Meet the Mentor: James Godwin
James Godwin is the People & Business Administration Director at Harbour Hotels Group. With over 30 years of experience, James is an incredible person to have as a mentor as part of the programme. We found out a bit more about his career and some of his favourite moments!
How did you get into the industry? How did it start for you?
1994/95 - I started as a Kitchen Porter in a privately owned independent bar and restaurant - I loved it! I then worked in operational roles in restaurants (Restaurant Manager/Area Manager), before moving into Learning & Development/Human Resources roles over 10 years ago.
Do you think having access to mentors would have helped you with your career?
It did! I was lucky to have access to a mentor (and a coach!) and this definitely helped me achieve my goals. I think having a Mentor can really help keep the momentum going on the career journey.
Who would be your dream mentor?
Sir Richard Branson - he just seems to get the people-first philosophy.
What would your advice be to your younger self coming into hospitality?
Work hard, play hard. Enjoy every minute; if you don't enjoy it, move on. No hard feelings.
Who has been a good mentor to you in your career?
There have been several, but Alison Gilbert was a stand-out mentor (and still is!) - always asking if work was my best, challenging me to learn new things and helping generate a profile that generated positive exposure internally and externally.
What is your best, worst or funniest hospitality story?
On my first day as a waiter, I carried two steaks and chips to a table of two and tripped as I approached the table. Everything went into the lap of the gentleman. My life flashed before my eyes and I thought my career had ended before it began. I thought how my boss was going to be mad at me, the chef was going to be even more mad and the customer would shout at me...
But none of that happened; what did happen was the customer reassured me that he was ok, no harm done. The manager helped clear everything up and the chef was understanding in cooking two more steaks. If that one incident had caused a different set of reactions, I doubt I would have stayed in hospitality.
What restaurant/cafe/hotel/bar brand is worth keeping an eye on in 2023? Who is doing exciting, interesting things?
I will be intrigued to see how Jamie Oliver's new restaurant performs and sits in the marketplace. I also really rate The Pig group, couple more openings in the next couple of years. I love what they do.
Do you think higher education is necessary for a successful career in hospitality?
Not necessarily; whilst I am a massive fan of apprenticeships in the hospitality sector, I also recognise that they and higher education generally are not for everyone. I think success is more related to ambition, behaviour and your ability to show your true passion for hospitality. There are some roles that require specialist training/qualifications, but that can be learnt at a later date!
Would you recommend to others to do the mentoring programme? Both as a mentee and mentor.
Absolutely!!! No hesitation! Get involved!
Find James on Linkedin
If you’d like to find out how you can become a Mentor, please click here.