PA Life talked to Jacqui McMillan, General Manager of the Novotel London Canary Wharf, including its award-winning restaurant and bar, Bokan 37 and Bokan 38. This interview with Jacquie is part of our International Women’s Day series of women leaders in hospitality as well as other industries. Jacqui has had an amazing career within Accor since 2000 with highlights such as opening the first Novotel in Scotland…
1. Senior roles within the hospitality industry have traditionally been dominated by men. What challenges have you faced as a leader, and how have you overcome them?
I was at one point the only female GM in our London hotels and definitely felt the “imposter syndrome”. However, as women, we have to change our mindset, which is something I’ve worked hard at over the years, to truly believe I deserved a seat at the table. I like to think I brought relevance and clarity to each conversation – and a different perspective – which was often along the lines of ‘believe in yourself and the people around you will believe in you’.
2. What steps should the hospitality sector take to ensure more women progress into top leadership positions?
This starts with a clear message from the top and within the Accor business, we have certain programmes specifically designed for women in leadership, including Step Up, which is focused on supporting women in leadership. With the help of RiiSE, an international network of Accor employees, we are committed to gender equality and diversity. The network aims to promote women in leadership roles and to challenge stereotypes, and Accor is also a member of the HeForShe movement. However, in the UK in general there can often be several challenges for women progressing in business – for example, limited maternity pay and lack of understanding around the menopause. There’s often barriers for women who want to progress, but also want a family.
3. Did you have a mentor who helped shape your career? How important is mentorship for women aiming for leadership roles?
I have had a number of mentors both male and female, who have been instrumental in my career. Having a confidante that you believe in and who will advise and listen to you is super important. Often our mentors don’t always know that they are a mentor to you – it can come in so many forms!
4. What’s advice you’d give to the next generation of women looking to build a successful career in this industry?
Work hard and be passionate. Also, never think you need to be more masculine or shout louder to have your voice heard. Always be yourself because you are enough.
5. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I think it’s a great day for us to remember how far we have come. It was just over 100 years ago when we got the right to vote in the UK. However, we must also remind ourselves that there is still a long road ahead.
6. What are the biggest challenges you face as a General Manager of a major hotel including the restaurant and bar? Equally, what excites you the most about it?
There’s a new challenge every day and that’s what excites me. We work in an ever-evolving industry with a very diverse and eclectic team. It keeps it exciting which I love.
7. Has being a woman shaped your approach to get to where you are in your career today? And if so, how?
I believe at the beginning of my GM career I tried to be more “like them”. However, I realised that being authentic and true to yourself is how you get to where you want to be in your career, and I live by this ethos. So far, it has not let me down.
8. How do you keep up a good work-life-balance?
I once had a boss who said to me “If it takes you 70 hours a week to do your job, you are in the wrong position and if you can get your work done in 30 hours per week, I applaud you”. Of course, this is not always possible and some weeks are better than others depending on what is going on in the hotel. However, I make sure that I go to my yoga classes a few times a week and make time for my friends, and most importantly make time for myself.
