Championing Equality
One Aldwych is proud to champion equality in every way and empowering women in the workplace is at the heart of everything we do. Our passionate team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests and we are incredibly proud that a large proportion of that team is female, from front of house right through to the senior leadership team.
This International Women’s Day we caught up with Janine Marshall, our inspiring General Manager to find out what her day-to-day role entails and to share her journey with you.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A moment to celebrate achievements however big or small, to sit back and see how far we’ve come and what is yet to come.
Did you always want to work in hospitality? How did you get to where you are today?
Absolutely, yes, I did. I started out in the Operations Department and later decided to move into Finance – I was excited to understand the business financials and how it connected to the operational side of things. Over time, that interest grew, I grew and here I am today, the General Manager of One Aldwych! Where did the time go!?
What does a typical working day look like for you as the General Manager at One Aldwych?
Well, firstly, there isn’t a typical day when you’re a General Manager in a hotel, particularly when the hotel is truly independent, like One Aldwych. Every day is different, but I do try to have some structure to my days – I usually get in early as that is the best time for me to walk around the hotel and say hello to my wonderful team. Of course, if a guest needs me, that takes precedence over anything else. Otherwise, I always leave slots in my day to pop down to the Lobby and talk to guests.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Helping to bring out the best in my team and watching them flourish. As an independently owned and run hotel, we champion individuality. We do this by encouraging each member of the team to bring their own particular skills to the fore. We want them to feel empowered, nurtured and constantly growing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“What gets measured gets done” – on a practical level. But we always remember that it’s also the intangibles that make for a truly great hotel that people will want to return to – especially now. How do guests feel when they arrive? How do they feel then they leave? It’s a very human business we are in.
Outside of work at One Aldwych, what do you enjoy doing?
I have two adorable cockapoos called Ruby and Mac. On my days off I enjoy taking them on long walks either in the forest or by the coast, near where I live. And good pub lunches with friends and family.
How do you ensure a healthy work / life balance?
I work out with a personal trainer twice a week. I also block out one day in the week where I leave at a reasonable hour so I can go walking with my dogs.
Finally, What piece of advice would you share with your 20-year-old self?
Live life – there is more to life than work and do not take yourself too seriously!
