International Women’s Day: Meet Christelle POURCEL

At the occasion of the International Women's Day, our IMHI program ambassadors seized the opportunity to interview Christelle POURCEL who fought to break the glass ceiling, challenge herself and explore an ocean of opportunities after her IMHI experience (Hospitality Management). Discover her story and many others on International Women's day!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Christelle POURCEL: I am a 36 years old French woman that grew up abroad in Norway and the Sultanate of Oman. While I studied in Paris, I had opportunities to do internships in the USA and an exchange program in Australia. After graduating from the IMHI program, I pursued my career as a Restaurant Manager for 5 years in Dubai than moved to Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman as a F&B Manager for the Ritz Carlton company. Now I am proud to start a new journey with the LVMH hotel management group in the Maldives for Cheval Blanc.

What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

C.P : As a little girl I wanted to always be able to travel and discover new countries and cultures. I initially wanted to be either a journalist or working in tourism.

What does women’s day represent to you?

C.P : For me, women's day is the heritage of the Sufragette movements for the Women rights to vote and be recognized citizens, from England to Russia, to France to the USA to the world...

Do you think there are challenges specific to women in the hospitality industry?

C.P : Like for any minority, there are many challenges for women in hospitality like in every industry today, regardless of the country. In those I have worked in - France first, as a server in various types of restaurants and bars; or as a trainee in a Palace hotel of the capital - women have to face stereotypes, discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place. Even if it is getting better, it is still a constant environment women have to deal with.

Paradoxically, as a female manager in the Middle East, in the USA or in Latin America, I personally felt like I had more recognition and initial respect given to my gender and position. Yet, why is it always a woman who has to take meeting minutes in a room with a majority of male peers? Culturally, we have to be always more tactful as women managers when dealing with male subordinates, colleagues as well as guests. I rarely had local guests refusing to address me as a female manager, but that happened at times with various cultures.

Finally, I feel like more of my male colleagues in the alumni community got promoted over the past decade, even though we have demonstrated prior similar skills, education and hard work, if not more...

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

C.P : I admire lot of powerful women and men alike, trying to judge people on their overall aura, persona and contribution. Basically, what I love for a woman is not to take no for an answer and tackle any dream she dreamt of; so a few of my role models could be: Marie Curie, Louise Michel, Christine Lagarde, "RBG" Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Melinda Gates, Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou, ... But overall, I like success stories and self-made men and women. So the woman I admire the most is actually my mom, whom has successfully tackled so many challenges over the years and learnt every job possible on her own, to become an international professional recognized by her peers and appreciated and respected by her staff and clients alike.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers? 

C.P : Believe in yourself!

The only limits are the ones we place ourself. We need to push boundaries! Support each other. Sky is the limit.

#INTERNATIONAL #COMMUNITY #NETWORKING

   

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