What does it take for women to thrive in an industry often perceived as more favourable to men? “Confidence, resilience, and a willingness to learn,” shared Nathali Fernando, Manager - Guest Services at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Nathali’s journey from management trainee to her present role as a manager at one of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts' leading city properties is just one of the many notable success stories of women at Cinnamon who are not only thriving in their role but are also redefining hospitality for women in the industry.

Pursuing a passion and stepping into the world of hospitality
Nathali’s love for hospitality began at an early age. Influenced by her father’s career as a hotelier and reluctant to be confined to a routine 9-5 desk job, Nathali grew up fascinated with exploring the world and meeting new people. Although hospitality was a lifelong dream growing up, Nathali initially pursued a career in finance, believing it was the practical choice. But even with the security of the finance sector, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

One day, while scrolling through social media, Nathali came across a story on the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Facebook page about Gayani Punchihewa and her journey from a management trainee to leading the front office. Gayani’s success story was the spark Nathali was looking for and the inspiration for the turning point in her career. When she shared her desire to transition to hospitality with her family, her parents expressed concerns about the societal perceptions of women in the industry. However, her elder sister extended her unwavering support to Nathali’s decision and stood by her. “What she did for me went beyond support; she assured my parents I should be allowed to follow my passion.”

With her family’s blessing, Nathali eagerly monitored for openings for the next ‘Cinnamon Lead’ – the Management Trainee program of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. When the opportunity arose, she applied without hesitation. When others questioned her decision about leaving a stable job for a challenging career in hospitality, she stood her ground.  “I walked into the interviews with a clear idea of what to expect and confident of my skills,” she said on securing a spot in the program.

Breaking Stereotypes and Celebrating values-driven leadership
During her 18-month training, Nathali embraced every challenge with determination which exposed her to different aspects of the industry, equipping her with leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. “Entering the hospitality industry without prior experience can be daunting but every challenge has been worth it.” She rotated through five properties, both in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, including Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, where she now serves as Manager - Guest Services.

Looking back, Nathali underscores how pivotal mentorship has been to her success. From the start, the training program connected her with key mentors within Cinnamon, including former Learning & Development Manager at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo Malaka Mihira and Front Office Manager Gayani Punchihewa, whose own success story had inspired Nathali to join the company. “I have rarely felt that I was treated differently as a woman or a beginner. Having a mentor who understands the unique hurdles faced by women in hospitality makes a world of difference because they offer support, insight, and encouragement when times are tough.”

As a young woman in a leadership role, Nathali believes in the importance of self-belief and continuous learning.  “Confidence is essential; it will help you tackle challenges head-on and make decisions with conviction,” she advises. “It’s also important to prioritize continuous learning as the hospitality industry needs adaptability and a problem-solving mindset.”

She credits internal programs like the John Keells Speechcraft and Debate competitions for enhancing her communication and leadership skills, which have helped her immensely in her role in guest services.  “Facing strong male competitors only fuelled my determination,” she says, noting how these experiences boosted her confidence in expressing her ideas and connecting with people effectively.

Major opportunities for growth and development in hospitality
Nathali’s road to leadership challenges the common perception that hospitality lacks opportunities for advancement. Her exposure to different departments has equipped her with a broad understanding of the industry, its challenges and triumphs, empowering her to manage her staff and make informed decisions effectively.

For this, she credits the company’s inclusive culture and supportive framework, emphasizing the strength of Cinnamon’s leadership, company policies and mentors in her success. “The company’s culture of teamwork, learning, and inclusivity empowered me to embrace every opportunity, fuelling my determination to succeed in this vibrant industry.”

Looking to the future, Nathali is optimistic about the opportunities for women in the industry. “The hospitality industry is evolving and there is a growing focus on diversity and inclusion which will present major opportunities for women to break the glass ceiling, move up the ranks and lead through senior positions.”

Her advice for aspiring young women considering a career in hospitality? “Never let others dictate what you can or cannot do. If you love what you do, then hospitality can be a fulfilling career.” She encourages young women to embrace the challenges, seek mentorship, and remember that growth often lies outside of one’s comfort zone.  

Nathali’s story is a powerful reminder that the hospitality industry is changing and is now ripe with opportunities for growth, leadership, and skill development. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has always been a champion of recognizing and fostering value-driven leadership within its workforce. The company’s ethos of empowering employees through initiatives like the Management Trainee program, inter-sector competitions and mentorship programs have built a platform for women like Nathali to break through traditional boundaries and push for their full potential.