#205 Iana Galai: Hospitality is not just service, it is about self-expression

From podcast to community to global movement — Inspire has been a journey I never could have predicted when I first hit record five years ago.In this special episode, I reflect on how it all began: the conversations that shaped the Inspiring Women in Hospitalitypodcast, the small roundtables that sparked bigger ideas, and how it grew into a worldwide network of women supporting each other.It’s a story of growth, connection, and the belief that together, we can change the face of leadership in our industry.Check out the website for more details: https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/

On 7 November 2025, we’ll be gathering in Londonfor the inaugural Inspire Influence Live — a fully immersive one-day workshop designed to equip women in hospitality with the skills, confidence, and influence to make a real impact.With guidance from an incredible advisory board and inspiring facilitators, this closed-door event will give you the chance to:⛰️ Build and pitch a business case with live feedback⛰️ Practise self-advocacy through role-play in a safe space ⛰️ Connect across generations, roles, and companies ⛰️ Be mentored by influential leaders in our industrySeats are limited to keep it intimate and impactful — secure your spot today!🌍 And if this goes well, we’ll be bringing it to more cities in 2026.👉Learn more & book your place: https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/events

On this episode we hear from Iana. Having started her career in education, she then decided to transition to becoming an entrepreneur and training soft skills and English language skills in hospitality based out of Cambodia through herdigital learning start-up LX Labs. She really believes that it is through training that you can have an impact on someone's career. She is on a mission to multiply this impact by making it accessible through all.You can contact her via LI or email for discovery calls about LX Labs or for women who want to start their own business. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iana-galai/Email: [email protected] Her inspiration are the young generation, the energy they bring, willing to grow and how fast they learn.

Guest: Sucheta RawalOn this episode we hear from Sucheta. A multi-passionate in food and travel. She is a writer, founder of a non-profit to travel sustainably and a speaker. But she started her career more traditionally as an investment banker in the US,before she transitioned into what she loves doing today. It was a journey of discovery and identifying the values of her life and leaning fully into them. It was when she was sharing about her inspiration, her grandmother, was whenshe was exposed to travel and how they can be 'windows to the world'. Sign up to Sucheta's substack here: https://suchetarawal.substack.com/p/the-pr-relationship-rollercoaster Connect with heron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suchetarawal/ Her inspiration is her grandmother.

Guest: Jamie Cooperstein On this episode we hear from Jamie. Originally wanted to be a journalist, it was a conversation with her cousin who sold her on the joy of service when she pivoted to hospitality and made a career out of it. She started as a concierge thatallowed her to showcase the fabulousness of the city. Later she transitioned into luxury residentials, motivated by a desire to have better working hours socially. After her master and experiencing teaching as an adjunct professor,she learnt her love of providing education. This w as the catalyst for her to start her own business as a consultant. You can find the link to Jamie's book below:https://jcoopconsulting.com/book/  Speaking, training, consulting or working on policies and procedure are all reasons you can get in touch with Jamie via her website as well: https://jcoopconsulting.com/contact/  Her inspiration are the front line staff of hospitality.

Guest: Andreea BodeaTitle: Investment Director @ Pygmalion Capital Advisors  She shares her journey in hospitality that started in Romania working with her parents at their vegetable farm where she learnt the talent of customer service. Three phases of her career include operations, advisory and now investment. Turning points in her career are moving abroad to study, moving from operations to advisory and having key mentors in her career to support her journey. You can contact Andreea for help with the technical side of excel and building models. She is also happy to openup her network to you depending on where you need support. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-bodea-01167a83/ Her inspiration is her grandmother.

In this episode, Naureen reflects on the importance of setting boundaries, sharing personal and professional moments that taught her the necessity of caring for herself while pursuing the mission of gender balance. 🌟She discusses how this theme will continue in upcoming Inspire Community sessions, inviting listeners to join the Q3 2025 cohort by July 10th. 🌸Listen now:Apply to join the Inspire Community: https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/membership

Episode Summary:In this reflective solo episode, Naureen shares her personal journey over the past five years—from starting the Inspiring Women in Hospitality podcast to building a thriving global community dedicated to gender balance.She explores:What it means to be a changemakerThe role of community and mentorship in transforming ideas into movementsHer experience building the Inspire Community and its growing impactHow imposter syndrome and self-doubt often accompany leadership and innovationAn invitation to join a free taster session on June 30thWhether you're a long-time listener or new to this space, this episode is an invitation to reflect on your own role in creating change—and to consider how you might step into it more fully.🗓 Join the free taster session on June 30th: subscribepage.io/c7TcY4🌍 Learn more about the Inspire Community:https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/membership

Why I Created the Inspire Community – And Why Now Is the Time to Join🎧 Listen Now💬 Episode Summary:In this episode, Naureen, Founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, shares the story behind the creation of the Inspire Community—a global space built for connection, visibility, and growth. With Q3 2025 membership applications now open, Naureen reflects on the personal gaps she faced in her own career and how those experiences shaped the structure and purpose of the community today.She dives into the need for deeper conversations, tailored mentorship, and support that goes beyond surface-level networking. Whether you're growing into your leadership, looking to clarify your identity, or seeking a space where your voice is heard—this episode is for you.✨ In This Episode, We Cover:What was missing from traditional networking spacesHow the Inspire Community supports your leadership growthWhy mentorship, visibility, and shared experiences matterThe power of collective growth and giving backAn invitation to apply for Q3 membership🔗 Links & Resources:Apply to the Inspire Community: subscribepage.io/9AqnthLearn more: https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/membershipFollow Naureen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naureen-ahmed-28253a35/💡 Takeaway Question:What action will you take today to grow your leadership and expand your visibility?

n this heartfelt solo episode, Naureen explores a deeply personal and universal theme—community. Sparked by conversations, interactions, and her own reflections while preparing to reopen her membership community for Q3, she takes us on a journey through isolation, belonging, and the healing power of human connection.Naureen shares:Her experience of fierce independence and the isolation it brought, especially during COVIDHow loneliness during lockdown led to the birth of this very podcastThe value of family, friends, and even salsa as communities that brought joy and connectionWhy she felt the absence of a professional community during her corporate career—and how it inspired her to create the Inspire CommunityThe evolution of her events from intimate roundtables to global gatheringsA call to action: show up, engage, and be visible in your communityWhether you find community in your family, your local café, a sports club, or your industry, this episode reminds us that we are not meant to do this alone.🧭 Questions to reflect on:Who or what is your community?Where do you go to feel connected?What will you do to create or nurture your own community?💬 Let’s connect: Tag me and share your story of community. I’d love to hear it!Apply now to be part of the Inspire Community membership here: https://www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com/membership