Hospitality’s Hidden Power: Women, Influence, and What Comes Next

The dojo.live show / Interviews with Visionaries Shaping Travel Tech

How do visibility, support, and self-advocacy shape stronger leaders, smarter strategies, and better business outcomes?

In this episode of dojo.live, we’re joined by Rachel Lehman, Director of Innovation & Integration at Hyatt and Chairwoman of Women@Hyatt, for a candid conversation about women’s leadership in hospitality. From the power of mentorship to the persistent gaps in executive representation, Rachel explores why women remain underrepresented in roles like operations, finance, and tech—despite making up the majority of the industry’s workforce.

She shares how visibility, sponsorship, and authenticity can shape stronger leaders and smarter strategies, and why so-called “soft skills” are actually key business advantages. This episode also highlights how employee resource groups and a culture of real support can help women stop playing the game—and start shaping it.

Rachel Lehman​ is the Director of Innovation & Integration at Hyatt and Chairwoman of Women@Hyatt, where she has led the resource group’s growth from 250 to over 500 members and championed data-driven programming to deliver the support women need most. During her time with Women@Hyatt, she’s led initiatives that build both confidence and community—from self-defense sessions to workshops that tackle tough conversations head-on. She’s also mentored women at all career stages, driven by a passion for helping them lead with authenticity—and navigate around the pitfalls she’s seen too many encounter.

About Rachel Lehman