2022-12-15
The first and only female hotel manager in Monaco
British-born Victoria Stevenson is paving the road for strong women to follow in her footsteps as the first woman hotel manager of the Principality of Monaco.
Victoria Stevenson was born in the North East, in Hartlepool, England. To locate Hartlepool, its closest main city is Newcastle.
Do you have any funny memory related to your birth city?
"Well, Hartlepool, is known for allegedly hanging a monkey during the Napoleonic Wars in the belief it was a French spy," - laughs Victoria.
She was only four years old when her family relocated to the Principality of Monaco. Victoria's father got a job in Monaco and, though her father's job ended up taking him around the world, her parents decided it would be a great place to raise four young children.
You arrived in Monaco at a very young age. Can you recall any of your first memories of being here?
"I would say my earliest memory was playing at the old Larvotto play area and learning how to roller skate down the big ramp."
Did you always want to work in the field of hospitality?
"I always knew I wanted to do something that enabled me to bring joy to others. I relish the opportunity to have an impact on turning a moment of someone's life into something special."
"I DO BELIEVE MONACO NEEDS MORE WOMEN LEADERS. I AM A PROUD MEMBER OF "FEMMES CHEFS D'ENTREPRISES" AND CAN TESTIFY THAT UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS A LONG WAY TO GO TOWARDS A BETTER BALANCE.
HOWEVER, THINGS ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, MONSEIGNEUR NOMINATING SEVERAL WOMEN TO HIS CABINET AT THE END OF 2021 IS PROOF THAT THE DESIRE TO BRING CHANGE IS THERE."
How would you compare your hospitality experiences in the UK and Monaco?
"Culturally, these are two different worlds.
The staff turnover in the UK (London) is a lot higher than in Monaco, which means you bring in new people more frequently, and consequently, new and fresh ideas drive innovation. I would say the environment is a bit more competitive and you have an Opportunity to grow fast within that dynamic work environment.
Monaco on the other hand, enables long-term customer relationships with the team creating a home-from-home atmosphere for our clients, which is special."
You are the first and only female hotel manager in Monaco. How does this feel?
"I am proud. I do hope I will not be the only one for long! Like many roles, historically they were not seen as female ones due to the work/life balance challenges they bring.
Monaco, due to its size, proximity to family, makes it more achievable for women to have these types of roles. I have worked extremely hard to get here. I have been supported by my family and I have had some great mentors along the way."
Do you think women are different in leadership?
"I would from experience say yes. We naturally see things differently, at times have a more sensitive and sensible approach to the business and people. Many have learned to juggle family and work commitments, developing strong multitasking skills, making us really valuable in the workplace, our empathy, patience, and care is essential. It is important to have diversity and the right gender balance in business."
"I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING THAT ENABLED ME TO BRING JOY TO OTHERS. I RELISH THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON TURNING A MOMENT OF SOMEONE'S LIFE INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL."
Do you think Monaco needs more women leaders?
"I do believe Monaco needs more women leaders. I am a proud member of "Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises" and can testify that unfortunately there is a long way to go towards a better balance. However, things are going in the right direction, Monseigneur nominating several women to his cabinet at the end of 2021 is proof that the desire to bring change is there."
What was the biggest challenge so far in your career?
"I would not say I have had one. Every challenge is different, and I don't see them as difficulties but as new experiences, learnings, and ways to work to overcome them. I love getting stuck in a challenge and surrounding myself with the right team to overcome it."
You are an inspirational and strong woman. Are your children proud of their mum?
"Thank you. I hope they are and believe so. They are still young and maybe don’t understand all the ins and outs of what I do although I try to explain it to them and hope to be a role modem in allowing them to believe they can follow their dreams. Our family motto is “can do”."
Do you have any daily routines?
" I think the only one really stick to is ensuring I am home to read to my children their bedtime story at 7.30 pm sharp! I went into this industry because every day is different and that is what drives me. I am not a big fan of routines for myself."
You do boxing as a hobby. How did this sport come into your life?
" I got into boxing during the last 18 months, which have been undeniably challenging mentally and physically. I had to find something that would fit into my schedule of a General Manager and a mum, and the times worked. I found it to be a good escape to relieve the tension."
