BIG LEADERSHIP IN PRACTICE: INTRODUCING WomenTHAT
What we do today, significantly impacts what happens tomorrow.
In my book, Big Leadership, I talk about the need for leaders to step up to the challenge of proactive, expansive leadership. To develop Big Vision, make Bold Decisions and take Brave Action to create the future.
Today, I am sharing a practical example of Big Leadership, by introducing you to the WomenTHAT movement, led by Sarah Derry.
In Sarah’s words and from the website:
How WomenTHAT Was Born
After stepping down as CEO of an International Hotel Chain in 2024, I was contacted by women of all ages, across our industries and around the globe, asking the same question: how do we ensure women continue to have a strong future?
That question stayed with me. Over six months, I thought about the extraordinary opportunities our industry had given me. Travelling the world, building a career, and meeting people that had shaped my life. I knew we had to do more.
In September 2024, while speaking at a conference, the idea came: we needed something new. Not just a network or event series, but a movement. A movement that does diversity differently, one grounded in allyship so that women aren’t walking this journey alone but supported by everyone. Because when women thrive, our whole industry is stronger.
And so, WomenTHAT was created.
Our History Making First Meeting
On 3 December 2024, Sarah Derry with the help of Lynn Lewis-Smith and Dr Stacey Ashley brought together twelve women over lunch to ask: what do we need to do to continue progress, to ensure women are in the leadership conversations and create a vibrant, diverse industry?
This was a question many senior leaders including Sarah have been asked by women across the industry over the past 18 months.
From that simple beginning, a gathering of Women across the Hospitality, Accommodation, Travel, Tourism & Events was born. What started as a bi-monthly lunch group quickly grew into a founding community, bringing together leaders who wanted to share, support and imagine a bigger, bolder future for women.
But as we grew, one thing became clear: this wasn’t just about what we needed it was about who we are and how we act.
Since then, this group has grown. Meeting regularly to develop the core principles and Mission:
Our Misson
To champion women in the Travel, Hospitality, Accommodation, Tourism & Events industries.
At WomenTHAT, we are dedicated to creating a unified voice that inspires and unlocks opportunity for all women through collaboration, allyship, connection and advocacy, because when women succeed, our entire industry is stronger.
We are a community of action that lifts everyone up.
This is diversity done differently. Together.
What We Stand For
- IMAGINE: A future where more women achieve their full leadership potential.
- INFLUENCE: Progressive, innovative, allyship approaches to a modern workplace.
- INSPIRE: Women across industries to step up, stay in, and shine
Who We’re Here For
Women in the Travel, Hospitality, Accommodation, Tourism & Events industries.
- Women at every stage of their careers from frontline roles to boardrooms who want to imagine bigger futures and influence real change.
- Leaders and role models who open doors, mentor others, and show what’s possible.
- Allies and sponsors who believe that when women rise, our entire industry rises with them.
- The next generation students, early-career professionals, and Gen Z voices who will bring fresh ideas, courage, and ambition.
- Employers and partners who want to attract, retain, and advance diverse talent while building stronger, more resilient businesses.
Because when women succeed, the Travel, Hospitality, Accommodation, Tourism & Events industries succeed.
I was proud to join Sarah on stage at the NoVacancy event at the Sydney International Convention Centre this week, as she announced the launch of WomenTHAT.
You can follow the WomenTHAT LinkedIn Company Page here.
And if you are in the Travel, Hospitality, Accommodation, Tourism and Events industries you can join the movement, WomenTHAT LinkedIn Group.
Big Vision, Bold Decisions and Brave Action create the future.
I’d love to know your thoughts.
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