The MA's take:
Phoebe Fraser, news editor:
My mum. She has been consistently supportive, calm and strong my whole life, and that kind of quiet resilience has shaped how I approach both work and people. At the same time she is warm, witty and lovely, with a way of making everyone feel at ease.
She manages to be both steady and light hearted, which to me is the perfect balance.
Rebecca Weller, senior reporter:
My grandmother has always been my biggest inspiration. I have always admired her strength and compassion. But I am also inspired by the women I work with and those who I have been fortunate enough to meet, from all corners of the industry, since I started working at The MA.
The hospitality industry is full of amazing women with incredible stories.
Robyn Simmons, social media executive:
I count myself very lucky to not be able to choose.
Firstly, my Mum. She has shown me what strength really looks like, balancing everything life throws at her while always putting family first. She has worked hard her whole life for what she has and has always encouraged me to believe in myself, never doubting my ability to succeed. She’s the example I look up to and the reason I push myself to do better.
Secondly, my Nanna. She built her own success from nothing, while always staying true to who she is. She has consistently supported other women and always believes in opening doors for others, not just herself. She’s the reason I am where I am today, her constant support, strength, and belief in me have shaped who I’ve become. She’s taught me resilience, confidence, and how to stand strong in myself.
Nikkie Thatcher, deputy editor:
My GOAT is always going to be my mum. She taught me how to be strong and to always be myself while allowing me to make mistakes (occasionally learning from them....) alongside making me believe I can genuinely do anything I want to do as well as being my go-to with any question about everything!
I'm also inspired by the women I work with who tackle every challenge with passion as well as the many women I've met in the pub sector. It never fails to amaze me just how incredible and resilient they are.
Alice Bowyer, director of food & drink, Liberation Group:
So many to mention – I’m incredibly inspired by the talented women I work with at Butcombe and will always have a soft spot for our female chefs! Sunaina Sethi - co-founder and chief people officer at JKS Restaurants is someone I greatly admire for how they have built their company with innovation and quality, Michelle Moreno (Hospo leader specialist) inspires me to be brave and get out of my comfort zone.
Cathy Olver, retail director, Star Pubs:
I often draw inspiration from sportswomen. As a keen netball player, I’m surrounded by strong, resilient, and confident women in the teams I play in and coach. That environment constantly reinforces what we can achieve as a team of strong players and shows what female leadership can look like.
My greatest inspiration is my four-year-old daughter. She motivates me every day to keep pushing forward, both in my career and beyond with my active lifestyle, because I know she and my son are always watching. I want them to see what’s possible, and view me as a strong female role model.
Jo O’Brien, publican at Hobs Meadow, Solihull:
The biggest female inspiration for me is Karren Brady. She became managing director of Birmingham City FC when I was a young teenager and did it in a male-dominated industry.
I thought wow that woman has balls! I would like to be her!
Vicky Colclough, managing director, Joule’s Brewery:
I’m inspired by women who build things properly and lead with consistency.
I was very lucky to have a role model in Chrissie Nuttall, a strong woman who co-owns a thriving brewery pubco, so progression and gender never felt in conflict.
Seeing this day to day, never let me see a glass ceiling to progression. Consistency and focus are something I really respect.
Outside the sector, it’s the same. People who earn trust through how they work rather than how they talk.
Karen Errington, operator of the Rat Inn, Anick, Northumberland:
I take inspiration from all successful women working in hospitality, many of whom I’ve met along the way and have given me ideas and support, so no one individual in particular.
Ayesha Kalaji, chef-proprietor, Queen of Cups:
I have so many inspirations that continue to drive me forward. Some I know personally, some I look up to, some historical, some current. It would be hard to just pick one!
Claudia Roden, Shelley Sofier, Anissa Helou, Grace Dent, Lorraine Copes, Helen Graham, Noor Murad, Adejoke Bakare, the list goes on and on.
The person who inspires me every day would be my mum though. She believes in me when I don’t believe in myself. She’s tough on me when I need someone to make me see some sense. She is always fair but kind, the hardest worker I know, always considerate and thoughtful, and the only person I know who can beat me at Scrabble.
Molly Davis, head of communications, British Institute of Innkeeping:
Almost impossible question. There are so many. Not to blow smoke, but Nikkie Thatcher, deputy editor of the MA is definitely up there! No fuss, no stress, just professional, knowledgeable and always someone who would be on my “who should I have a beer with?” list.
There are so many others, in our sector who lead brilliantly from a position of friendship, support and kindness, but if I was going to choose one person who might not be on the usual suspects list, it would probably be Justine Lorriman – our Licensee of the Year Award winner from 2024.
She is truly inspirational in terms of her drive, dedication and creativity in our sector. There are so many things she has done since taking over her pub to improve equity, but without talking about it like we all do in seminars – she just gets on with it.
From collaborating on a beer brewed especially to encourage men’s mental health, “Proper Natter”, to turning her pub into a welcoming place for all, no matter their background, and so much more in between – she is my inspiration.
If her pub was nearer, I would 100% have my kids working for her. Interestingly, she is also on my “who should I have a beer with?” list…there might be a pattern forming here!
Emma McClarkin, BBPA CEO:
In life my heroes were Jilly Cooper and Dolly Parton, women who were not afraid to be women while killing it in their careers!
I have been hugely inspired and supported by women in the sector from Jillian MacLean to Emma Heal and the fabulous Boardwalk team Ann Elliott, Christine Martin and Sheeren Ritchie who all live the mantra of lifting other women up.
Helen Sprason, managed pub area manager, St Austell:
Jacinda Ardern is certainly a modern inspiration for me. She embodies a balance of elegance, drive, empathy, strength and perhaps most importantly, authenticity.
In a world where democracy often feels challenged, the way Jacinda communicates and holds a room is a powerful reminder that you can lead effectively without compromising who you are. Her leadership shows that staying true to your values isn’t a limitation, it’s a source of influence. She proves that real, relatable leadership can achieve extraordinary things.
Closer to home, our very own brewing director, Georgina Young, is equally inspirational. She is innovative, honest, and leads with immense integrity. She is also kind, fun, and deeply authentic in how she connects with others.
Having the opportunity to work with her and witness how her leadership style inspires people, both within the sector and far beyond it, has been genuinely impactful. She demonstrates every day that great leadership isn’t about noise or hierarchy, but about consistency, character and the ability to bring out the best in others. She really is exceptional.
Jen Sloyan, CFO Valiant Pubs:
For me, inspiration starts close to home. My Mum was a teacher, and she instilled in me the value of education, discipline and hard work. She demonstrated that quiet consistency and commitment make a lasting impact — lessons that have shaped how I approach my career. A lot of how I approach my career comes back to those early foundations.
Looking beyond my immediate circle, I find Sarina Wiegman incredibly inspiring. She has built high-performing teams at the highest level of international sport, and she has done it with calm authority and clarity. Her leadership style demonstrates that success comes from empowering others and creating an environment where people can thrive.
In many ways, that resonates strongly with hospitality — it’s about culture, teamwork and performing under pressure. Her example shows that you can lead with strength and humility at the same time.
Dawn Browne, chief people officer, Fuller’s:
I am lucky enough to be surrounded by incredible, inspirational female colleagues at Fuller’s.
But outside Fuller’s it would have to be Tea Colaianni who set up WiHTL and DiR. She saw the issues around equality first hand and decided to do something about it. She is a fantastic example of how one person can make a difference.
We encourage lots of our female team members to join the WiHTL programmes as a way to help develop themselves and their careers.
Linda Kennedy, director of investment and growth - property, Punch:
I am fortunate to work with some amazing women here at Punch who inspire each other every day to do better.
Women who are assertive, warm, people focused, commercial, strategic, and just get stuff done (too many to mention).
I’m also inspired and admire the vision of the Boardwalk Team (Ann Elliot, Shereen Ritchie & Christine Martin) and am excited to see how successful this will prove for future leaders and finally Jackie Moody-McNamara of Be-Brilliant has been a brilliant personal coach, confidante, mentor, advocate and cheerleader for me and so many others – she is a proper “likeable badass”.
Karen de Koning, GM at Grove of Narberth:
My biggest female inspiration is Sue Williams, a true leader in every sense of the word. She has always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, not through grand gestures, but through the way she carries herself every single day. Sue is not only an exceptional mentor but also a shining example of what women can achieve in hospitality when passion and perseverance come together.
Working alongside her for several years shaped me in ways I’m still grateful for. She never once made leadership feel out of reach; instead, she made it feel achievable, realistic, and most importantly, authentic. With Sue, it was never about trying to be someone else, it was always about leaning into who you are. Seeing her navigate challenges with such confidence and integrity gave me the belief that nothing was impossible, as long as I stayed true to myself.
Her influence continues to guide me, reminding me that leadership isn’t just about titles or hierarchy, it’s about lifting others up, leading with heart, and believing in your own capabilities. And for that, I will always admire her.
Kim Toft, co-owner of Daddy Marmalades:
Any Irish woman, I think Irish women have a fierceness about them that I adore. If I hadn’t seen so many Irish women be like that while I was growing up, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to be who I am today.
Gemma Persechino, general manager of Dog and Pickle:
I am my biggest inspiration - I strive to be the best and most inspirational to my team. Showing the girls in my team we can always move forward and upwards.
Justine Lorriman, licensee of the Royal Dyche in Burnley, Lancashire:
My biggest inspirations are always changing. There are so many incredible women in hospitality with bold voices, strong opinions and the courage to make real change. Leaders like Emma Heal (Lucky Saint), Katy Moses (KAM) and Emma Gibbons (BII Ambassador and Operator) continually inspire me.
Whenever I hear them on panels or see what they’re sharing on social media, I come away feeling motivated or in awe of what they’re building and achieving.
Outside of hospitality, I find huge inspiration in sport. Lola Ogunbote, Head of Women’s Football at Burnley FC, has an extraordinary story - you literally feel empowered just being in her presence.
And Laura Woods (sport presenter) - seeing a woman thrive and lead so confidently in a male-dominated space, it’s just a powerful reminder that there are no limits to what we can achieve. I’m inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves, the ones that lift others up as they climb.
Nina Matsunaga, chef/operator at the Black Bull at Sedbergh:
I read so many books by amazing female non-fiction authors and look at the work done by amazing charities, all female lead-focused. There isn’t just one figure alone. We all stand on each other’s shoulders.
Katie Baldock, operator of the Bird in the Hand in Princes Risborough:
My biggest inspiration is actually my mum. She’s the queen of re-invention, empowerment and believing that you are significant. I’m very lucky to have her as my own personal life coach!
Nicola Tickle, co-owner of Heft in Cumbria:
My biggest female inspirations are my grandmothers. Both held together working farms, the farmers and on tap catering for an unlimited amount of hungry people with glorious homemade, home-reared meals at a moment’s notice.
All while bringing up children, then grandchildren, and keeping everything running. Absolute power houses, who I suspect would deny all knowledge of how epic they were!
Charley O’Toole, chief of staff, Chestnut Group:
As a working mum, I find real inspiration in listening to Emma Grede (SKIMS owner) and Caroline Hirons (Skin Rocks). I find their approach and their relentless resilience in being unapologetically themselves - incredibly refreshing. They show that ambition and authenticity can coexist powerfully.
At the same time, there are countless trailblazers within our own industry. I’m equally inspired by the women I work with every day - the ones who handle difficult guests with grace, lead teams with empathy and respect, and keep entire pubs running seamlessly without ever demanding the spotlight. Their leadership may not always make headlines, but its impact is felt every single day.
Georgina Young, brewing director and head brewer, St Austell Brewery:
That’s a hard one as I get inspired by lots of women, whether it’s Delia Smith or Madonna!
However, if it wasn’t for my mum, I wouldn’t still be in brewing. She would encourage and nudge me to keep going in those early days when it all felt too hard.
Emma Heal, managing director, Lucky Saint:
My fellow Hospitality Sector Council members are exceptional leaders and role models, including Dame Karen Jones, Jane O’Riordan, Kate Nicholls and Emma McClarkin.
I also encourage women to join networks such as Boardwalk for mentoring and Raising the Glass in drinks. These spaces build connections and confidence.
Jacqueline Fox, co-director of the Barrelman in Dundee and Bruach in Broughty Ferry
My greatest inspiration is my mother, a single parent of four who climbed to a high-ranking position in a heavily male-dominated workforce.
She proved that you can ‘have it all’ through hard work, a drive she inherited from my Gran, who attended university when women made up only a quarter of students.
This determination to succeed despite prejudice is a mindset I hope to pass on to my own female workforce. It’s what gives me the confidence to lead from the front and the pride to sign off every email as company director.
Claire Cleland, property manager for Star Pubs
It has to be the fantastic female licensees that I work with on revamping their pubs. I couldn’t pick out one, but they have common attributes.
They are dynamic, resilient and ambitious and have grit, determination and a strong vision for their pubs.
They are just the people who need to be front and centre in any campaign to encourage women to have the confidence to forge their way in business. They actively encourage all their employees to see the careers that hospitality opens up for them.
