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This month Restaurant Associates attended the sold-out Arena spring event, 'The Changing Landscape of Foodservice and Hospitality'. It was a fantastic opportunity to network and gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends from Lumina Intelligence.
Plus, it was also the chance to support our Managing Director, Sally Hillman, as she joined a panel of speakers including Claire Morris from Sodexo Live and Karen Bosher, former Managing Director at Greene King. Together, they engaged in a panel discussion on the evolving hospitality sector, the career growth opportunities they’ve encountered within their careers and how we can encourage more diverse thinking in our industry.
Some key takeaways included:
Senior-level hiring remains a challenge—attracting talent requires showcasing clear career pathways that support long-term growth and inspire individuals to aim for leadership roles. Engaging with diverse groups broadens awareness of opportunities in an industry driven by genuine passion and enthusiasm.
Employees who "mask" their true selves experience a 35% drop in productivity due to the effort spent concealing their identity. Creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels safe and empowered to be authentic is essential.
Leadership being a source of vulnerability within the team—encouraging open discussions on previously taboo topics to encourage empathy and inspire others to do the same.
Leveraging data-driven insights—using diversity reporting to drive meaningful cultural change.
Inclusive education—for everyone, including men, to empower individuals to "show up" and be genuine allies for each other.
Events like these are invaluable in showcasing areas where we can improve as a business and as an industry. They also serve as a reminder that we’re not alone—by working together toward this shared mission, we can achieve meaningful results.