International Women's Day
Watergate Wonder Women
Brilliant women from all walks of life work at Watergate Bay 24-7, 365 days a year.
But to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’d like to introduce you to a handful of them – talking in their own words about who they admire, striking the right balance, job satisfaction and what they do when it’s clocking off time…
The most satisfying aspect of what we do…
Morwenna White, senior therapist, Swim Club
“The career progression – and being invested in. I’ve worked at Watergate ever since I was at college studying level 2 beauty therapy – and when I was fully qualified, Watergate funded my further training in hot stone therapy, reflexology and sports massage. In my role now, almost 10 years later, I’m passionate about mentoring and training our therapists to our unique way of working.”
Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“Meeting the expectations of our guests and the team. It’s incredibly rewarding to know and hear that our guests enjoy their experiences with us, and that the team is feeling motivated, listened to, and happy.”
Tammy Driscoll, Kids’ Zone manager
“Seeing families waiting for sessions, watching them come bounding down the corridor and returning year after year. Settling the first-timers and giving them some wonderful experiences and family memories. Seeing young teenagers turn into wonderful adults who still wander around to say hi! Also furthering team knowledge and skills.”
Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
“Creative thinking and problem solving. We're continually evaluating the way we do things and amending or improving where needs be. Whether it's turning around a guest query or thinking of how we can add value to the business, while applying our brand and B Corp values to all that we do.”
Daisy Potter, Kids’ Zone and Beach School supervisor
“Teaching guests about the Cornish coastline, promoting and celebrating it. I’m really passionate about it. As well as working outside!”
Some Watergate women we admire
Helen Bishop
“Head of sustainability and engagement. She’s gifted, warm and perceptive. She has such an easygoing way that draws people to her. She’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever worked with, and she never gives up. She’ll always just keep going until the job is done.” – Judi Blakeburn, brand director
Tammy Driscoll
“Our Kids’ Zone manager – she has such a wealth of experience both with children and the hospitality aspect of her role. She has a very demanding role but manages to strike the balance between looking after our wellbeing and ensuring we're doing our jobs to a high standard.” – Nicki Ellar, Kids’ Zone supervisor
Christina Knight
“Our food and beverages manager, who supports and believes in me, even if I don’t. The amount of help and encouragement that she’s given me – I’ve never felt more motivated and ready to take on new challenges. She’s my idol, and the one I look up to to be a better manager, person and teammate.” – Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“Pinpointing a singular woman here is an impossible task. There are far too many to mention. So many powerhouse women, not only in leadership roles, but also in our grass roots roles who just 'get it done'. I'm inspired daily by their intelligence and can-do attitudes, compassion and humour. I'm in awe of them.” – Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
Striking the right balance…
“Last year, I discovered that I probably have ADHD. This new understanding has given me an insight into how I operate, process, communicate and ultimately the impact on how I work and my success. It’s been nothing less than life changing, and with the support of my team and manager I’ve been afforded the chance to explore various ways of working – and my successes have been many.” – Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
The constant challenge is balancing the guest experience from a hotel perspective, with the Ofsted requirements for running a daycare setting. I feel we’ve achieved it. Most new team members come from full-time daycare backgrounds, which is very different to our setting. Here, there’s less pressure and less paperwork, which gives more time with the children to develop new skills that can hopefully be used in their adult lives.” – Tammy Driscoll, Kids’ Zone manager
“Being so immersed in my job, I have to remember that focusing on something else entirely is really important too – to keep things in perspective, and balanced.” – Judi Blakeburn, brand director
When we’re not working…
Tammy Driscoll, Kids’ Zone manager
“I’ve always had a passion for interior design and repurposing unwanted furniture. I love giving items new life and a new home. Reading is another passion – I was brought up watching Agatha Christie dramatisations and have made it my mission to read all of her Poirot and Marple novels by the time I reach 40! The first lockdown renewed an interest in gardening and growing fruits and vegetables – my dream is to have an allotment which would enable us to become self-sufficient…”
Nicki Ellar, Kids’ Zone supervisor
“I love being outdoors and in the sea, so having a role where we can take the children out to the beach and be outdoors is amazing. I also try to fit in sea swims (in the warmer months) and outdoor walks around work.”
Morwenna White, senior therapist
“You’ll usually find me at the gym, in a group exercise class, or catching up with friends over coffee/lunch. I also enjoy the outdoors, getting in the sea, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding."
Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
“I'm known to be partial to a nap! I’m also a lover of design, particularly Mid Century Modern design; in the winter, I love poking around in quirky shops and flea markets, hoping to find beautiful treasures for our unconventional home. In the summer, you'll find me at the beach and in the sea with my loved ones or camping with my other half, reading a book and people watching.”
Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“I’ll be outdoors, playing with my dogs in a field…a solid two hours throwing a ball to my never-getting-tired Belgian Shepherd. Or else having a coffee in my garden when the spring comes, and catching up with my closest friends.”
Daisy Potter, Kids’ Zone and Beach School supervisor
“Surfing, netball, cooking, socialising with friends, coastal walks, yoga, outdoor activities, drinking coffee and relaxing!”
Judi Blakeburn, brand director
“I love spending time with my family at home. We’re very close and they’re my favourite people to be with. Also exploring Europe by train.”
International Women's Day - Wednesday 8 March 2023
A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.
#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity
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Boutique Hotelier Women in Hotels
To mark International Women’s Day, Boutique Hotelier are shining a spotlight on the women in the hotel industry showcasing innovation and resilience. While the hospitality industry at large is making important strides to address gender equality, only 26% of senior leadership positions are currently occupied by women, despite making up 50% of the workforce.
The list of 49 remarkable women will be announced at a celebratory brunch in London on 8 March and includes our own brand director, Judi Blakeburn FCIM. The event is designed as a unique opportunity for women in the earlier stages of their hospitality career to be inspired by hospitality leaders and hear all about how they have advanced in the workplace and achieved success. Several of our team will be at the event.