Looking back, a number of experiences, opportunities, and people have shaped my journey to becoming a Hotel Manager: • School Work Placement – My first taste of hospitality came through a school placement in a hotel. It gave me an early appreciation for the pace, teamwork, and guest service focus of the industry. • Part-Time Work in Private Hotels – While studying, I worked part-time in private hotels. These roles gave me grounding in customer service and operations, and built my confidence in handling responsibility at a young age.

• Fáilte Ireland Training – Completing structured training with Fáilte Ireland gave me the skills and professional outlook to see hospitality as a long-term career.
• GMIT Careers Fair – A turning point came at the GMIT careers fair, where I discovered the Leonardo Graduate Programme. After a rigorous application and assessment process, I was accepted — this decision launched my career with Leonardo Hotels.
• Leonardo Graduate Programme – My first step within Leonardo, this programme gave me broad exposure across departments and built a solid foundation for leadership.
• Leonardo Accelerate Programme – A two-year development pathway that prepared me to move from Head of Department into Deputy/Operations Manager roles, developing my commercial, people, and operational management skills.
• High Potential Programme – Another two-year programme that supported my transition from Deputy General Manager to Hotel Manager. Alongside this, I completed ILM professional certificates in Leadership and Management, gaining formal qualifications to match my practical experience.
• Career Progression – Over nine years, I have worked across 15 Leonardo Hotels in Ireland and the UK, overseen three refurbishments, and managed three hotel takeovers. My journey has taken me from graduate trainee, through leadership roles in Oxford, Christchurch, Galway, and across Ireland, to my promotion as Hotel Manager at Leonardo Derby in 2025.
• Mentors, Lecturers & Development Support – At every stage, I’ve benefited from the guidance of my college lecturers, the mentorship of managers I worked under, and the outstanding support of the Learning & Development team at Leonardo Hotels. T

heir coaching, expertise, and encouragement have been critical in shaping me into the leader I am today. My career has been built on a combination of hands-on experience, structured development programmes, and the invaluable support of mentors and colleagues — all of which have prepared me to lead with confidence and passion as a Hotel Manager.

 

College Lecturers – At GMIT, my lecturers provided both the academic knowledge and encouragement to see hospitality as a long-term career. Support and patience from my family and friends helped me get into the industry. They guided me to pursue opportunities like the Leonardo Graduate Programme, which launched my career.
• Early Managers in Private Hotels – While working part-time, I learned from managers who demonstrated strong work ethic, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. Their example taught me the importance of balancing guest experience with team support.
• Mentors within Leonardo Hotels – Throughout my progression, I’ve been fortunate to work under managers who coached and challenged me. Their guidance helped me take on bigger responsibilities and prepared me for leadership roles across multiple hotels.
• Learning & Development Team at Leonardo Hotels – The L&D team has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through programmes like Accelerate and the High Potential Programme, and providing opportunities to build leadership, operational, and strategic skills.
• Networking & Industry Connections – Attending industry events, awards, and partner networking sessions has also been hugely influential. Meeting peers, learning from other hotel managers, and collaborating with industry partners broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas for running hotels effectively. These experiences collectively shaped my skills, mindset, and leadership style, helping me grow from a graduate trainee to Hotel Manager at Leonardo Derby, while always staying connected to the wider hospitality industry.

 

I first discovered Leonardo Hotels during a careers day at GMIT about nine years ago. At the time, I was working in private hotels, but when I learned about the Leonardo Graduate Programme, it really caught my attention. The programme sounded like a fantastic way to grow a career in hospitality while getting exposure to multiple areas of hotel operations. The application process was thorough — it included several interview stages and an in-person assessment centre. That experience alone gave me great insight into the professionalism and standards of Leonardo Hotels, and I knew it was the right path for me. I was successful in securing a place on the graduate programme and started my journey at Leonardo Parnell Street, Dublin.

From there, I progressed through several leadership roles across the UK and Ireland:
• Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager – Leonardo Oxford
• Assistant Food & Beverage Manager – Leonardo Christchurch
• Front Office Manager – Leonardo Galway
• Project Deputy General Manager – supporting 5 Leonardo Hotels across Ireland

These roles gave me an incredible foundation in both the operational and people-management sides of hospitality. I also had the opportunity to oversee three hotel refurbishments and three hotel takeovers, gaining hands-on experience in change management and large-scale projects. In time, I was promoted to Interim Hotel Manager at Leonardo Christchurch, which allowed me to step up and prove myself in a senior leadership role. Most recently, in July 2025, I was promoted to Hotel Manager at Leonardo Derby, where I am now leading the team and continuing my journey with the company.

Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of working across 15 Leonardo Hotels in Ireland and the UK, which has been both challenging and rewarding. What I love about this industry is that no two days are the same — you’re constantly learning, solving problems, and most importantly, working with people.

 

My day usually starts by greeting the team in the morning, checking in with department heads, and reviewing the morning reports to get a snapshot of occupancy, arrivals, and any immediate operational issues. I then review the pickup reports and follow up on anything that happened the previous day, ensuring smooth handovers between shifts. Throughout the day, I monitor guest reviews and respond where needed, while keeping a close eye on financial performance to make sure targets are on track. I also review any employee relations issues, monitor payroll, and provide guidance or support to my team wherever it’s needed.

A big part of the role is ensuring hotel standards and procedures are consistently followed, from housekeeping and front office operations to food & beverage and events. I spend time coaching and mentoring my management team, helping them solve problems, and making sure the hotel runs efficiently while maintaining a great guest experience. No two days are exactly the same, but the mix of people, operations, and strategy makes every day rewarding and keeps me learning constantly.

 

Hospitality is a fast-moving industry, so there’s always something to keep me on my toes. Market conditions, from fluctuating business demand to recruitment challenges, can be tough, and competition in the sector is strong. It’s also important to stay ahead of technology and evolving guest expectations. I’m fortunate to work with excellent teams across the company, each with expertise in their area — from operations and marketing to learning & development — who constantly push us forward and help keep us ahead of the market. We also have access to some of the best tools in the industry, including expert AI systems, which support smarter decisions and improved guest experiences. These challenges keep me engaged, learning, and constantly innovating, making the role exciting and rewarding every day.

One of the coolest things about being a Hotel Manager is having people look up to you and being able to inspire others. I love getting invited to careers days and talks, where I can share my passion for hospitality and show students the huge career development opportunities in the industry. No day is the same — I can go from organising ice cream vans and fun employee weeks to carrying out first aid or fixing unexpected issues during shifts. I’m also fortunate to have excellent support and development from the senior leadership team and the Learning & Development team, which helps me grow professionally while leading my hotel. On top of that, I enjoy attending networking events and awards ceremonies, and the perks are some of the best in the business, from employee rates and family discounts to wellbeing support. It’s the mix of mentoring, people, variety, support, events, and perks that makes this role so rewarding and fun.

I bring a combination of operational experience and people-focused skills. I’m friendly, approachable, and positive, which helps create a welcoming environment for both staff and guests. Having recently been in my team’s shoes, I understand their challenges and can provide practical guidance, coaching, and support. I’m also focused on learning and development, mentoring colleagues across other locations and working with partners on placement opportunities to support the next generation of hospitality professionals. Alongside this, I bring strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills, ensuring the hotel runs smoothly while keeping the team motivated and engaged.

In school, I studied a mix of practical and academic subjects, including Home Economics, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, LCVP, Science, Irish, French, English, and Maths. Each of these has influenced my career in different ways: 
• Technical Drawing helped me develop spatial awareness and attention to detail, which I now use when looking at hotel layouts, elevations, and fire plans.
• Home Economics gave me a strong foundation in food safety, kitchen management, and practical organisation, which has been invaluable in food & beverage operations.
• Business-related subjects, including LCVP, Maths, and Science, developed my analytical thinking, problem-solving, and management skills, which are key in running a hotel successfully.
• Languages and communication subjects like English, Irish, and French have helped me communicate effectively with teams and guests from diverse backgrounds. All of these subjects combined to give me a broad skill set that prepared me for a career in hospitality management, where I use practical, analytical, and people skills every day.

 

I hold a degree in Bar and Restaurant Management, which gave me a strong foundation in hospitality operations, customer service, and business management. Alongside this, I’ve completed extensive internal learning programmes through Leonardo Hotels, including the Accelerate Programme and High Potential Programme, which developed my leadership, operational, and strategic skills. I have also completed external professional learning, including:
• ILM Level 4 and Level 5 certificates in Leadership and Management
• Fáilte Ireland training courses
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft training
• Certifications in Fire Marshall, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Manual Handling, Occupational Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Responsible Serving of Alcohol In addition.
I hold membership with professional bodies such as the Institute of Hospitality, the Irish Hotels Federation, and Fáilte Ireland, and have received personal recognition awards from the Institute of Hospitality for my contributions to the industry. This combination of formal education, professional development, certifications, and industry engagement has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead effectively as a Hotel Manager.

Several subjects and courses have been especially relevant to my role as a Hotel Manager:
• Business and Accountancy modules – These were incredibly useful for understanding financial management, budgeting, and performance analysis, which I now use daily when reviewing hotel financial reports, monitoring profitability, and making operational decisions.
• Home Economics and Food Management – Provided practical knowledge in food safety, kitchen operations, and team organisation, which has been invaluable when managing food & beverage operations.
• Technical Drawing – Developed my attention to detail and spatial awareness, which helps me when reviewing hotel layouts, elevations, and fire plans.
• Leadership and Management training (ILM Level 4 & 5, internal programmes like Accelerate and High Potential) – Gave me structured tools for leading teams, mentoring staff, and developing operational strategies.
• Fáilte Ireland and health & safety courses – Built expertise in guest safety, compliance, and wellbeing, ensuring high standards across all departments. Overall, a combination of practical, analytical, and leadership-focused learning has equipped me with the skills I need to run a hotel successfully, manage teams, and make strategic decisions every day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is seeing how far I’ve developed and grown. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. On the first day of our graduate induction, we were asked to write down where we saw ourselves in the future — I wrote General Manager by 30. Little did I know I would achieve it at 27! I’m proud of my achievements, from awards and professional certificates to leading significant projects, including an €8 million refurbishment in Christchurch, involved in other refurbishments, and being involved in three hotel takeovers. Most recently, being promoted to Hotel Manager has been an incredible milestone. What makes it all worthwhile is that I wake up every day doing a job I love, and I’ve never regretted the years of study and hard work that brought me here.

I believe several personal qualities have been key to my success in hospitality:
• Driven and Ambitious – I set goals for myself and work hard to achieve them, whether it’s progressing through roles or leading major projects.
• Friendly and Approachable – I build strong relationships with my team, guests, and colleagues, creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Adaptable and Resilient – No two days are the same in a hotel; I stay calm under pressure and adjust quickly to challenges.
• Curious and Committed to Learning – I see every day as an opportunity to learn, whether through internal programmes, external courses, or on-the-job experiences.
• Supportive Leader – Having recently been in my team’s shoes, I can mentor, coach, and guide others effectively while understanding their perspectives.
These qualities help me lead teams, drive results, and continuously grow in my career while enjoying the work I do every day."

Yes, definitely! Being a Hotel Manager is busy and varied, but Leonardo Hotels really supports a healthy work-life balance. I have a good level of flexibility in how I manage my time, which makes it easier to balance work and personal life.

On top of that, there are some fantastic perks that make the job even more rewarding:

                  • Employee rates and family & friends discounts on hotel stays, perfect for personal travel or special trips.

                  • Lots of opportunities to learn and develop, through structured programmes like Accelerate and High Potential, as well as ongoing training.

                  • Networking events with industry partners and peers, which are great for sharing ideas and growing professionally.

                  • Excellent benefits, including a pension scheme, well-being support, and life assurance.

All of this means I can fully enjoy my career while having a lifestyle I’m happy with — it’s a job that’s challenging, rewarding, and supportive both professionally and personally.

If you’re thinking about a career in hotel management, my biggest advice would be:
• Be curious and open to learning – Hospitality is fast-moving and every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
• Be people-focused – Building strong relationships with your team and guests is key to success.
• Be adaptable and resilient – No two days are the same, and challenges are part of the job, so being flexible and solution-oriented is essential.
• Take every opportunity to grow – From work placements and graduate programmes to training courses and networking events, every experience counts toward your development.
• Enjoy what you do – It’s a demanding role, but if you’re passionate about hospitality, it can be incredibly rewarding and fun. Hospitality offers massive career development opportunities, and with dedication and a positive attitude, you can progress quickly while making a real difference every day.

1. People-Focused – Being friendly, approachable, and able to build strong relationships with both your team and guests is essential.
2. Adaptable and Resilient – Hospitality is fast-paced and unpredictable, so staying calm under pressure and adjusting quickly is critical.
3. Driven and Ambitious – A strong work ethic, goal-setting, and the motivation to continuously learn and improve are vital for career growth.

Yes, I’m really lucky to have amazing support from our company, with a wealth of learning opportunities available internally through structured programmes, workshops, and mentorship. There are also external learning providers, offering part-time or full-time courses, as well as online classes that I can access to broaden my skills. I believe that every day is a learning day, especially in hospitality, which is constantly evolving. At the moment, I’m focusing on growing my commercial expertise, taking extra internal and external courses to help me make smarter business decisions and continue developing as a leader.

A strong background for a career in hotel management comes from a mix of operational, customer-facing, and leadership experiences.
• Front-of-House Roles – Working in reception, concierge, or guest services helps you develop communication, problem-solving, and guest relations skills.
• Food & Beverage Experience – Roles in restaurants, bars, or banqueting teach teamwork, attention to detail, and operational coordination.
• Housekeeping and Operations – Understanding back-of-house functions builds appreciation for hotel standards and process management.
• Supervisory or Team Leader Roles – Any experience managing staff or shifts develops leadership, coaching, and organisational skills.
• Work Placements or Graduate Programmes – Structured programmes provide exposure to multiple departments, training, and career development opportunities. Having hands-on experience across different areas of a hotel helps you understand operations, manage teams effectively, and prepare for a leadership role like Hotel Manager.

Hotel Manager with Leonardo Hotels