Cover Janine Taylor is the general manager of the Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, leveraging nearly three decades of experience in the highly competitive hospitality industry (Photo: courtesy of Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection)
Janine Taylor is the general manager of the Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, leveraging nearly three decades of experience in the highly competitive hospitality industry (Photo: courtesy of Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection)
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Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection
Janine Taylor, the general manager of Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, leads with authority shrouded with a constant, gentle presence
In the competitive hospitality industry, service is a premium. The better the service, the higher the worth. At the Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, general manager Janine Taylor with her staff make sure that their brand of warm and attentive care is non-stop. The Admiral Hotel Manila is historic: it was originally built in 1939, damaged in Second World War, rebuilt as an apartment in 1947, then as a hotel once more in 1976. Taylor now oversees the building and its legacy, which are so intrinsically linked. “Hospitality was mostly a male-dominated industry, with very few women occupying top leadership roles,” she explains.
“That landscape is gradually evolving, and it is encouraging to see more women stepping into general manager positions.”
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Above Taylor believes in leading with empathy and purpose; imparting knowledge unto others while learning from others in turn (Photo: courtesy of Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection)
Taylor believes in leading with empathy and purpose; imparting knowledge unto others while learning from others in turn (Photo: courtesy of Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection)
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“I see my role as part of that shift”, she elaborates, “not only by leading a hotel, but by leading with empathy, collaboration and purpose. I believe leadership today is less about authority and more about influence: creating an environment where people feel heard, valued and empowered to grow.” She credits much of her growth and hands-on approach to previous roles in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. This exposure to a diverse set of cultures, people and situations has proven invaluable—knowledge she is eager to pass on.
“I believe leadership is about sharing what you’ve learnt and growing together,” Taylor explains. “I don’t believe in leading from behind a closed door—I prefer being on the floor, meeting our heartists [how employees are referred to in Accor] daily, listening and learning alongside them.”
I hope that in the next decade, gender is never seen as a barrier and women can step into any position with confidence, knowing that their abilities define them.
Animal welfare is deeply rooted in who she is, shaping her sense of responsibility, compassion and humanity. The hotel’s partnership with Pawssion Project, an animal shelter for neglected cats and dogs, is proof of this. Often, one might see Adie (short for Admiral), the hotel’s cherished dog, tenderly greeting guests at the lobby or strolling through the hallways. “Her presence brings lightness and warmth to our days,” Taylor smiles fondly.
“There are moments in my own career I wish I could have navigated differently,” Taylor admits. “But those experiences shaped me and I’m grateful for those lessons. I hope that in the next decade, gender is never seen as a barrier and women can step into any position with confidence, knowing [that] their abilities define them.”
Her three-decade career is proof that perseverance and grit pay off. While not all hard work is rewarded, those who succeed have undoubtedly worked hard. “My path may have taken longer, but it was intentional,” she adds. “I reached the top on my own terms. That, to me, is real success and the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
Delve into contemporary and classic luxury at admiralhotelmanila.com.
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
