#CareerFocus with Stefania Bettoja F&B Manager, Bettoja Hotels

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have always loved hosting guests at home, and to this day, I still enjoy organizing large lunches and dinners with many invitees. Moving into the hospitality industry wasn’t a huge leap for me. Even though I joined the family business under unique circumstances, welcoming people has always come naturally to me.

2. What work do you do?

This is a tough question because I do so many things! I started as a Food and Beverage Manager, but over time, I expanded into overall quality control. I focus a lot on how guests perceive us, taking on a wide range of tasks—from redesigning interior spaces like our Lounge Bar to overseeing the presentation and amenities of our rooms. My job is to identify what needs to be done and ensure it happens.

3. How long have you been in the industry?

I entered the hospitality industry in 2017, so it has now been eight years since I started.

4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.

I have always enjoyed working. Before this, I had a career as a television presenter for RAI, the Italian national broadcaster. While I dedicated a lot of time to raising my children myself, I also always nurtured my professional life. I firmly believe that it is important for women to work and pursue their passions.

5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?

To succeed in this industry, you need a taste, attention to detail, and, most importantly, strong communication skills!

6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?

My biggest challenge was earning the trust and respect of my cousins, who didn’t know me well. I had to gradually integrate myself into the company and prove myself over time.

7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?

My advice to other women in this industry is to gradually be patient and earn respect rather than acting impulsively. For young women entering the field, I recommend courage and grace. I greatly appreciate young people and truly believe in the power of fresh talent. When I first started working in our company, it was a predominantly male environment, but over time, that has changed. Recently, a young female family member joined the business, and I’m happy to share this space with her.

8. Who inspires you in your industry?

My greatest inspiration and support has been our General Manager, Gianfranco Bassan, who has worked here since he was 20 years old and is now 65. He knows everything about this company better than anyone else.

9. What’s the best advice / key learnings have you received from your industry peers?

The best lessons I have learned from my cousins are the importance of patience, adaptability, and earning respect through actions rather than words. They helped me integrate into the company by sharing their knowledge, guiding me through the business dynamics, and allowing me the time and space to find my own role. Their support and mentorship were invaluable in helping me establish myself within the family business.

10. What is your leadership style?

My leadership style is friendly, approachable, and kind—but firm. If I say no, it’s a no. I am well-liked by everyone, but if something isn’t right, I have no problem addressing it.

11. Have you experienced failure in your career, if so, what lessons did you learn from that?

I wouldn’t call them true failures, but when I worked at RAI, I went through some challenging moments. However, I see them as difficult experiences rather than failures. It was a highly competitive environment where you had to constantly fight to stand out.

12. What are your plans for the future?

As for my future plans, I intend to continue growing within our family business, which I feel deeply connected to. Every morning, I wake up and come to work with a smile—and that’s something I want to keep doing. enthusiasm, and passion. And in this industry in particular, you need to have a love for hospitality—as if you were welcoming guests into your own home.