Robert McHugh speaks to Janet Moore, director of the Mespil Hotel, about her journey in the hospitality trade.
The Mespil Hotel in Dublin opened its doors in April 1995 and is owned by the Kidney Family. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the four-star hotel is part of the Lee Hotel Group, it is one of the largest independent hotels in the city with 260 rooms.
Janet Moore was made director of the Mespil Hotel in 2022. In this interview, she discusses her journey in the hospitality trade and what her plans are for the future.
What was your first job in the hospitality industry, and how did that experience shape your passion and commitment to the field?
I started working in our local hotel in Virginia, Cavan when I was about 15 years old. Being honest, hospitality as a career was not on my radar before this but my experience working in the industry as a teenager encouraged me to pursue a Hotel Management course in what is now ATU in Galway. I continued to work weekends in the hotel while at college and also worked in local bars at home.
I got a real “buzz” and loved going to work. It was so social, energetic and diverse – I really engaged and fed off this energy. I had a great experience in college – I completed two placements during my time – Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin and a small family-owned hotel in Evian, France. Both were very positive for me, and I had no doubt about continuing my career in the industry.
Upon finishing college, I moved to Dublin and started to work in Jurys Burlington Hotel at the front desk and subsequently moved into a duty manager role. I spent a few years with the Burlington before moving to the Mespil as front office supervisor.
Can you elaborate on the factors that led you to decide on your career direction? Were there any influential individuals or experiences that encouraged you to take the route you have taken?
What led me to a career in hospitality was the positive experiences I had at a young age in the hotel and bars at home in Cavan. The owners of the hotel where I worked were so passionate about the industry. They ran the business as a husband and wife team with their two sons living above the property. Both their sons were involved from a young age, and I ended up going to college with their eldest son in Galway.
I could see the hard work that it took to operate a 24/7 business, but also the rewards and success it created. It intrigued me and I was fascinated that the business wasn’t just about operations; it also teaches us so many other skills – including finance, HR, sales and marketing – as well as life skills.
Throughout your journey, could you walk us through the various roles you have held in your career and the significant lessons you have learned from each experience?
When I started working in the Mespil hotel in 2002 as front office supervisor, I immediately got a great feeling from the property. Within a short timeframe of about six months, I was encouraged by senior management to apply for an upcoming role in the hotel as duty manager. I took the advice on board, went for interview and got the promotion.
I continued to grow within the hotel in various roles – assistant manager, front office manager and a promotion to deputy general manager (DGM) in 2006. I was supported throughout my journey; I did take some knocks along the way but looking back these helped prepare me for the future.
I have grown up in the hotel and the learnings and experience for me have been invaluable and I couldn’t have had a better place to progress my career. During my time as DGM, I ran the hotel operations but I was also given the opportunity to see the workings of managing a hotel successfully – involvement in the hotel finances, annual budgeting, people management – there are too many areas to mention!
I spent 12 years in this role - the leadership, honesty and inclusion I was exposed to meant I was ready for the next step. In 2018, I was promoted to general manager – thrilled is an understatement. I had stayed patient and focused on learning and so achieved my goal. Six years on and I love the industry now more than ever.
Which industry networks have you been a part of that have provided vital support and contributed to your career progression?
Networking is part of our business – we learn from our colleagues, and it is great to keep the lines of communication open. We keep our fingers on the pulse and there are so many great networking opportunities to allow us to do this.
I am involved with the Irish Hotels Federation Dublin branch and hold the role of secretary currently. I intend to continue my involvement with the branch and support the IHF to carry out their role for our industry. They offer support and information to their members and are only a phone call away. Also, the IHF Skillnet programme is not only also an excellent training platform, but it is also a great way to network with colleagues from around the country.
In your experience, what are the most significant challenges you have faced while working in the hospitality industry, and how did you navigate through them?
There have been many challenges along the way, but where would we be without challenges! From a personal perspective taking on the role of general manager (GM) was probably one of the most challenging. I had been wanting the opportunity for so many years, but your outlook and priorities do change considerably when ‘the buck stops with you’! I had to learn how to manage the change and step into the shoes of my predecessor and continue to run a very successful property.
While daunting at times, it has been a privilege working in a place I love, with a team of wonderful people supporting me.
Professionally, there have been many challenges to navigate – several renovation projects, the pandemic and rebuilding the hotel and team after that time. To manage successfully you must take a helicopter view, lead the team with clear goals, open communication as well as trust those on the journey with you to represent the hotel and look after our people. A manager must create structure and security for the team – everyone needs to have a purpose and feel they are making a difference.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals and aspirations, and how do you envision making a lasting impact in the hospitality sector?
I was delighted to be made a director of the Mespil Hotel in late 2022. It was a great honour that my commitment to the company and the owners was further acknowledged.
My goal had always been to become GM and achieving that, along with directorship, has surpassed my expectations.
I remain committed to my role with the company, and I will continue to grow my career with Lee Hotels. Our industry needs people, and it is our responsibility to promote this. We work closely with TU Dublin to promote the industry and the endless opportunities available by offering the Lee Hotels Scholarship to students in Hotel Management; the talent is there we just need to tap into it.
We operate the Mespil with people at the forefront, both our team and guests. This ethos is important to me; happy people make for a happy workplace. We have worked hard to develop our product, reach the top 10 hotels in Dublin on TripAdvisor and be named as one of the Best Workplaces in Hospitality in 2024.
