November 14th 2020

I’m one of those people who firmly believes in a meritocracy and get somewhat tired of those who bang the ‘we must have more women in the boardroom’ drum or ‘we should be more diverse’. A well-balanced team has diversity and a strong female male balance because the leadership understands the importance of such, not because the media or quangos say we should. Similarly I hear so much about how ‘Saudi Arabia needs to change’. Says who? The uninformed, because they see a difference to their own way of life and culture or view it as a seemingly dated way of life. Saudi will change because they want to.

The current times there are akin to that of a cultural revolution, with the leadership demanding fast change because they want it to happen, not because of the pressure of others. They seek inspiration not just from their near neighbours, but from leading lights around the transformative world; Saudi will not become ‘another Dubai’, but another Saudi Arabia.

I have clients in Saudi who are demanding the best of the best and in working with knowledgeable visionaries and educators they will craft a unique destination, including our world of hospitality and tourism. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us to not only rebuild the sector we’re deeply embedded in here in the UAE, but to bring our global talent and insight, not just a geographical myopic focus, to a Kingdom that will no doubt stun us with their gigaprojects and the sector as a whole.

I’ve always been one that seeks out female talent. They have always brought a decisive no-nonsense but balanced approach in my experience. I’ve had three female bosses in my career, and all of them juggled an impressive life balance that few of us fellas could manage. I’m also lucky in that I’ve worked extensively around the world and can offer perspective and insight within a diverse and balanced team where no-fear leaders hire diverse talent, nurturing a culture that brings strength and prosperity.

In this month’s edition of Hotelier, we read about the first female GM in Saudi, who has taken over a new Park Inn by Radisson in Jeddah. We wish Maram Kokandi well in her role and I offer a vision that she will blaze a trail in the Saudi hospitality sector, inspiring many more to join her. This shouldn’t be historic, but it is nevertheless, and will inspire not just females in the Kingdom but males who can now see a bright new career in the hospitality sector. It also highlights real opportunity for a growing sector where many have been nervous about transitioning their career to the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.

Despite the challenges that face our industry we will continue to read about these rays of sunlight such as Maram. This transformative time will see agile leaders emerge in a sector that is still growing at a rate like no other. I, for one, crave a more female and diverse leadership. It adds much needed inspiration to the 50 shades of male grey in last month’s edition of the most powerful in the industry.

David Singleton has worked in the hospitality and retail industry around the world as a brand builder, creator, operator, franchisee, and franchisor for some of the world’s best known and respected brands. He moderates, speaks, writes, advises and mentors across the hospitality and service sectors globally. Find out more at www.sociusgroup.com, www.davidsingleton.work and @singletoncity