Ashley Hylbert
As the first female Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel, Dee Patel is no stranger to the reality of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
“As a woman in leadership, I, like many others, have been subjected to unfair stereotypes,” she says. “On occasion, people have misconstrued my transparency, honesty, and confidence as arrogance, so I have fought to develop a strong sense of self and trust my inner voice.”
IGNITING A PASSION
I was born in Coventry, England. At the age of 14 I made my first trip to the United States, which evolved into me staying for a year. I started ninth grade in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and began to navigate the culture of the South. Upon graduating high school I moved to Charleston to attend Johnson & Wales, which is where my passion for luxury hospitality began. After graduation I was approached to join the opening team of the Hermitage Hotel. I could tell this was an opportunity I could not pass up. I asked the general manager if he would allow me to oversee housekeeping, despite no prior experience. While not the most glamorous, housekeeping is the most essential department in a hotel. I needed that experience at the start my career trajectory. With a puzzled look, he smiled and offered me the position. That is what led me to my current role—years of taking every chance to raise my hand for added responsibility, which has always led me to new opportunities.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE JOB
As Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel, I love the adrenaline rush that luxury hospitality brings. In our fast-paced industry, you never know who is showing up, checking in, or dining with you. You touch so many people in so many important moments of their lives; it ensures that no two days, weeks, years are the same. Hospitality is also an international environment, which, with my background and culture, is a perfect marriage. I treasure working with our incredible team with their diverse backgrounds, traditions, and experiences. These relationships continue to enrich my life and foster a unique company culture.
LEADERSHIP LESSONS
A strong leader builds a strong team, rooted in humility and unafraid of hiring stronger people than themselves. They boldly push and empower their team to look beyond the obvious to deliver results, spurring collaboration, creativity, and ingenuity. Honest feedback is key, as is encouraging your team to mirror that transparency back. That is what facilitates and builds trust.
A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD
While the numbers of female leaders are growing in hospitality industry, it is still deeply unbalanced. Societal, generational, political, cultural and traditional inequalities are still very present, so we must continue making strides towards greater gender equality. The saying goes “it takes a village.” In this case, it will take the entire society. I hope to see my daughter and son be part of that change.
HOME SWEET HOME
I have lived in Nashville for 16 years, the longest that I have ever lived in one city. When I moved here as a young, single Indian woman in her early 20s, my sole focus was my career. Today, I am the fortunate mother of two children, Elissa, 9, and Evan, 7, and married to an amazing man who is not only a great father, but a wonderful husband, friend, and supporter of my ambition. I work for the best company alongside a team of likeminded, devoted, and passionate people. And while I have grown, I have watched Nashville grow alongside me. What an amazing city it continues to become. I am proud to call it home.
BUSINESS ADVICE
Be relentless, be persistent, and champion your own results. Perception is reality, so be the first to raise your hand to demonstrate eagerness and drive. Accept a seat at the table and remember to use your voice. Never underestimate yourself!