure a senior management position.

What do you love most about your job?

I really love building a rapport with my guests and ensuring they have the most wonderful and memorable experience. As a Graduate/Duty Manager, my role is operations-centred and demand-focused, which enables me to be present throughout the guests’ entire stay. For example, during every shift, I work across nearly every department; from checking-in guests, to running dinners out; from fixing radiators to pouring pints; from cleaning bedrooms, to greeting guests in the lobby; I’ve even worked in the kitchen… the list really doesn’t end. As I progress into senior management roles, I will ensure I stay present throughout the guest’s journey and continue to support the team across multiple departments because I think involvement is crucial for engagement.

What made you decide to follow a career in hospitality?

Ultimately, my decision came down to wanting to make other people smile and create unforgettable memories. I was once working in an office-base job I didn’t enjoy, and after a training exhibition, I returned to the Clayton Hotel, Birmingham, and a member of staff (who I have later discovered, was the GM) joined me in the lift. After a bit of small-talk and shared smiles…she made my day. It was powerful because it all came down to a simple act of kindness and genuine care for her guests. I got back to my room, and thought “What am I doing in a job I don’t enjoy? I want to make people happy like she just has for me. I’m quitting”. And so I did… and it was the best decision I have ever made. Since then, I have been working in a hotel and become actively involved in the wider industry… and I haven’t looked back since!

You are mentored by Robert Richardson as part of our Mentor Me Scheme, how important is it to have a mentor?

I joined the mentorship scheme because I was at a stage in my career when I felt a bit lost and wasn’t sure how to go forwards, and I wanted some direction and guidance; and luckily the scheme has worked out well for me.

Although Robert has only been my mentor two months, I have found that the scheme has brought purpose, grown my confidence, exposed me to new ways of thinking, and created opportunities to network. During my meetings with Robert so far, we have discussed my goals and career plan, improved my skills, and he has recommended learning materials (such as online courses, webinars and podcasts). I am really grateful that Robert goes above and beyond by investing his professional time outside of Zoom calls. He is always available to discuss my questions, and regularly challenges me to look at situations in a different way than I am used to. Given that his level of experience is greater developed than mine, it has been useful seeing things from his point of view and understanding why that is so.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given to help you succeed in hospitality?

The greatest advice I have ever received is to ‘be yourself and let your personality shine’. I take pride in the fact that who I am at work, is who I am at home. By being myself, my work comes from the heart, and the relationship formed with my guests comes naturally. Guest’s can tell when you’re not being genuine, so to succeed in hospitality, you must be authentic and genuinely care.

You have recently started Hospitality Talks, can you tell us more about this?

The pandemic has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on hospitality; yet there have been so many examples of resilience and camaraderie. Therefore, now more than ever, the industry needs to inspire people to become part of (and feel supported by) the hospitality family! This led to my idea to launch Hospitality Talks (HT). I want to unite the remarkable generation of aspiring hospitality professionals by sharing stories which showcase their talent and by providing articles which support their development.

I’m currently working on multiple projects with hospitality organisations, colleges, charities, and other platforms with aligning values. I’m really excited about it, and I’m so grateful for all the positive feedback HT has received. A massive thank you and virtual hug is definitely due to everyone supporting the ambitions I have for HT!

If you could interview anyone in the industry for HT right now, who would it be?

There are so many individuals that I find inspiring, however, rather than naming a person, I’d like to give a profile.

I enjoy interviewing newcomers in the industry; exploring why they joined hospitality, what their journey has been so far, and what their future ambitions are. These stories unite aspiring hospitality professionals, and establishes a network of relatable experiences and support.

Leading on from this, my mentor taught me that no-one, irrespective of where they are in their career journey, is a finished article. Therefore, I also love hearing success stories from hospitality professionals, about how they got to where they are, what their plans are from here, and any advice they have. These stories inspire and support the development of those aspiring to follow a similar career.

You are the branch secretary for our London Branch, why did you decide to get involved with your regional branch and how has it helped?

I am so thankful to chair, Brenda Collin, for the opportunity to be the IoH London branch secretary. I’m a big believer in giving back, and I’m aware that I have recently been afforded opportunities that I might not otherwise have had; and I’m very thankful for that! Being able to support the fantastic work of the branch in developing opportunities for its members, was something that I could not ever say no to. As I’m currently writing this, I am still new to the role, but I’m determined to give it my all, and I’m excited to get started.

Which elements of your Institute of Hospitality membership have you found most valuable during the pandemic?

I found the webinars to be the most valuable for three reasons. Firstly, their educational element helped me to feel involved with the changes happening to the industry. Secondly, being away from work made it easy to disengage and stop learning, but these webinars kept my mind active. Lastly, attending webinars creates opportunities to network and it’s a fantastic way to meet people. For example, after each webinar, I would connect with the speaker on LinkedIn and thank them.

What is your long-term hospitality career goal?

As I mentioned previously, everyone is on a journey and no-one is the finished article. Therefore my career goal in 2020 may well not be my goal in 2021, but as I write this, my long-term goal is to unite an amazingly talented team of professionals to join me in opening my own boutique hotel. I adore the peace of the countryside and here I will create a beautiful and revitalising retreat for guests – I have great visions for what this hotel will be like!

Ultimately, my mission is to create opportunities which push the boundaries and create unforgettable memories; and I aim to inspire fellow hospitality professionals with that same philosophy.

As recent events have taught us, the future is unwritten, therefore a degree of fluidity is sensible, but I’m loving the journey!

What personality traits do you think someone needs for this industry and why?

You must be optimistic, resilient and supportive of your team. There will be occasions when your day surprises you, but you have to step outside of the situation and reflect positively. In all situations, challenges are to be overcome, and therefore you have to be resilient and optimistic. Within that you have to support your team –  it really is true when I describe hospitality as a ‘family’.