Hailey Cavanagh, Bistro Team Leader of Blue Fin Fishing Club, is a dedicated leader with a deep passion for hospitality. In this Q&A, Hailey shares her journey, leadership approach, and insights on balancing career and motherhood.
Which women Inspire you the most?
My mum inspires me most, each and every day.
“Women have the same capability as men – if not more!”
What inspired you to start your business or pursue this career path?
I started working at 12 after school and on weekends and just taking orders and washing dishes and learning more and more about hospitality . Hospitality has so many aspects and you can keep growing and learning new things no matter what role you are in.
What failure or setback are you most grateful for, and how did it shape who you are today?
Life gives you setbacks as a way to learn and grow, starting working at 12 at the bottom of the tier and working my way up wasn’t an easy accomplishment but not giving up and preserving through those challenges.
What’s a misconception about women in business that you wish would disappear?That women don’t have the same capability as men. But they do have the same capability as men-if not more.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
As a first time mum international woman’s day means so much more this year than any others.
The amazing things woman can do. From growing whole baby in their bodies and having that child dependent on them for everything imaginable and working to provide for their families to give them the best possible life. Women are magical.
Kerrie Fenwick, Operations Manager of Blue Fin Fishing Club, has built a successful career in hospitality through dedication and hands-on experience. After discovering her passion while working overseas, she climbed the ranks from bar staff to management. In this Q&A, Kerrie shares her journey, leadership philosophy, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
What inspired you to start your business or pursue this career path?
I chose to pursue a career in hospitality after I travelled overseas in my mid 20’s. I worked for Contiki Holidays as a Mobile Cook and Site Rep for 4 years and really enjoyed meeting new people and working with a team.
How did you navigate challenges early in your career?
By learning from my mistakes. I’m still learning every day.
“I like everyone to feel included and part of the team”
What strategies have you used to lead and inspire your team?
I try to lead by example. I don’t ask our staff to do anything I wouldn’t or haven’t done myself. I like everyone to feel included and part of the team.
What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
I have worked at The Blue Fin Fishing Club for 14 years now. I can’t think of a particular moment I am proud of, but I am proud that my work ethic has been recognised. I have been promoted and worked my way from a part time job into a full-time career. I started off working in the bar and after a few years was promoted to Duty Manger and now I am the Operations Manager.
