Turns out there’s absolutely no shortage of travel and hospitality people ready and willing to rave about how much they love our industry. We’ve already heard from everyone from  Ollie (he/him) at The Standard; Zina (she/her) at Intrepid Travel to Jad (he/him) at Andaz to Tom (they/them) at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences… And the list goes on.

This month, we’ve got another two industry mega-stans to convince you (as if you didn’t already know) travel and hospitality is where it’s at. Looking to move into the industry? Read on for all the inspo you could possibly need. Travel and hospitality veteran? Here’s a little reminder of how much you’ve nailed your life choices so far.

P.s. Want to join this lovely lot and grace the pages of the Lightning blog (and LinkedIn, and Instagram) with your thoughts on the wonderful world of travel and hospitality? Get in touch.

Katie Brinsmead-Stockham (she/her), Founder of Hotel Hussy

Why do you love working in travel and hospitality?

People. I worked in strategy in advertising for many years and the “consumer” always felt distant. In hospitality we get to talk to our guests everyday – whether at check-in, in the corridors, or at a table. We can really get a sense of who they are and what they need from us. But it’s not just our guests I love, it's the teams. The unsung heroes. Operations don’t work unless everyone in the team is doing their thing – from front-of-house to maintenance, marketing to housekeeping. Our teams are diverse in every way and they’re all amazing. Everyone has a superpower and the only way we deliver best-in-class hospitality is when everyone is empowered to be themselves and deliver their magic.

What makes it different to other industries?

In hotels we’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Guests stay with us for all sorts of reasons – business and pleasure – but in every interaction we have the ability to make a person's day a bit better and be remembered for way more than a night's sleep.

What’s your advice for candidates who are new to the industry?

Be obsessed with hospitality. The opportunities in this industry are limitless… Do you want to be a GM in the Maldives? Open your own restaurant? Be the world's best mixologist? Read books, visit hotels (you can wander around the lobby or sit and have a cup of coffee while talking to team members), eat in restaurants (use schemes like CODE to get discounts). Work out what makes a great guest experience. Get a mentor you think has a great job or story – and make sure you find someone who wants to learn as much from you as they can teach you. Be curious and be passionate. It’s not an easy industry, but if you love it it will love you back.

Henry Van Der Walt (he/him) – Director of Field Marketing - UK and Ireland at Hyatt Hotels

Why do you love working in travel and hospitality?

I started working in hospitality just over six years ago – I kind of got into by accident! I studied Journalism with Tourism, I love to travel, and I have an interest in digital – working in digital marketing in hospitality allows me to combine all three of those things. I also love the diverse people in the industry and the passion they have.

What makes it different to other industries?

People are here because they’re passionate and this sector also offers a wide range of opportunities for creativity and innovation for people to learn, grow and live that passion.

What’s your advice for candidates who are new to the industry?

If you’re looking for a place where you can work hard and be part of something bigger and unique, this sector will have something for you.  We also have a lot of fun – and you might even get to travel and meet amazing people around the world!

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Reckon travel and hospitality could be the industry for you? Get in touch for help finding your next role.

Already working in travel and hospitality, but not sure where to take your career next? Book a 1:1 60 minute weekend session with Thea for tailored career advice to help you figure out your future [these sessions are being run to raise money for Thea's gender affirming surgeries and a £50 minimum donation is required].

Or maybe you’re looking for out-of-industry candidates for a role in your business? We can help you find the right fit.

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And lastly i'm (Thea Bardot) trying to raise £25,000 by October '25 for my gender affirming healthcare and it would be so amazing if you are able to contribute to support. You can donate here. 

Or send me an email on: office@lightningtravelrecruitment.com if your business would be able to support by booking me for a trans inclusivity talk in return for a corporate donation, key upcoming trans dates are:

🏳️‍⚧️ International Pronouns Day - 19th October 
🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Awareness Week - 13-19th November
🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender day of Rememberance - 20th November

I've delivered trans inclusion talks to the likes of Pret A Manger, Docusign, Yougov and Pan Pacific Hotel and One Hotel Aldwych to name a few and am one of LinkedIn's top LGBTQ+ content creators as a verified influencer on the platform.