Happy International Women’s Day!
Inn Style’s team is a diverse group of individuals, most of which happen to be fierce women!
This is not common to see in the technology space, and Inn Style is proud to celebrate each one of our incredible women powering our product and brand.
In celebration of this important day, we’ve asked these amazing women to share a bit about who they are, how they contribute to what you see at Inn Style, and to reflect on what IWD means to each of them.
Emma Knight
Product Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have always had a passion for travel and spent my early working life as a Travel Agent. I have two children who are growing up fast now aged 12 and 15! In my spare time I’m actively involved with our local church and a Beaver leader. I also enjoy good food, the theatre and a glass of wine with friends!
Tell us about your role at Inn Style .
I’ve been a team member here at Inn Style for 11 years. Having supported our customers in the early days to now being product manager, no one day is the same. I enjoy working with development team to make our product better and implementing customer feedback.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
There has definitely been some progress in gender equality since I first started out in the world of work. There are more and more women in leading roles and they are an inspiration to others around them. It is hard work, but it is possible to have a family and a career!
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
Tech is still a male dominated world, however it’s great to be at the fore front of the design and build of an application like Inn Style. If you have a passion for code and building technology that people rely on then follow your dreams, we add a different dimension and thinking which compliments our male colleagues!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I previously worked as a Travel Agent for 12 years before I joined the Inn Style team. I’m passionate about life and people. I love spending time with my family and friends. I am a mother and a leader of a ladies group that share similar interest eg: enjoy a breakfast or lunch on a wine farm, visit Markets and jogging.
Tell us about your role at Inn Style.
I am part of the customer support team and I enjoy every moment of it. I love helping our customers getting to know our product better and all the amazing features. Problem solving is a huge part of what I do, and finding the solutions is always rewarding.
What does IWD mean to you?
This day makes me proud to be a woman. IWD is a special day where we empower, honor and celebrate the beauty and strength of women all over the world, women have made a remarkable impact and still continue to do so. In South Africa we have a phrase “If you strike a woman you strike a rock” and this represents the courage and strength of women, their tenacious spirits and fearlessness.
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
- Love what you do – “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”
- Never stop learning – always look for opportunities to grow.
- Don’t let self doubt get in the way – be confident in your own abilities.
Samantha Williams
Customer Support Team
Madelaine Herman
Sales Team
Tell us a bit about yourself .
I have been in the travel & touring industry for 9 years and I have a great passion for all things travel! I have been lucky enough to do quite a bit of travelling during those 9 years. During my off time, I have a very energetic toddler who keeps me busy and we love to spend time at the beach soaking in the summer sun!
Tell us about your role at Inn Style.
I am part of the sales team here at Inn Style. I am usually an establishments owner’s first friendly face they meet during their time at Inn Style. I promote our amazing product via virtual demonstrations and phone calls.
Why do we need more women in leadership?
As leaders, women are capable of making bold and sensible judgments, which helps to make the team climate less authoritarian and more cooperative, giving the team a family-like feel. This improves collaboration across the organization and aids in the implementation of a new corporate culture.
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
Listening to the wisdom and counsel of those who have made errors and learned how to fix them is a terrific approach to learn something new, as well as to gain some fresh ideas and share them with others.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been working in the Travel Industry for many years. I find the industry ever changing and exciting. Working on the more technical end of the industry has taught me so much and I love it so much. I have a love for the outdoors and feel blessed to live one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am a huge fan of staycations to support our local economy.
Tell us about your role at Inn Style.
I am currently in a customers service role at Inn Style for the last 2 and half years. Loving everyday of it as no one day is the same as the next.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
Women have become more empowered over the years. It is very refreshing to women making huge life decisons not only for themselves but in manage roles as well. More and more we see women standing up for themselves and their ideas.
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
Never be afraid to learn, never be afraid to ask questions.
Ronelle Blows
Customer Support Team
Hannah Benneworth
Commercial Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself.
After a studying for a degree in French and Spanish, I moved to France in 2006 to work for a tour operator, where I worked in all areas of the hotel industry, and then managed hotels for several years. When I returned to the UK in 2013 I continued to work in hospitality until I joined Inn Style in 2016. I live by the seaside with Phil and 3 month old Lily, and when I have free time I like running, cooking and going to the gym.
Tell us about your role at Inn Style.
I started my career at Inn Style in a support role, where I really got to learn about the product and how to transfer my knowledge of hospitality into the role and to improve the product. I’m now the Commercial Manager, which allows me to build relationships with our partners and customers and to grow the Inn Style business and make sure people have the best product on the market.
Why do we need more women in leadership?
In my opinion, it’s about having the right person for the job, regardless of their gender. Women need to be seen as equal to men within this industry and to be given the same opportunities as men regardless. Once this happens, we’ll automatically see more women in leadership roles, setting an example for those to come after us.
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
Believe in yourself and don’t apologise for it!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m proud to have been in the marketing industry for 8 years, and in the travel and tourism sector for 5 of those amazing years. My career allows me to be creative and truly work in a realm I am passionate about. I am based in Cape Town with my wonderful husband, Damion, and my gorgeous 9-month-old baby girl, Maddison.
Tell us about your role at Inn Style.
I have been part of this amazing team for just over a year. In this time, I’ve had the opportunity to grow in my role and responsibilities, with the full support of the team at large. As the Marketing Manager at Inn Style, I have the privilege of telling our story and making sure our brand’s voice is consistent in everything we do. And, I have a lot of fun doing it!
What does IWD mean to you?
It’s a day to commemorate our incredible achievements as women! IWD is an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate the progress we’ve made as women this far, as well as an important platform to highlight where we’re going next.
What advice do you have for women in your industry on IWD?
The opportunities available to you are endless. Being a woman is a strength, never a weakness.
Dominique Carter
MArketing Manager
Thank you, for your contribution to Inn Style every day!