Isabel: I was presented with my Fellowship by our CEO, Robert, in front of our entire team at our last Strategy Day, so it was very emotional, to be honest. I was absolutely thrilled by the recognition.
Louise: I was completely shocked, and I too got quite emotional, as mine was also announced, alongside Isabel’s, at our Strategy Day by Robert in front of all my lovely colleagues.
Isabel: Having spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry, I am fortunate to have achieved a great deal throughout my career and being awarded Fellowship is both humbling and an honour. It provides recognition from my peers and the wider industry for the contribution I have made over many years, and I am grateful to feel valued and respected.
Hospitality has never been just a profession for me; it has always been a genuine passion. I have invested a significant part of my life in supporting and promoting the industry and remain committed to sharing my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, and continuing to support our members as much as I can.
Louise: For me, becoming an IoH Fellow is recognition of the hard work I have put into hospitality for more than 30 years, and proof that hospitality is my ‘fit’. It is a real honour to be recognised in this way and to have my contribution to the industry acknowledged. I’m proud to be part of the IoH and look forward to continuing to support and contribute to the hospitality profession.
Isabel: No two days are ever quite the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role and a key reason why I have always been passionate about hospitality. For me, this variety is what makes hospitality such a fantastic industry to be part of. A typical day involves engaging with members, building relationships with industry partners, supporting the team and promoting the benefits of membership to prospective members and partners who recognise the value of investing in the development of their people.
As Head of Membership and Commercial, I spend a significant amount of time connecting individuals and organisations, sharing industry insights and helping members maximise the value of their involvement with the Institute. Whether I am attending meetings, advising members, facilitating networking opportunities, contributing to strategic objectives or identifying new partnership opportunities, my focus is always on strengthening the hospitality community and ensuring our members feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed.
Louise: I am Commercial Executive, looking after our Business Partners and Sponsors to ensure they get the most from their partnership with the IoH. A typical day involves catch-up meetings with partners, planning activities such as magazine articles and direct marketing emails, and finding new ways to involve them in the work of the Institute. I enjoy building those relationships and understanding what our partners want to achieve, while also looking for opportunities to create value for both them and the Institute.
Isabel: I’ve been so lucky throughout my career to work with some truly great owners and General Managers, including Richard Branson. He would pick up the phone and call me directly to discuss opportunities. That really stayed with me. He was inspirational and had a real ability to encourage people to bring their personalities to work, rather than feeling like just another number, which I think is so important in hospitality.
As part of my role, I enjoy visiting our members and hearing their stories. We have so many wonderful, inspiring leaders who support the Institute of Hospitality — far too many to mention individually.
It’s a privilege to meet them and hear what drives them. They’re so supportive of the Institute and are a constant reminder of just how much talent and passion there is in this industry.
Louise: One person who has inspired me throughout my career is John Cousins, Director of The Food & Beverage Training Company. He authored many great textbooks that I used during my studies back in the late 80s/early 90s, and now I have the pleasure of working with him on industry competitions.
He volunteers many hours to support these competitions and just keeps on going! It’s great to now have the opportunity to work with someone whose work I first came across during my studies.
Isabel: Absolutely do it! Get involved, get connected. Whatever it is, it will no doubt open doors and create opportunities.
Louise: Totally agree with Isabel… if I can add, it’s worth popping along to one of our networking events where you’ll meet like-minded professionals and hear what they get out of being part of the IoH. I’m sure they’ll say that they value being part of our ‘Hospitality Family’.
Isabel: I travel a lot, so I love having time at home, hanging out with my family and chilling with a decent bottle of wine while my husband cooks a delicious dinner. Oh, and of course fitting in exercise and dog walks with my beautiful cockapoo, Hudson, who keeps me company whenever I’m working from home.
Louise: I’m with Isabel on the dog walks! I love walking my gorgeous Husky, Sky, in a nearby park or the countryside, preferably somewhere with a stream or lake and a café for coffee and a doggy sausage!
Connect with Louise Brown FIH and Isabel Hargreaves FIH on LinkedIn.
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