Meet the Mentor: Ylenia Taltavull-Lopez
Senior UK Operations Manager at Sonder
How did you get into the hospitality industry? Where did it start for you?
The truth is that I stumbled upon hospitality when I was a little unsure of what to do when I finished the equivalent of A levels. I knew I loved travelling and I dreamed about seeing the world. I also love architecture and interior decor, so working in hotels seemed like a great idea as I saw it as a vehicle to work in beautiful buildings and support my travels.
Do you think having access to mentors would have helped you in your career?
Absolutely! So much. I have been fortunate to have great mentors helping me along the way, and I wish I would have understood the benefits of having a mentor earlier in my career. It is so useful to have and know someone open and transparent with work struggles and know that this person is there just to help you.
Who would be your dream mentor?
So many people that I would be able to learn from.
Arianna Huffington, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Oprah, Michelle Obama, Anna Bisell, Kate Nicholls...to name a few!
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self coming into hospitality?
Be confident about who you are and make sure you shout out about your achievements! And network, network...
Who has been a good mentor to you in your career so far?
I have been fortunate to have great mentors but if I can single out a few people I would say I learned a lot from Vijay Bhandari, Adam Munday and Bernadette Gilligan. All so different but a great inspiration.
What is your best, worst or funniest hospitality story?
So many stories, that it is hard to choose. Building and being part of a fantastic team at the Melia White House was one of the best experiences. One of the worst and funniest at the same time would be having to check in 100 Italian guests and a football team at the same time in a lobby that was under refurbishment. That took some effort...
What restaurant/bar/hotel/cafe brand is worth keeping an eye on for 2023?
Ennismore because of the fantastic brands they are curating. Sonder because of the disruptive business model and great culture.
Do you think you need higher education to be a success in the hospitality sector?
I think higher education always helps but it is not essential. But you need to find a way to keep on learning, not only on the job but also doing courses on the side. I believe in continuous learning, it is so important.
Would you recommend others to do the mentoring programme? Both as a mentee and a mentor.
Yes, very much! Having a mentor is like having a big sister/brother helping you when needed. And always give back, so if you can, be a mentor. You will help someone and also learn at the same time.
Ylenia also came on our podcast Spilling the Tea and you can listen to her on the episode below.
If you’d like to find out more about how to become a mentor or what the benefits are, you can do below!