As RCS Hospitality Group proudly celebrates its 25^th anniversary and International Women’s History Month, we asked RCS’s Founder & President Whitney Reid Pennell about the evolving role of women in club management. In this candid discussion, Whitney shares how to excel and set yourself up for success. This engaging Q&A includes lessons learned in her 25 years of industry service, her perspectives, experiences, and advice for the future.

Q: What are the biggest challenges women face in private club leadership today?

WRP:

• Breaking into executive roles – While more women are advancing, there are still fewer female GMs compared to their male counterparts. Clubs have historically promoted from within networks that have been predominantly male.
• Earning boardroom credibility – Women often find they must prove their expertise repeatedly, especially with boards that are not accustomed to female leadership. The keys are competence, preparation, and delivering results.
• Balancing authority and approachability – Women in leadership navigate a fine line between being perceived as too aggressive or too soft. The challenge is to be firm, fair, and confident without overcompensation.
• Managing work-life expectations – The demands of club leadership—long hours, seasonal fluctuations, and high expectations for availability—can be particularly challenging for women with family commitments.
• Projecting executive presence – Women must be mindful of how they present themselves—both in appearance and body language. Your presence, non-verbal behavior, and professionalism speak before you do.

Q: How can female leaders advocate for themselves and others?

WRP:

• Be authentic—don’t try to be a man – Women don’t need to fit a traditional mold to be respected. Lead with confidence, competence, and professionalism.
• Speak up and self-advocate – Don’t wait to be recognized. Own your accomplishments, contribute insights, and assume space in leadership discussions.
• Leverage data and business acumen – The most effective way to gain credibility is to present facts, financial insights, and strategic reasoning. Numbers and results speak louder than opinions.
• Be prepared for every meeting – Do your homework. Look for ways to add value to conversations rather than speaking just to be heard. Sometimes listening and responding with precision is the most powerful move.
• Build mentorship and sponsorship networks – Women should support each other professionally, offering guidance, visibility, and opportunities. A mentor gives advice; a sponsor opens doors.
• Promote other women – Actively advocate for qualified female colleagues for leadership roles, and ensure they have a seat at the table.

Q: What role do men play in supporting gender diversity in leadership?

WRP:

• Mentorship and sponsorship – Male executives play a critical role in mentoring and advocating for talented women. Their influence can help create more inclusive leadership pipelines. If it weren’t for my male mentor and supporter, I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you, Matt!
• Challenging bias – Those in leadership should be intentional about recognizing and addressing unconscious biases, particularly in hiring, promotions, and decision-making processes.
• Creating space for diverse voices – The strongest clubs encourage diverse perspectives. Men can make an impact by ensuring women are included in strategic conversations, board meetings, and high-level discussions.
• Normalizing different leadership styles – Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. By recognizing that different styles are equally effective, men can help remove outdated expectations of what leadership should look like.

Q: What advice would you give to women aspiring to become General Managers?

WRP:

• Master financial literacy – To be respected as an executive, you must be confident in budgeting, P&L statements, and financial management.
• Develop board relations expertise – Understanding club governance, decision-making processes, and how to present data-driven recommendations is critical for success.
• Take on high-impact leadership projects – Volunteer to lead a major club event, implement a new initiative, or drive a department transformation. Results will speak for themselves.
• Find a sponsor, not just a mentor – A mentor gives advice, but a sponsor advocates for you behind closed doors.
• Own your success – Women should acknowledge their contributions, communicate their impact, and step into leadership roles with confidence.
• Present yourself impeccably – Borrowing from Coco Chanel:
  “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
  Your appearance, grooming, and non-verbal behavior communicate your commitment to excellence, self-discipline, and leadership presence.
• Look the part to be expected to act the part – A well-put-together professional commands respect instantly. Perception matters.

Q: How do you balance confidence and approachability as a leader?

WRP:

• Be clear and direct, but approachable – Confidence is about clarity, preparation, and execution—not volume or aggression.
• First impressions matter – Your appearance, posture, and presence set the tone before you even speak.
• Non-verbal cues are powerful – Eye contact, a firm handshake, and good posture instantly convey confidence and credibility.
• People take cues from how you present yourself – If you carry yourself with polish and composure, others will assume you are capable before you say a word.
• Listening is just as powerful as speaking – Great leaders listen with intent, absorb information, and respond with precision.
• Offer solutions, not just observations – When you contribute, ensure your ideas are actionable, strategic, and data-backed.
• Lead with warmth and professionalism – Confidence and approachability are not opposites. Strong leaders blend competence with a genuine, people-first approach.

Q: Any final thoughts to share, Whitney?

WRP:

Women in club leadership bring immense value through their ability to collaborate, strategize, and lead with both business acumen and emotional intelligence. The industry is evolving, but we must continue pushing for greater representation, stronger mentorship, and leadership cultures that recognize talent over tradition.

Your presence, how you carry yourself, how you dress, and how you engage with others, sets the tone for how you are perceived as a leader. Looking the part isn’t about vanity; it’s about demonstrating commitment, self-discipline, and high standards. Leaders who present themselves well command attention before they even speak.

More About Whitney:
Whitney Reid Pennell, president of RCS Hospitality Group, is a celebrated management consultant, educator, and speaker. RCS specializes in strategic planning, operations consulting, food and beverage management, executive recruitment, and training programs. RCS has been recognized fourteen times with BoardRoom Magazine’s Excellence in Achievement Awards, including staff training seven times. RCS continues to offer innovative solutions through RCSUniversity.com, an online virtual training portal for employees and managers.