As part of International Women’s Day, we asked five women across our TROO team and managed properties to share what the day means to them and how support, opportunity, and collaboration have shaped their journeys.
Their reflections highlight something we see every day across our teams, when people are given the opportunity to grow, supported by those around them, the impact extends far beyond the individual. It strengthens teams, builds confidence, and helps create workplaces where everyone can thrive. From mentorship and leadership to resilience and everyday kindness, their stories offer insight into the values that continue to shape hospitality and the people within it.
Mariya Malik Finance Business Partner – TROO Hospitality
Can you share a moment when receiving support or opportunity from others helped you grow—and how that experience shaped the way you now give back?
Earlier in my hospitality career, one moment that shaped my vision, was when my manager saw potential in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. I was given a chance to step into a Hotel Financial Controller role, at the age of just 22, this position felt far beyond my comfort zone at the time. That experience helped me grow not just in skill, but in confidence. It taught me that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities come when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself. It also showed me the impact of support, honest feedback, and most importantly, trust. Overall, that early exposure taught me how transformative it can be when someone opens a door for you and supports you through it. It’s shaped the way I now invest in others, by sharing knowledge openly and giving them opportunities to present insights, or coaching them on technical financial skills, so they can grow in the same way I did.
What does “giving” mean to you in your personal or professional life, and how have you seen it create impact?
In my personal life, giving often looks like being present for the people around me, offering perspective, or practical help when they need it most. I have witnessed how small acts of kindness and encouragement can completely shift someone’s confidence or clarity. Sometimes giving is as simple as listening without judgement, and other times it’s stepping in with advice. The impact is usually subtle but lasting, creating meaningful relationships.
How do you believe investing in women’s growth and leadership benefits entire teams, organizations, or communities?
I believe when women are supported and developed as leaders, the impact radiates far beyond the individual. For organisations, it provides gender diverse leadership base, which in turn fuels diverse thinking and problem-solving styles. This overall, strengthens team structures and leads to greater talent retention, that adds value not only to the organisation but entire communities.
If you could encourage one action that individuals or organizations could take today to better support women, what would it be, and why does it matter?
Valuing women’s overall development must begin with an understanding of the core struggles women face in their day-to-day lives. The most obvious for me is the support women can get throughout their most challenging stage of lives, motherhood. The support must go beyond the basic maternity pay, but to also to be given chances of better rehabilitation, in the form of phased return to work, flexibility around working from home, by not expecting the de-facto ‘9-5’ working patterns, and further creche facilities at workplace. This not only provides a chance for women to confidently think about their return to work but also enhances employee productivity, in the longer run.
Who has been a role model in your life?
My mother has always been my source of inspiration. From the very beginning she has set examples of how one should approach life embodying resilience, kindness and hard work. During her professional career, she kept the work-life balance on remarkably, so she can excel both in her career and be a present mother. I admire her ability of facing personal challenges with empathy, and this has overall shaped the person and leader I try to be today.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day symbolizes and acts as a reminder for me of the resilience of women throughout the history and serves as a platform to raise awareness and influencing actions, about gender inequality, so we can better equip our future generations.
Danielle Lorne Front of House Manager – The Reserve
Can you share a moment when receiving support or opportunity from others helped you grow—and how that experience shaped the way you now give back?
I had the pleasure of working for a General Manager who adopted the style of empowering leadership, they would give their full trust in the team to make decisions and allow us to take ownership of our work and decisions. This really helped me grow, allow me the freedom to take responsibility, and know that my decisions would be respected and supported.
What does “giving” mean to you in your personal or professional life, and how have you seen it create impact?
‘Giving’ to me means doing the small things, taking five minutes out of your day to ask how someone is, remembering someone’s favourite chocolate bar or that it’s their child’s first football match this weekend. Simple things sometimes have the biggest and long-lasting impact. I’m a true believer that this works to build a strong team and a happy team, with genuine friendships, making work easier and a fun place to be!
How do you believe investing in women’s growth and leadership benefits entire teams, organizations, or communities?
Investing in women’s growth creates measurable benefits for teams and organisations. It allows a diverse leadership teams, with balanced and thoughtful decisions. I believe that women leaders encourage collaboration and communication. This creates an environment where employees feel heard and valued, leading to higher engagement and retention.
If you could encourage one action that individuals or organizations could take today to better support women, what would it be, and why does it matter?
As a mother of three wee boys, I do think it is important that business and organisations review their maternity/paternity entitlements. More and more companies are extending the leave/pay for new parents, and I think this will certainly help in many ways to these new parents.
Who has been a role model in your life?
I have found this question difficult to answer, as I don’t really have a role model that springs to mind. I think at this moment in my life, I am surround by some amazing people, working full-times jobs and then going home to another full-time job as a parent. They inspire me to keep working hard, and it’s a wonderful and supportive community to be a part of.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day means a day to celebrate us, and reflect on our superpowers. We are strong, we empower, we support, we love, we can juggle 100 things at once, and we work VERY hard!!
Laura Ozyte Head Housekeeper – Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel
Can you share a moment when receiving support or opportunity from others helped you grow—and how that experience shaped the way you now give back?
From an early age, I was surrounded by strong influences who shaped my values and ambition. My mother always believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue education, independence, and personal growth. At school, my head teacher demonstrated what true leadership means through fairness, dedication, and genuine care for every student’s future. Later in my career, I was fortunate to have leaders who recognised my potential, trusted me, and gave me opportunities to grow. Their support helped me build confidence and develop professionally. These experiences shaped how I lead today. I believe in supporting my team, listening to them, and creating opportunities for their development, because when people feel trusted and valued, they grow stronger and perform at their best.
What does “giving” mean to you in your personal or professional life, and how have you seen it create impact?
For me, giving means sharing knowledge, experience, and support to help others grow. I believe it is important to be open not only about successes but also about challenges, as this builds trust and authenticity. Supporting others creates confidence, strengthens friendship and teamwork, fosters a positive working environment. When people feel valued and supported, they are more motivated, engaged, and empowered to succeed.
How do you believe investing in women’s growth and leadership benefits entire teams, organizations, or communities?
Investing in development should always be based on potential, regardless of gender. However, supporting women’s growth in leadership brings valuable perspectives, including strong communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. When women are given opportunities to grow and lead, they contribute to creating more balanced, inclusive, and effective teams, which strengthens the entire organization.
If you could encourage one action that individuals or organizations could take today to better support women, what would it be, and why does it matter?
One of the most important actions is moving beyond mentorship to sponsorship—providing real opportunities and trusting women with responsibility. Advice and guidance are valuable, but true growth comes from practical experience. When women are given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, they build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and contribute even more effectively to the organization’s success.
Who has been a role model in your life?
I have been inspired by strong individuals in both my personal and professional life who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and fairness. I admire leaders who support others, lead with respect, and remain committed to their values even in challenging situations. These qualities have influenced my own leadership style and continue to guide me in my professional journey.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a meaningful reminder of the importance of equality, respect, and equal opportunities. It is a day to recognise the achievements, strength, and contributions of women in all areas of life. For me, it is also a moment to reflect on personal growth, appreciate the women who have influenced and supported me, and continue contributing to a supportive and empowering environment for others.
Stacey White Restaurant Manager – Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa
Can you share a moment when receiving support or opportunity from others helped you grow—and how that experience shaped the way you now give back?
Early in my hospitality career, I was given an opportunity to step into a leadership role before I fully believed I was ready. A senior manager saw potential in me and took the time to mentor me, guide me, and trust me with responsibility. That then gave me confidence and showed me how powerful it Is when someone believes in you. This shaped how I lead today, I make a conscious effort to encourage others, especially those who may not see their own potential, and to create opportunities for them to grow and feel valued. A personal moment would be when I lost my dad at age 12, I watched my mom navigate that loss while continuing to support and raise me and push me with my education and university and even my driving and buying me my first car as a widowed parent. This showed me strength, resilience, and determination in its purest form. That shaped my mind set from a young age to keep going, stay strong and to believe in myself.
What does “giving” mean to you in your personal or professional life, and how have you seen it create impact?
To me, giving means investing time, energy, and belief into others without expecting anything in return. In hospitality, giving can be as simple as supporting a colleague through a busy shift, mentoring someone new or creating an environment where people feel appreciated and want to come to work. I have seen how this builds team morale and also develops people into doing the same with supporting others.
How do you believe investing in women’s growth and leadership benefits entire teams, organizations, or communities?
When women are supported and empowered it strengthens everyone around them. Women bring empathy, resilience and emotional intelligence into leadership which creates more connected and supportive teams. Strong female leadership creates environments where people feel valued, supported and motivated to grow and that has a lasting impact on both workplace culture and personal development.
If you could encourage one action that individuals or organizations could take today to better support women, what would it be, and why does it matter?
The most important thing is to believe in women and give them opportunities, even when they might not fully believe in themselves yet. Confidence often grows through experience and encouragement. All it takes sometimes is that one person recognising your potential and giving you a chance. This here could shape careers, build confidence and empower women to step into leadership.
Who has been a role model in your life?
As mentioned in question 1…. my mom she has shaped the person I am today and her strength continues to inspire me in both my career and personal life, she showed me what it truly means to be a strong woman. Also, I have had a recent role model… I have always aspired to become a general manager of a hotel one day but never had a female GM in my past jobs so never thought it would be right for me, until I met Jacqui GM of Billesley. The moment I met her for a coffee I knew she was a strong leader, and I know from a few comments from other female staff they also aspire to be like Jacqui to.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International women’s day is a time to reflect on strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. It’s about recognising the women who shape us. It’s about uplifting other women and not bringing them down. Lastly it’s about celebrating how far women have come, while continuing to inspire confidence, growth and opportunity for future generations.
Izabela Jaromin Housekeeping Manager – Stock Exchange
Can you share a moment when receiving support or opportunity from others helped you grow—and how that experience shaped the way you now give back?
My manager Wioleta trusting me. When she was on holiday she really pushed me to learn new things and made me realise how much a little faith in someone can do. Now, I try be that person for others on the team
What does “giving” mean to you in your personal or professional life, and how have you seen it create impact?
Giving ,to me is about sharing what you have -whether it’s knowledge, time or a helping hand
How do you believe investing in women’s growth and leadership benefits entire teams, organizations, or communities?
Women have fresh ideas and different ways of solving problems, which just makes the team smarter, the company stronger.
If you could encourage one action that individuals or organizations could take today to better support women, what would it be, and why does it matter?
I’d say, give women more chances to step up and lead.
Who has been a role model in your life?
Definitely my mother, my mum set the foundation with her strength and wisdom, teaching me unconditional love.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a day to cheer for all awesome women out there like my mum and many of my colleagues.
Supporting Progress, Every Day
Across these stories, a common theme emerges. Progress happens when people support one another. Whether through mentorship, encouragement, opportunity, or everyday kindness, small actions often have the greatest impact. At TROO Hospitality, we are proud of the talented women across our teams and managed properties whose contributions strengthen our culture, our leadership, and our industry.
International Women’s Day offers a moment to recognise these voices, but the commitment to opportunity, respect, and progress continues every day of the year.
