EXPERT SESSION ON WOMEN AND GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP – SHAPING INDIA’S INCLUSIVE FUTURE

DATE – 03 SEPTEMBER 2025

The BGS Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore, organized an Expert Session on “Women and Generational Diversity in Hospitality Leadership – Shaping India’s Inclusive Future” on 03 September 2025. The session was led by Dr. Prachi Thakur, an eminent academician, researcher, and industry mentor known for her significant contributions to Gender Studies, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Leadership Development in the hospitality sector.

The hospitality industry in India is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with inclusivity, gender equality, and multi-generational collaboration emerging as vital drivers of progress. Against this backdrop, the session provided students, faculty, and participants with a forward-looking perspective on how women leaders and generational diversity can together shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry.

Objectives

The session was designed with the following objectives:

1. To highlight the growing role of women in hospitality leadership and their impact on organizational success.
2. To examine the importance of generational diversity—from Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z—in shaping workplace culture.
3. To sensitize participants to the need for inclusive policies and practices in hospitality organizations.
4. To explore challenges and opportunities faced by women leaders in a male-dominated industry.
5. To encourage future hoteliers to adopt inclusive leadership models that resonate with India’s socio-cultural fabric.

The Session commenced with a formal welcome and Opening Note by Ms. Esha V, Faculty, Food & Beverage Service, who introduced the theme and emphasized the significance of inclusivity in hospitality leadership.

Chef Jasmeet Kaur introduced the Resource Person, Dr. Prachi Thakur, outlining her distinguished academic career, her role as Faculty at Sunway University, Malaysia, her research on diversity and inclusion, and her recognition as a two-time TEDx speaker and Technical Coordinator of the 2nd Regional Conference on Women Empowerment in Asia and the Pacific.

Dr. Thakur began her talk by contextualizing the current landscape of hospitality in India, noting how globalization, technology, and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the sector. She then elaborated on:

• Women in Leadership: Sharing statistics and case studies of successful women leaders in India and abroad, Dr. Thakur highlighted how female leadership styles—often collaborative and empathetic—add value to team cohesion, customer engagement, and organizational culture.
• Generational Diversity: She explained the unique characteristics of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z in the workplace. Using relatable examples, she showed how generational strengths, when harnessed together, create innovation, resilience, and productivity.
• Challenges & Barriers: Dr. Thakur addressed issues such as unconscious bias, work-life balance struggles, lack of mentorship, and glass ceiling barriers for women. She also touched upon intergenerational conflicts that arise in workplaces.
• Inclusive Strategies: She proposed actionable solutions such as mentorship programs, flexible workplace policies, gender-sensitive HR frameworks, and leadership development initiatives.

The session was interactive, with students posing thoughtful questions on topics like career advancement, balancing family and career in hospitality, and how young professionals can adapt to multi-generational teams. Dr. Thakur’s responses combined theory, practical examples, and motivational advice, making the discussion lively and engaging.

Closing Note

The session concluded with a Closing Note delivered by Ms. Poornima Venkatesh, who reflected on the importance of translating such powerful discussions into daily practice. She reminded the audience that inclusivity is not a destination but a continuous journey, requiring sustained effort, empathy, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. She encouraged students to view themselves not just as future professionals, but as ambassadors of inclusivity who can bring change to the Indian hospitality industry.

Vote of Thanks

The formal proceedings ended with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Drishya Prabhakar, who expressed her gratitude to Dr. Prachi Thakur for her inspiring presence and insightful perspectives, to the Principal and Faculty Members for their vision and support, and to the students for their active engagement. She acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts of the organizing team and emphasized that such sessions reinforce BGSIHM’s commitment to academic excellence, thought leadership, and social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the two-hour session, participants were able to:

• Understand the critical role of women in hospitality leadership and their contributions to industry growth.
• Gain insights into generational differences and how these can be harmonized in workplace culture.
• Identify the barriers to inclusivity and strategies to overcome them.
• Recognize the importance of mentorship and networking for aspiring women leaders.
• Develop an appreciation for inclusive leadership practices that can redefine the future of Indian hospitality.

The Expert Session by Dr. Prachi Thakur successfully achieved its objectives by creating awareness and inspiring the next generation of hoteliers to value diversity, inclusivity, and equity. By addressing both gender and generational diversity, the session reinforced the idea that true leadership in hospitality lies in embracing diversity as strength.

The BGS Institute of Hotel Management remains committed to organizing such thought-leadership initiatives that equip students with knowledge, sensitivity, and vision to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.