Leading with Empathy: Reflections from Fine Food Show

Last week at the Fine Food Show, I had the privilege of hosting a panel on “Women in the Industry: Leadership, Empathy, and the Way Forward.”

It was a conversation that not only highlighted the challenges women in hospitality continue to face but also celebrated the progress being made and the collective wisdom of those who are paving the way forward.

Hospitality has traditionally measured leadership through outcomes, profit, growth, efficiency. But as we discussed on the panel, the leaders who will truly transform our industry are those who lead with empathy. Empathy doesn’t dilute strength, it amplifies it. It creates safer workplaces, builds loyalty, fuels creativity, and allows us to bring out the very best in our teams.

I was joined by four incredible women, each of whom shared insights that left the room inspired:

✨ Judy McMahon – A true industry pioneer, Judy reflected on the moment she took over from her husband and how she reshaped the business in her own right. Her story was a powerful reminder that leadership is about evolving, adapting, and daring to do things differently.

✨ Tara Senam – Tara spoke with conviction about the importance of sticking to your values. In an industry that often pressures us to compromise, her point landed deeply: values are the compass that guide us through tough decisions and allow us to build workplaces we can be proud of.

✨ Marilyn Annecchini – Marilyn shared openly about a period when she was going through a rough time, and how her community became her anchor. It was a reminder that leadership doesn’t mean standing alone, it means leaning on others, and building networks that lift us up when we need it most.

✨ Michelle Grand-Milkovic – Michelle spoke passionately about mentorship, showing how guiding the next generation of women is one of the most impactful ways to leave a legacy. Her dedication to empowering others is a blueprint for what sustainable leadership looks like.

For me, one of the strongest takeaways from the day was the importance of role models. Young women in our industry need to see women ahead of them leading, speaking, making tough calls, and shaping the future. When they see it, they can believe it’s possible for themselves.

We also touched on the role of male allies, how vital it is for men not only to support women but to actively call out poor behaviour when they see it. Change doesn’t happen in silos, and inclusion will only become reality when everyone takes responsibility.

The energy in the room was electric. People left with practical steps, fresh inspiration, and, I hope, a renewed sense that we are moving toward an industry that is more inclusive, sustainable, and human.

To those who joined us, thank you for being part of the conversation. These aren’t easy topics, but they are necessary ones. And every time we bring them into the open, we move closer to change.

* I’d love to keep this conversation going. If you’re passionate about supporting women in hospitality, creating safer workplaces, or leading with empathy, let’s connect. And if you haven’t yet, come join our growing Women in Cafes and Restaurants community, we’re stronger together. Judy McMahon Fine Food Australia Marilyn Annecchini Michelle Grand-Milkovic