The hospitality and tourism industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, offering significant employment opportunities for women. However, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, facing systemic barriers such as gender bias, work-life conflicts, and limited networking and mentorship opportunities. This study explores the experiences of seventeen women who have successfully advanced to senior leadership positions in hospitality. In-depth interviews were conducted using a qualitative, existential-phenomenological approach to examine the behaviors, strategies, and organizational factors influencing their career progression. Thematic analysis revealed five key categories contributing to leadership success: investing in self, organizational fit, personal attitudes, support, and networking, and taking initiative. Findings highlight the importance of resilience, visibility, strategic career management, and mentorship in overcoming gender-based barriers. This study underscores the need for systemic changes within hospitality organizations to foster inclusive leadership development. By identifying actionable strategies, this research offers valuable insights for aspiring female leaders and hospitality companies committed to gender equity in leadership.
Dolasinski et al. (2026) studied this question.