Women in Hospitality Offer Advice and Insights for Success
By AAHOA Staff
Every woman in hospitality has a unique journey, shaped by experiences, lessons, and the people who inspired them along the way. In this special feature, we asked women in the industry to share the advice that’s stuck with them, the strategies that have helped them grow, and how they balance the demands of work and life. From career insights to personal favorites, their responses offer thoughtful guidance and encouragement for others navigating their path in the industry.
Nila Patel
Business Development Specialist, 513 Capital
Women Hoteliers Committee Member
North Central Region Ambassador
How do you balance work and personal life?
I skillfully balance work and personal life by embracing my multifaceted identity as a Zumba instructor, business development professional, and seasoned hotelier. I stay grounded through physical wellness, spiritual values, and a deep connection to my children. The ability to navigate a major life transition with resilience speaks to my emotional strength and adaptability. Rather than separating work and life, I integrate them with purpose, drawing energy and meaning from each role. My campaigner personality fuels my optimism, allowing me to thrive personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Believe in your voice, and don’t be afraid to take up space – this industry needs more women leading with strength and empathy. Stay curious and keep learning because your confidence will grow with every challenge you overcome. Build authentic relationships; success in hospitality is built on trust, heart, and how you make people feel. Finally, take care of yourself. Your energy is your greatest asset, so protect it fiercely and lead with purpose.
Tulsi Thakor
President, Tulsi Hotels
Women Hoteliers Committee Member
North Carolina Region Ambassador
What strategies have helped you overcome challenges in your career?
One strategy that’s helped me overcome challenges in my career is learning to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, I’ve trained myself to ask, “What can I learn from this?” This mindset – combined with staying solution-focused, breaking big problems into smaller steps, and leaning on a strong support system – has allowed me to stay resilient and keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Saying “no” is as powerful as saying “yes.” Early on, I thought success meant taking every opportunity, pleasing everyone, and constantly proving myself. But over time, I realized that clarity, boundaries, and alignment matter more than hustle alone. Saying “no” to what doesn’t serve your goals or values creates space to say “yes” to what truly matters, and that’s where real growth begins.
Rhea Patel
Vice President, AAAR Hotels, LLC
Women Hoteliers Committee Member
North Central Region Ambassador
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Build relationships, not just resumes. I was told to always do this because you never know how relationships with people can help you in your future, whether it’s personal help or career help. Your connections will take you a long way in life.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from doing the hard things even when you aren’t confident in yourself. Early on, I sometimes held back from speaking up in meetings or sharing ideas because I worried about being too young or not experienced enough. I’ve now realized that my perspective is valuable, especially because I’ve been very hands-on in the industry and know what works on the front lines.
Kataki Patel
Vice President of Operations and Owner, Exception Hospitality
Women Hoteliers Committee Member
What’s your favorite way to unwind or treat yourself?
Spa days and girls’ trips – no shame in it! It might sound cliché, but never underestimate the power of a little pampering and quality time with other women. There’s something incredibly healing about relaxing, laughing, and just venting with people who get it.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Don’t wait for the “right” time or opportunity – create it. In this industry, women are often overlooked or pushed to the background. You have to push yourself forward, speak up, and make your presence known. Own your seat at the table, and don’t be afraid to build your own if one isn’t offered.
Nina Patel
CEO, Steel Hospitality
What is a piece of media that has had the biggest impact on your professional and personal development?
Jay Shetty’s 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go. His book professionally sharpened my leadership by teaching me to lead with empathy, patience, and mindful communication, which are key skills for managing teams in our high-pressure industry. It also reinforced the importance of balancing ambition with self-awareness, helping me make decisions aligned with both my company’s growth and my personal well-being.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Shoot for the stars! Set your goals high and focus on those goals to achieve them. If your goal in hospitality is to own certain brands, start working toward that by speaking with the brands, speaking with others who work with the brand, and keep moving forward.
Purnima Patel
Hotel Owner
Women Hoteliers Director, Eastern Division
Co-Chair, Women Hoteliers Committee
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Building genuine connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers can lead to invaluable insights, guidance, and potential career advancements that may not be accessible through skills alone. Emphasizing relationship-building from the start can significantly enhance both personal and professional growth.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Balance work and life: The hospitality industry can often blur the lines between personal and professional life. Prioritize selfcare and work-life balance to maintain your well-being.
Champion diversity and inclusion: Advocate for a more inclusive environment within your workplace. Supporting diversity not only benefits your career but also enriches the industry as a whole.
Stay passionate: Remember why you chose this industry. Your passion for hospitality can be a powerful motivator and inspire others around you.
Arti Patel
COO, Pristine Hospitality
Women Hoteliers Director, Western Division
Co-Chair, Women Hoteliers Committee
How do you balance work and personal life?
Creating boundaries and managing time through “white space” has been a challenge, but transformative. While I’m not perfect, I’ve learned that clear communication with my team, whether through scheduling, delegation, or simply unplugging after hours, helps protect my personal time. I’ve discovered that being fully present, whether at work or at home, creates effectiveness and fulfillment in both areas.
What strategies have helped you overcome challenges in your career?
Allowing for change involves listening more and speaking less. Actively seeking solutions instead of discussing problems truly allows efficiency. Reflecting on setbacks and learning from history are crucial; I have realized that failing to do so can lead to repeating mistakes and creating additional challenges.
Sarah Gulati
Attorney, Gulati Law
North Florida Region Ambassador
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Never give up and stay focused because the world is full of opportunities waiting to be explored. Persistence and determination open doors, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.
What is a piece of media that has had the biggest impact on your professional and personal development?
Two books that have had a profound impact on me are Relentless and The Secret. Relentless instills the mindset of unwavering determination, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness. Meanwhile, The Secret highlights the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction, reinforcing the idea that focus and belief can shape outcomes. Together, these books inspire a balance of persistence and optimism, shaping my approach to both personal and professional growth.
Laura Lee Blake
President & CEO, AAHOA
What strategies have helped you overcome challenges in your career?
Overcoming challenges is rarely a solo endeavor. Being surrounded by a strong, trusted team can make all the difference – people who share the mission, offer perspective, and help carry the weight when facing uphill battles. I also believe in giving more, not less, when the pressure is on. Setbacks have a way of refining your focus and fueling your determination. My approach is simple: Keep working hard, showing up, and collaborating with your team until you see results. Sometimes, just taking the next step is the strategy. And over time, those steps turn into real progress.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Network at every opportunity. Find a mentor who challenges and champions you. Celebrate what makes you different – it is your unique strength. Embrace change, because this industry is always evolving. Most importantly, remember this: You are the only person who can make the difference you are designed to make. Own it. Lead it. Live it.
Image: Mary Long/stock.adobe.com
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