Roxy Ruiz, senior therapist, Swim Club
“There’s a beautiful reward when you help people to feel better, which is an absolutely amazing feeling! It's very satisfying to be part of their journey to wellbeing, and I'm very grateful for it.”
International Women's Day
Watergate Wonder Women
Brilliant women from all walks of life work at Watergate Bay 24-7, 365 days a year.
The faces you see in our halls and the talents shining behind the scenes; this International Women's Day, we’re hearing from some of the Watergate Women who bring their all to us, on the daily. From finding balance to who they admire and what they get up to off-duty, here’s what they had to say…
The most satisfying aspect of what we do…
Morwenna White, Swim Club manager
“The career progression – and being invested in. I’ve worked at Watergate ever since I was at college studying level 2 beauty therapy – and when I was fully qualified, Watergate funded my further training in hot stone therapy, reflexology and sports massage. In my role now, almost 10 years later, I’m passionate about mentoring and training our therapists to our unique way of working.”
Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“Meeting the expectations of our guests and the team. It’s incredibly rewarding to know and hear that our guests enjoy their experiences with us, and that the team is feeling motivated, listened to, and happy.”
Emma Cobble, group head of HR
“Having the opportunity to be part of a hard-working and dedicated team in a business that’s growing.”
Tammy Driscoll, Kids’ Zone manager
“Seeing families waiting for sessions, watching them come bounding down the corridor and returning year after year. Settling the first-timers and giving them some wonderful experiences and family memories. Seeing young teenagers turn into wonderful adults who still wander around to say hi! Also furthering team knowledge and skills.”
Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
“Creative thinking and problem solving. We're continually evaluating the way we do things and amending or improving where needs be. Whether it's turning around a guest query or thinking of how we can add value to the business, while applying our brand and B Corp values to all that we do.”
Daisy Potter, Kids’ Zone and Beach School supervisor
“Teaching guests about the Cornish coastline, promoting and celebrating it. I’m really passionate about it. As well as working outside!”
How do you maintain balance?
“I work at a group level, balancing the requirements for each business (as sometimes there are several things happening at once) can be tricky! To overcome this, I always try and ensure that I’m clear in my communication with what needs to happen and how long it will take.”
Emma Cobble, group head of HR
“Keeping on top of current events and planning for the next days, the next menus, the next specials, the next team etc, helps me to stay balanced.”
Dani Bolton, head chef, The Living Space
“Balance is key in this job. In order to give the best possible treatment, it's important to be healthy physically and mentally. I do yoga every morning to release the tension in my body and prepare my mind for the day ahead.”
Roxy Ruiz, senior therapist, Swim Club
“Being adaptive and calm.”
Laura Trayner, senior house manager
Some Watergate women we admire
Helen Bishop
“Head of sustainability and engagement. She’s gifted, warm and perceptive. She has such an easygoing way that draws people to her. She’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever worked with, and she never gives up. She’ll always just keep going until the job is done.” – Judi Blakeburn, brand director
Tammy Driscoll
“Our Kids’ Zone manager – she has such a wealth of experience both with children and the hospitality aspect of her role. She has a very demanding role but manages to strike the balance between looking after our wellbeing and ensuring we're doing our jobs to a high standard.” – Nicki Ellar, Kids’ Zone supervisor
Christina Knight
“Our Zacry's restaurant manager, who supports and believes in me, even if I don’t. The amount of help and encouragement that she’s given me – I’ve never felt more motivated and ready to take on new challenges. She’s my idol, and the one I look up to to be a better manager, person and teammate.” – Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“Pinpointing a singular woman here is an impossible task. There are far too many to mention. So many powerhouse women, not only in leadership roles, but also in our grass roots roles who just 'get it done'. I'm inspired daily by their intelligence and can-do attitudes, compassion and humour. I'm in awe of them.” – Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
Striking the right balance…
“Last year, I discovered that I probably have ADHD. This new understanding has given me an insight into how I operate, process, communicate and ultimately the impact on how I work and my success. It’s been nothing less than life changing, and with the support of my team and manager I’ve been afforded the chance to explore various ways of working – and my successes have been many.” – Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
The Watergate women we admire…are everywhere
“I find my inspiration from the strong women in the housekeeping team, the hospitality of the waiting team, the organisation of the hosts, the perspective of women in marketing and the vision of the women directing the company. I can't thank them enough for mentoring me and for being part of my journey.”
Roxy Ruiz, senior therapist, Swim Club
“There are so many strong women in the business, from grassroots to senior teams. I love how we all support and build each other up.”
Laura Trayner, senior house manager
“Judi, our brand director, works so incredibly hard. Her breadth, depth of knowledge and commitment is absolutely phenomenal.”
Emma Cobble, group head of HR
I love our all-girl management team here in The Living Space kitchen, with Rubie as front-of-house manager.
“My sous chef Bee. She’s so full of energy and love for everyone, it sets a great example. She doesn't realise how great she is. I'm very lucky to have her working with me. I love our all-girl management team here in the Living Space kitchen, with Rubie as front-of-house manager.”
Dani Bolton, head chef, The Living Space
When we’re not working…
Roxy Ruiz, senior therapist, Swim Club
“Every time I have the opportunity, I go travelling. It’s my passion. It helps me to grow as a person, to see new cultures and places, to give me a new perspective of life and an understanding of this world.”
Tammy Driscoll, Kids’ Zone manager
“I’ve always had a passion for interior design and repurposing unwanted furniture. I love giving items new life and a new home. Reading is another passion – I was brought up watching Agatha Christie dramatisations and have made it my mission to read all of her Poirot and Marple novels by the time I reach 40! The first lockdown renewed an interest in gardening and growing fruits and vegetables – my dream is to have an allotment which would enable us to become self-sufficient…”
Nicki Ellar, Kids’ Zone supervisor
“I love being outdoors and in the sea, so having a role where we can take the children out to the beach and be outdoors is amazing. I also try to fit in sea swims (in the warmer months) and outdoor walks around work.”
Emma Cobble, group head of HR
“My spare time is dedicated to my daughter Ava and my family. As a working mum, I really value the time I spend with Ava and try to make the most of every moment. We like to bake, spend time doing different crafts and go out for coffee and cake.”
Morwenna White, Swim Club manager
“You’ll usually find me at the gym, in a group exercise class, or catching up with friends over coffee/lunch. I also enjoy the outdoors, getting in the sea, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding."
Kayleigh Bailey, senior guest services host
“I'm known to be partial to a nap! I’m also a lover of design, particularly Mid Century Modern design; in the winter, I love poking around in quirky shops and flea markets, hoping to find beautiful treasures for our unconventional home. In the summer, you'll find me at the beach and in the sea with my loved ones or camping with my other half, reading a book and people watching.”
Klaudia Poblocka, manager, The Beach Hut
“I’ll be outdoors, playing with my dogs in a field…a solid two hours throwing a ball to my never-getting-tired Belgian Shepherd. Or else having a coffee in my garden when the spring comes, and catching up with my closest friends.”
Daisy Potter, Kids’ Zone and Beach School supervisor
“Surfing, netball, cooking, socialising with friends, coastal walks, yoga, outdoor activities, drinking coffee and relaxing!”
Judi Blakeburn, brand director
“I love spending time with my family at home. We’re very close and they’re my favourite people to be with. Also exploring Europe by train.”
International Women's Day - Wednesday 8 March 2024
Across the world, IWD calls for the recognition and celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. The day is also a rallying cry to accelerate women's equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation-specific.
#IWD2024 #EmbraceEquity
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