Women in hospitality: Balancing work and life at the helm

Hospitality is a very fast-paced industry that requires hard work and commitment. However, if you enjoy it, it will become a really rewarding part of your life.

So says Finola Twomey, who is celebrating 20 years working in the tourism and hospitality industry this year.

“My first role in hotels was as a sales manager for the opening of the Hilton Hotel Dublin Airport from 2005 to 2007, followed by the opening of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin City in 2007, where I progressed to Director of Sales & Marketing and stayed until 2014.

“It was an incredible experience to be a part of an opening team for two international hotel groups, it certainly shaped my career and brought me to where I am today,” she said.

That’s to Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley, where she ed as Director of Sales in 2015, and progressed to Director of Revenue, Sales & Marketing.

“The role is diverse, exciting, challenging, motivating and rewarding,” said Finola, from Glanmire.

And busy! Fota Island Resort has 131 bedrooms, over 100 lodges, conference facilities for up to 500 people, a spa, golf club, professional sports training pitches, and an adventure centre.

The Kingsley has 131 bedrooms, 19 apartments, conference, and meeting suites for up to 350 people as well as a spa and fitness club.

“Both hotels have a diverse business mix which makes every day different!” said Finola.

Guest expectations have evolved significantly since she started out in the industry.

“Travel is more accessible, people dine out more frequently, and with platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they’re exposed to stunning hotels, Michelin-star dining, and luxury experiences daily. This creates a benchmark that hotels must strive to meet or exceed.

“Many high-end homes now have designer interiors, spa-like bathrooms, and hi-tech amenities, so guests expect hotels to offer something beyond what they have at home. It’s no longer just about a comfortable stay; they want a memorable experience. Dining, in particular, has become an experience-driven element of a hotel stay. Guests don’t just want good food; they want storytelling, presentation, atmosphere, and service that elevates the meal into a special occasion.”

Finola is married to Martin, who also works in the hospitality industry, and their children are Jack (13), Harry (11) and Ben (8). How difficult is it to combine family life with such an all-consuming industry?

“It takes planning, organising and to make it all happen – and I do have a ive mother, Kathleen! However, I enjoy what I do and I love the life that comes with having three boys. They are all involved in sport and it’s amazing the business you can get from conversations at the side of pitch!”

Despite working in a hotel, Finola still very much enjoys the experience of staying in one herself.

“I love staying in hotels as each has its own unique experience where great memories can be made with friends and family.

“Prior to working in hotels and knowing the concepts of revenue management, my mum and I flew to Paris with nowhere to stay, totally unaware that the Tour de was taking place... it was the ’90s! On night one the only accommodation we could find was an absolute dive and on night two the only accommodation we could find was a suite in a 5-star hotel off the Champs-Élysées. Two extreme experiences but great laughs and memories made!

“Every year, I book a hotel break for my school and college friends; we enjoy the spa and catch up over dinner. We only manage 24 hours as we all have other commitments but it’s good for the soul and great to reconnect. For me, it is the staff and service of a hotel that make a great stay.

“In Ireland, we have beautiful hotels but without well-trained welcoming friendly staff and excellent service, a hotel is just a hotel, no matter how good it looks on Instagram!”

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There aren’t many female hotel general managers in Cork, but there are some fabulous future ones out there, so hopefully change is on the way for what’s still a male-dominated sector.

That’s according to Laura Behan, who has been general manager of Ballymaloe House Hotel since 2022, where she leads a team of 100, in the 32-bed family-owned country house, nestled on 300 acres of grounds.

Growing up, she had ambitions to become a vet but was instantly hooked on hospitality after her first taste of the industry.

“I studied medicinal chemistry initially so hospitality was not on my radar at all. I got a part-time job in the industry in 2008 and adored it and have worked in hospitality for the past 17 years. The places have changed over the years, and as you come up the ladder the role changes, but the reason I do the job has not changed – I genuinely love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Laura, who lives in Glanmire.

One major change the Dublin native has had to navigate, is becoming a mum 18 months ago – only then did she fully appreciate the challenges the industry presents to achieving work/home balance.

“Incredibly, and up until 18 months ago, I was the woman who said she could do it all and nothing would change. But life becomes about compromise in every sense and is very difficult. I am so lucky to work for a very family-orientated business who could not be more ive or understanding, often the battle is with myself. I want to be present and on top of everything at work and at home, which is a constant juggle.

“I also have to say I have an incredible husband, Hugo, who shoulders most of the parenting. I know I am very lucky!”

Laura really enjoys the diversity of her work: “Over the past three years, I have worked on various projects for the property, spearheading renovation and technology-enhancement projects to elevate both the facilities and the guest experience. My favourite thing about my job is the people – the team first and foremost, and the guests you meet along the way.”

Least favourite?

“The istrative part of the job, which can take up a lot of time and sometimes feels never-ending.”

The nature of the beast dictates that you have to work when people are off, but Laura says “if you can’t accept that, it’s not the job for you”.

“But that also comes with being off on days where everything is open and you can get things done, and going to places on days where it isn’t packed, it’s not all bad!” she said.

Far from it.

“I would encourage other females not to be deterred by stereotypes and to explore the diverse opportunities within the hospitality industry,” she said.

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Sustainability is at the core of Carol Barrett’s ethos when it comes to running Dunmore House in Clonakilty, and thanks to her trademark stamina, she always delivers.

The hotel has been in the family since 1934 when Carol’s grandparents purchased the property. The family is now in its fourth generation, and Carol, who came on board in 1985, has seen Dunmore House thrive from her childhood home to an award-winning destination complete with a Michelin recommendation.

None of it happened by accident. Growing up in the industry means Carol’s never been under any illusion about the hard work it requires: the mother of four bakes scones daily for her guests and is across all operations, pretty much all the time.

The industry doesn’t come with an easy to activate ‘off button’ – but she said she has always been totally immersed in the business and in time “it was second nature to work within the hotel”.

“Besides, the industry has given me a family team and life experience like no other industry could,” she said.

“I returned after travels and college to work in the family hotel in 1985, worked with my parents Derry and Mary in developing the property and business initially on a shared ownership basis, with subsequent formation of a limited company and the transfer of the business to me in 2008. Now, as company shareholder and secretary, I own a share of the business with my husband Richard and our son Peter,” she said.

Sustainability is a buzzword sometimes bandied about without any real commitment, but for Carol it’s a genuine concern and Dunmore boasts its own organic vegetable garden.

“But sustainability within the hospitality business means so much more than recycling and energy elements, for me, it’s being part of a community and providing a service. It’s a welcome for our guests and kindness. Our team are part of this ethos which I feel is not always evident in hospitality.”

Married to Richard for the past 35 years, their four children are now adults, but over the years, she its it wasn’t always easy balancing work and home life.

“It’s not easy to have a perfect work/life balance. In all, you end up with additional families to care for – your own family, your team family and your guest family, therefore making life always busy. Self-care is important so I try to exercise, walk, sea swim and spend time with my one-year-old twin grandsons Tom and Ben when time allows,” she said.

While the industry’s demands aren’t always that compatible with family, Carol does feel that equal opportunities exist because of the demands of the business.

“In Dunmore, we have a strong female team in all areas, particularly in marketing, HR and finance,” she said.

Her favourite thing about her job?

“It has to be the family and team within our workplace. Also, our achievements, ie guest reviews, a Michelin recommendation, Food and Wine best hotel restaurant of the year 2024, our organic garden status and our gold award for sustainability,” she said.

And least favourite?

“Sometimes, being tired managing the financial and regulatory pressures and obligations.”

Hotel guests are becoming more and more discerning – and Carol thrives on it.

“Guests are right to be discerning, expectations of one’s stay may be challenging but the food, our location and warmth of our team welcome are what matters and what make the difference.”

On the flip side, she’s also discerning when she enjoys some time off.

“As a family, we have always enjoyed hotel stays, always learning, listening, and yes, sometimes being critical, but always interested in how our industry partners are working!”