Two winners, one set of questions! An Acorn Awards spotlight special – Part two, Rachael Stevens MIH

In our second spotlight on IoH members who have won Acorn Awards, we talk to Chair of our Sussex Branch, Rachael Stevens MIH.

Tell us a little more about yourself and your career to date

My hospitality career spans almost 10 years both studying and working in the industry. Prior to this I was a lifeguard and swimming teacher. But ultimately I knew I was destined for a career in Hospitality when, investigating various university study options, my father stopped at the Hospitality Management degree course and said to me “I think you’ll do alright in this Rach’”. I genuinely haven’t looked back since.

I graduated from Brighton University in 2016 with a first-class honours in International Hospitality Management. I joined Elite Hotels as one of only two management trainees and trained across four luxury hotels, experiencing 14 different roles and departments. I returned to a previous employer, South Lodge, as Assistant Guest Services Manager and within six months, I was promoted to my first Head of Department role. Leading a diverse team of 14, I managed the change program within Guest Services, for a new £14m spa.

In May 2021 before the industry reopened after lockdown and after a successful three years at South Lodge, I was promoted to their sister property, Pennyhill Park, Surrey. Responsible for a team of 21, I manage the front-of-house operations for its 124 bedrooms, award-winning spa and dining facilities. I am also Chair of the IoH Sussex Branch and sit on the IoH Supervisory Board.

Congratulations on winning an Acorn Award. What were your first thoughts when you won?

I was on my own when I received the email. I remember feeling overwhelmed with excitement, gratitude, honour and was humbled to have made the final 30. I’ve followed the Caterer magazine for many years and would scroll through the list of Acorn award winners thinking ‘I’d love my name to be up there one day’! I’ve been very fortunate to meet many inspiring past Acorn winners and I remember saying to my nominator, David Connell, that to be put forward was a humbling experience. I am aware how special and highly sought-after an award like this is. The announcement was embargoed until the winners’ weekend so we were all sat on the news for a while, but my first thoughts turned to my family as none of this would have been possible without their ongoing support and guidance. We spent the winners’ weekend meeting and hearing about all the incredible accomplishments of the other winners, and it really was an honour for me to be picking up this accolade alongside them all.

For those who may not know, what is an Acorn?

An Acorn is awarded to the industry’s ’Top 30 hospitality professionals under 30 years of age’. It is nominated by your peers. Past winners have represented every sector of the hospitality industry and been nominated by their peers for making an impression in their sector.

Why do you feel you became a 2021 Acorn winner?

With any award, it’s never a solo effort and I’ve been privileged to work alongside and learn from amazing teams. I believe it is the culmination of everything I’ve achieved in my career so far and my contribution to the industry at large. Fundamentally, I think it’s down to demonstrating resilience, having a good work ethic, a genuine desire to help others and a passion for the industry.

In a year where the industry was essentially closed, many took a step back from their work. I had other plans. I was seeing first-hand the element of disconnect from the industry and dis-engagement where our teams were out of the workplaces for extended periods of time and the future talent pipeline were being severely impacted. There were graduate programmes being cancelled, placement schemes few and far between and apprenticeships non-existent. I knew this was not a time for any of us fortunate enough to be in leadership positions to sit back, so I acted.

Alongside my day job and looking after my own team, I was appointed Chair of the IoH Sussex Branch in May 2020 during a global pandemic, so I used this platform to support, attract talent and promote the industry at a time when they needed it the most. We developed a series of webinars on engaging industry talent and those affected by the pandemic. I’m proud to say these webinars exceeded 1,000 sign ups and over 700 live attendees.

Would you like to send a message to your hard-working and supportive award nominator?  

I had two nominators, David Connell, General Manager at South Lodge Hotel & Spa and Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of the Exclusive Collection. I would like to thank them both for the fantastic opportunities they have given me in my career so far, which has enabled my recent Acorn award win to be possible. I will always be incredibly grateful.

During your career, what’s the one thing you would have done differently?

I wouldn’t change anything about my journey. I think that’s what makes us all unique and different. As a trainee manager, whatever department, or role I went in to, I always had my own personal goals which I’ve taken responsibility for and driven. As I’ve progressed, I see my role now in facilitating an environment whereby my teams can excel in what they do. It has been fantastic to reflect on all my experiences and achievements to date and whilst reflection is an experience in itself, it is not an end. It has the objective of making us ready for new experiences and this is exactly the position I am now in.

What made you join the IoH?

I joined the IoH after competing in their student flagship event Passion for Hospitality, P4H in 2016. I was about to graduate and embark on my management training programme with Elite Hotels. I love everything the Institute stands for, it’s aspirational, inclusive and relevant to whatever stage of your career you are at and the focus on continuous professional development after graduating for me was key. The IoH has been instrumental in helping me progress with my own career. The professional network you build is also invaluable when sharing ideas, knowledge, seeking advice and mentorship.

When were you most starstruck when meeting members of our hospitality family?

Meeting Sue Williams at the Master Innholders General Manager’s conference back in 2017. Sue has headed up some of the UK’s most iconic country house hotels and has worked tirelessly in nurturing future talent. Her achievements and career to date is something I continue to aspire towards. She had been named 2017 Hotelier of the year and I approached her to congratulate her at the dinner and we ended up speaking for ages and were also joined by industry titan Joanne Taylor-Stagg. Their words of encouragement combined with their inspiring achievements just really sparked a fire in my belly. To this day, I don’t think they even realise the impact that chat had on me!

Now you have an Acorn, what’s next?

I fully intend to continue to work hard and progress my career. My aspirations include becoming a St Julian Scholar on their Talent Development Programme and a Hotel General Manager. I am also working towards achieving Fellowship of the IoH. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career and I’d like to do the same and help others just starting out in the industry.

The IoH has seen change during 2021, has anything stood out for you?

It certainly has seen change! I’m very proud to play a part in this in my capacity as a Board Member and Branch Chair and I’m looking forward to helping continue to support the Executive team and help evolve the IoH into this exciting new era. I think the focus on making the IoH more inclusive and relevant has been noticeable. In the past it was perceived as a group for Hoteliers, but it encompasses all sectors. I’ve loved the more collaborative approach it is taking. We are all in this together and it’s fantastic to see the IoH collaborate more, solely for the good of our people.

Do you have a signature dish?

Having worked with so many talented chefs in the past, I’d say my favourite thing to make for dinner is reservations!

Which elements of IoH Membership did you use most during lockdown? 

I really made use of the webinars. Lockdown afforded us all the time to pause, reflect and push forward with our own personal and professional development. I particularly enjoyed all the panel discussions with industry leaders and weekly coffee and conversations. It really was invaluable just being able to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas and knowledge and navigate our way out of the pandemic together!

Why say #imin to the IoH?

I think it’s important to remember and acknowledge that you’re always learning whatever stage of your career you’re at… you need to work on your own development every day. It’s easy to get absorbed in your own bubble but equally important to keep an eye on the bigger picture with wider industry research and trends and what’s going to impact you and your line of work. The IoH host many online workshops and webinars, networking events and support with great educational material. It’s the only professional membership body for managers and aspiring managers in the industry, provides you with the recognition you deserve and the opportunity to build a professional network across all sectors of the industry which is invaluable. In addition, it provides a platform to give back and support our future industry talent. That’s why I’m in #imin.

Do you have any advice for people considering joining the hospitality industry?

Go for it! One of the things I love most about the industry is there’s no pre-requisite in terms of higher education. I love that everyone’s path into the industry is different, and the apprenticeship route is unparalleled when it comes to gaining experience at a young age. It’s a diverse industry, accessible to all. It’s important as an aspiring leader and manager to acknowledge that and continue with your own growth and self-development as you go. You’ll quickly realise that you learn from everyone in the industry, the colleagues you work alongside, those you report in to and those that report into you. Start as you mean to go on. Don’t give up, if the thought of doing or trying something new scares you, do it anyway. If you’re continuing to grow, stretching your capabilities, and taking new risks to achieve your goals you’ll always experience some form of fear. My favourite quote is “Ships in harbour are safe, but that’s not what ships are built for”.

Tell us three things about yourself that we don’t know!

1. I’m the first Head of department level board member and trustee in IoH history
2.  I compete in swimming and lifesaving sport. In 2017, whilst captain of my local club we were shortlisted finalists in the Sussex Sports Awards Juice 107.2 Young team of the year. I am also a National medalist.
3. I undertook voluntary charity work out in the Gambia as a teenager for three consecutive years

Connect with Rachael on Linkedin.

READ PART ONE HERE