International Women's Day Q&A with Laura Jamieson

Ahead of International Women's Day on Friday 8th March, we spoke to Laura Jamieson, newly appointed Resident Manger at 100 Princes Street. She kindly shared some career highlights and spoke about what International Women's Day means to her personally, and the steps she's taking to promote gender equality and empower women within her new role. 

Congratulations on your new position at 100 Princes Street! Could you elaborate on what it means to you to be taking on this role?  

Thank you. Taking on the role of Resident Manager at 100 Princes Street is the most exciting opportunity for me in my career to date. It represents more than just a professional milestone, it’s a testament to my dedication and hard work and most importantly, recognition of the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. As a woman in my twenties, this role demonstrates that hard work does pay off and there are significant opportunities available to individuals regardless of age or gender. Being involved with every stage of the build-up to the opening of 100 Princes Street has been an exciting challenge and I am now eager to see the hotel operational and functioning under my leadership.

Could you share what you love about Edinburgh as a city, and how its unique attributes align with your professional and personal values? 

Edinburgh really does seem to have it all. It's lively, cosmopolitan, and full of energy but also steeped in history and tradition. These values really do seem to encompass the qualities of a Red Carnation Hotel and I am keen to build on them. There is so much to be discovered here in terms of food and beverage, from small artisan makers to the great world-renowned whisky distilleries. We are incorporating multiple local elements into the hotel as well as providing guests with the best view of Edinburgh Castle in the city.

Reflecting on your career highlights, could you share some key milestones and experiences that have shaped your professional journey? 

I joined the Management Training Programme at Red Carnation Hotels after a summer spent at The Old Government House Hotel & Spa in Guernsey and I haven’t looked back. My journey took me to Ashford Castle where the staff, the guests and the inspiring Ashford Castle itself worked its magic and I quickly climbed the ladder, moving first to Duty Manager and then to Guest Services Manager. The mentorship offered at Ashford Castle and the encouraging and nurturing environment built my confidence. I learned to trust my abilities; when my own manager had to take a leave of absence, I seized the chance to take on the increased responsibility and was able to thrive in the role.

There are good moments and more challenging ones in every job, but I approach every day with the determination to do my very best and ensure that our guests enjoy exceptional hospitality from me and all the team. Life is about constantly learning whatever your level and my forward plans are to build on my experiences to date and continue to develop and grow. 

How do you personally interpret and celebrate International Women's Day, and what role do you believe it plays in promoting gender equality and empowering women? 

The strength of women should never be underestimated and determination to reach your goals is a powerful motivator. International Women's Day is a global reminder of the collective strength and resilience of women worldwide and it emphasises the importance of striving for a more inclusive and fair society for all.

In the context of International Women's Day, how do you envision your new role at 100 Princes Street allowing you to continue supporting and uplifting women in the workplace, and what initiatives do you hope to implement to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment? 

Successful hospitality relies on strong foundations. At 100 Princes Street, we are keen to establish a mentorship and professional development programme to support all staff. My hope is that this will particularly encourage and empower the young women within our team. The programme will provide opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career advancement, helping to cultivate a channel of future female leaders within the business. We're all on the same team, and when we work together with positivity and respect, there's no limit to what can be achieved. Ultimately, I want every woman to feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach her full potential. It's about creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, and I'm excited to be part of that journey.