Self-Worth, Risk, and Speaking Up

Joanna Jagger’s guiding star is helping women shine. She says women don’t really hit their stride of confidence until their 40s, which is when she realized she doesn’t need to be good at all the things. She takes big risks with her board’s support and says the reward comes when she doesn’t play small. She is intentional in her public speaking selections and in sourcing speakers for her events. She works hard to overcome the broken rung in the hospitality industry, develop rising talent, and provide the resources for women to lead.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• ‍“That’s ingrained in you at a young age. Customer service takes you so far.”
• “Most risks have paid off. Some risks have taught me quite a bit.”
• “If we put a stale, pale, and male panel every time you’re gonna really lose some diversity of thought.”
• “We need to know that we’re here to mentor and support and champion their efforts early in their career.”
• “I can say get out of my own way, of course, but I also can clear the path for others.”

Closing Reflection

Joanna says a career is a lattice, not a ladder, so women can move up and step back.  We can help every woman shine in whatever capacity fits her.  Keeping women connected to the sector makes the workforce stronger.  The torch we carry is making the industry better for those coming behind us.