The Magic of Collaboration – And Why It Can Feel So Scary

In hospitality, there’s no such thing as doing it all alone. Our industry thrives on fast footwork, quick decisions, and the kind of support that only comes from working as a team. But when it comes to collaborating with each other, especially woman to woman, something strange can happen. We hesitate. We hold back. We question if there’s room for all of us.

Why? Because for many women in cafes and restaurants, it’s been drummed into us, directly or indirectly that success is scarce. That there’s only room for one at the top. That sharing ideas means risking someone else running with them. That vulnerability is weakness.

But here’s what we’re learning, and what Women in Cafes and Restaurants stands for: that mindset is outdated and it’s holding us back.

Collaboration isn’t about giving away your secret sauce. It’s about building something greater, together. It’s about swapping skills, sharing lessons, and creating a network where women feel safe, seen, and supported.

We’re not competition we are community.

When women collaborate, we bring fresh energy into the room. We challenge outdated systems. We co-create solutions, uplift others, and set a new standard for what leadership looks like in hospitality. And when we push past the fear of being outshone, we discover something even better: the joy of shining together.

Let’s rewrite the script. Let’s remind each other that there’s more than enough room at the table and if not, we’ll pull up another chair.

Because the future of hospitality isn’t just female it’s a collaboration!