Walpole: What does your role entail, and how long have you been doing it?
Charlotte Weatherall: As Director of Sales & Marketing for Corinthia London, I am responsible for the ensuring the hotel is positioned to achieve the highest revenue performance possible. I have worked in luxury hospitality for over 20 years and been at Corinthia London for just over a year.
What’s your career background and what makes you passionate about what you do?
My career in hospitality started with Starwood Hotels & Resorts completing their management training programme ‘Vita Futura’. From there I moved into sales and marketing, and have been fortunate to hold a number of roles in both disciplines in the UK and UAE with brands such as Westin, Rocco Forte, Mandarin Oriental, Langham and, now, Corinthia.
I am fortunate enough to work with fantastically talented people who have an incomparable energy for making others happy. I feel truly privileged to experience luxury every day; travelling to the most amazing places, staying in beautiful hotels and dining in the best restaurants and be able to call it ‘work’. It's not hard to feel passionate about that!
How has your sexuality and/or gender identity been a source of strength on your journey into your sector?
Identifying openly as a lesbian was not something that came easily to me at the start of my career. I did not see many role models at that time and, as so much of my role involved building meaningful relationships with others, I lacked confidence sharing my sexuality, fearing judgement, worrying I would make them feel uncomfortable or the conversation would become awkward and having concerns that it would ultimately lead to discrimination for progression.
Have you ever faced negativity towards your sexual orientation within your career – and, if so, what effect did that experience have on you?
I have been very fortunate and am certainly not aware of any occasion where negativity has been directed towards me specifically because of my sexuality. Perhaps instead I would share that I have experienced uncomfortable moments or disappointing conversations caused by a lack of knowledge, in particular around the time my wife and I were expecting our first baby and having to explain my rights for paternity leave or receiving comments which left me feeling less respected as an equal parent in comparison to what I believe a heterosexual couple would experience. These moments have always left me more motivated to try and create a better, more understanding path for others after me.
Do you think attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have shifted in your time in the industry?
I think within certain identities hospitality has shifted significantly and provides one of the safest and most inclusive environments to work within, however there is still a long way for the industry – in particular, luxury hospitality – to go in ensuring the attitudes towards all identities are positively and equally welcomed, both as guests and employees.
What’s a significant obstacle for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace that you feel isn’t talked about enough - and why is it important to highlight?
It's important to talk about the needs of the trans community – I believe there is a reluctance to consider gender neutral changing facilities and toilets in hospitality. Also, we have grooming and uniform policies within our industry that tend to encourage a more traditional approach to gender stereotypes (hostesses in dresses and heels etc).
Is there a person in your industry or sector from the LGBTQ+ community who inspires you or has helped you on your journey?
Bob Van Den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, was the first gay man I worked for. He was always authentic and encouraged me to feel confident to be my authentic self as well. He would invite my wife to events, always speak about her and include her in conversations, and encouraged me to embrace and feel proud of the community I am part of.
What career advice do you have for younger members of the LGBTQ+ community who are entering your industry?
Find an environment that supports and encourages you to be your authentic self, you will flourish much better in it.
What does Pride in the workplace mean to you?
Pride in the workplace is an environment which supports each individual being the most authentic version of themselves and their personality and opinions being valued and encouraged.
