There has been a noticeable shift in the perception of women in the F&B industry over the past few years. Cindrella Gomes shares her experiences…
The trigger in F&B
“My interest in the F&B industry was sparked by my passion for food and its ability to bring people together. I have always been fascinated by the culinary arts and the way different cultures can be united through a shared love for food and drinks.
“As I explored more about the industry, I was intrigued how at Grand Hyatt Mumbai there are different aspects it involves – from sourcing ingredients to marketing food and beverage products. It is an area that requires creativity, innovation and strong organizational skills.”
The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated segment
“Being a woman in a male-dominated segment can be challenging. As the F&B industry is dominated by men, women may face gender discrimination and have to work harder to prove themselves. This can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of confidence, and frustration. I have personally faced these challenges while working in this industry.
“I tackled them by developing resilience, finding mentors who could provide advice, and networking with other women in the same field. I also worked on building my confidence and self-esteem so that I could feel empowered to speak up for myself and stand my ground when necessary.”
Gender bias – then and now
“In the F&B industry, there has been a noticeable shift in the perception of women over the past few years. Women are now seen as more than just kitchen staff or waitresses, but as leaders in the F&B industry. This shift has been driven by an increased focus on gender equality, improved access to education and training opportunities, and a greater recognition of women’s contributions to the sector.
“As such, more women are now taking on roles in management, leadership positions and other higher level roles within F&B companies.”
Qualities needed for a successful F&B manager
“Being a successful F&B manager requires a unique set of qualities and skills. It is important to have the ability to manage people, resources, and operations efficiently.
“At Grand Hyatt Mumbai, we believe it is important to be able to create an atmosphere that provides customers with an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, it is essential to be able to think outside the box in order to come up with innovative ideas that will help drive business growth.”
My success mantras
“My commitment to providing excellent customer service and creating a positive atmosphere for customers and employees alike. I also believe in staying organized and focused on developing strong relationships with both my team and customers, which has enabled me to create a positive working environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
“Finally, I strive for continuous improvement by constantly learning new skills and keeping up-to-date with industry trends.”
