Kate Harper featured in HM Magazine’s Powerful influence editorial on exemplary female leaders
As seen in HM Magazine
April 2026
LEAD AUTHENTICALLY
The expectation for women to “do it all” continues to be a significant challenge.
To grow the representation of women in leadership positions, it is important to design authentic workplace flexibility that champions family lifestyle. I have been fortunate to experience this, making it my priority to balance a successful career while protecting family time.
Experience has taught me not to emulate male leadership styles, but rather to realise the importance of what women bring to the table in leadership roles. We bring diverse thinking, life experience, and skillsets, which, when fully embraced, contribute to a more balanced approach towards projects and overall business success. Today, we are seeing more women in leadership roles across the hotel industry and within our own business at Salter Brothers.
From a predominantly male-dominated space when I first started in the industry two decades ago, the landscape has changed dramatically and continues to progress.
One of the most important lessons I have learned from one of my mentors is to “lead in your own style”. This is a lesson I have embraced and always come back to.
Advice I would share with the next generation of leaders is to say YES more to new projects and roles, even when you feel uncertain about your capabilities.
You learn so much through exposure, learning on the job and navigating challenges. Lessons that no textbook or leadership course will teach you.