The Rise of Women in Hospitality
In a world where leadership in the hospitality industry has traditionally been male-dominated, a new wave of women leaders is reshaping the narrative. One such visionary is Arushi Sharma, whose journey from an aspiring professional to a force in the industry is an inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and innovation.
Finding Purpose in Hospitality
“My journey in hospitality began with The Taj Group, where I discovered my true calling in Human Resources and Learning & Development (L&D). From the very beginning, I realized that hospitality is not just about service—it’s about people. It’s about nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating experiences that inspire.”
Women make up nearly 23% of India’s hospitality workforce, yet leadership positions still see a significant gender gap. This motivated Arushi to break stereotypes, drive change, and pave the way for future women leaders in hospitality. Her passion for empowering people, driving innovation, and shaping careers has fuelled her journey.
The Philosophy of Leadership
Arushi believes in the philosophy of Kaizen—continuous improvement. Success is not just about reaching a destination but about growing every day. Her leadership is centred around empowerment, adaptability, and innovation. “The hospitality industry, despite its glamour, is one of the most demanding professions, and navigating it as a woman requires resilience, determination, and the courage to challenge outdated norms.”
Only 8% of women hold senior leadership roles in India’s hospitality industry, and her mission has always been to challenge that statistic. “Leadership should not be determined by gender but by vision and capability.” This belief has guided her to foster a culture of inclusivity, learning, and leadership development for women and underrepresented groups.
Adapting to a Changing Industry
Hospitality is an industry where guest expectations, workforce trends, and technology evolve rapidly. Arushi ensures adaptability by constantly learning, staying connected with global hospitality leaders, and integrating technology into workforce development. “With India’s hospitality tech adoption growing at 15% annually, it is imperative to remain at the forefront of innovation.” She actively incorporates AI-driven talent management, Virtual Reality (VR) training, and microlearning platforms to align the industry with the evolving global landscape.
Transformational Leadership & Client Satisfaction
“I believe in transformational leadership, where inspiration and mentorship create lasting impact. The best leaders listen, understand, and uplift others.” Hospitality is one of the most people-centric industries, and when employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged, the service they deliver is exceptional.
In a country where women represent 30% of the workforce but less than 10% in decision-making roles, it is her responsibility to mentor, train, and elevate women professionals, ensuring they have the confidence and skill set to thrive.
Balancing Innovation & Customer Expectations
Balancing strategic business goals with guest expectations requires a deep understanding of people. “Employees who feel supported and continuously trained deliver exceptional service, and guests in today’s world seek not just luxury but meaningful, personalized experiences.” The role of technology in hospitality has expanded, allowing businesses to enhance operational efficiency and service excellence. Studies show that women-led businesses are 35% more likely to focus on long-term sustainability, and that is why her strategies incorporate green initiatives, ethical hiring, and community-driven growth.
Leveraging Technology in Hospitality
Technology is no longer just a tool; it is an integral part of hospitality. Arushi actively leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) for recruitment, Virtual Reality (VR) for training, and data analytics for personalized workforce development. With AI in hospitality expected to grow by 25% by 2026, embracing these advancements is the key to maintaining industry leadership. AI-driven HR systems now allow businesses to predict employee satisfaction and potential turnover rates, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and engaged.
Fostering a Culture of Growth & Empowerment
A people-first culture is the foundation of success. Arushi has always championed Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ensuring that women, especially in leadership roles, have access to the right training and mentorship. Hospitality is one of the most demanding industries, and employees must feel a sense of purpose and growth within the organization. By focusing on leadership training, recognizing achievements, and fostering open communication, she creates an environment where employees are not just working but growing.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
One of the biggest challenges Arushi faced was navigating the post-pandemic workforce crisis in hospitality. The industry experienced high attrition, uncertainty, and shifting workforce expectations. “I had to revamp training programs, implement mental health and wellness initiatives, and create new engagement strategies to rebuild a committed and motivated workforce. Resilience, combined with data-driven decision-making and a people-first approach, helped rebuild a stronger, more engaged workforce,” she recalls.
Addressing Mental Health in Hospitality
For too long, mental health in India’s hospitality industry has been overlooked. The industry is known for its long hours, high-pressure environment, and emotional exhaustion. However, mental well-being is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Employees have often hesitated to talk about burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue due to stigma and fear of judgment. “This must change,” insists Arushi, who has actively integrated mental wellness programs, counselling services, and flexible work policies into workplace culture. Organizations that prioritize employee mental health experience higher productivity, lower attrition rates, and improved guest satisfaction. Well-being initiatives such as mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and providing mental health support systems are commitments to the people who drive the industry forward. “Hospitality is built on human interaction, and if our employees are not mentally and emotionally well, how can we expect them to deliver excellence to our guests?”
Arushi’s vision is for hospitality organizations across India to normalize discussions on mental health and treat it with the same priority as operational efficiency.
Shaping the Future of Women in Hospitality
“I envision a hospitality industry where women are not just participants but leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. The future of hospitality will be shaped by tech-driven HR solutions, inclusive leadership, and organizations that prioritize sustainability and well-being. Women must claim their space, take on leadership roles, and drive change, not just within their organizations but within the industry as a whole.”
By 2030, India’s hospitality sector is projected to create over 10 million new jobs, and Arushi’s mission is to ensure that women are at the forefront of this transformation.
A Call to Action for Women in Hospitality
This International Women’s Day, Arushi wants every woman in hospitality to know that “your leadership is needed, your voice is important, and your potential is limitless.” She encourages women to break barriers, challenge outdated norms, and lead with confidence.
“The future of hospitality is female-led, innovative, and inclusive. Let’s create a legacy of leadership together,” she concludes.
