Seen and Heard: Women in Hospitality Talk Visibility, Personal Branding, and Career Growth

What does it really mean to be visible at work... and why does it matter? That was the powerful throughline of the latest Inspiring Women in Hospitality Networking Event, co-hosted by founder Naureen Ahmed and Alyona Antonenko, Partner at Keystone Law. Held at Keystone’s London offices, the morning brought together hospitality leaders—including men—for an energizing panel on visibility, networking, and personal branding.

Alyona welcomed the room with a nod to how far the visibility conversation has come, and how much further it can go. “Whether you’re a CEO or just starting out, you need to be known by the right people,” she said, setting the tone for a morning of real talk, bold stories, and practical advice, all framed around the theme “How to Impact Your Visibility to Progress in Your Career.”

The panel featured Maria Udalova-Surkova, VP Legal, EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Naomi Heaton, Founder and CEO of The Other House; Clare Anna Gamon, Chief Commercial Officer at London Rock Partners; and Alyona Antonenko, Partner at Keystone Law.

Moderated by Naureen Ahmed, the session went deeper than the usual talking points, unpacking how visibility takes shape across roles, experiences, and turning points in hospitality careers.

Visibility: Internal, External, and Intentional

Naomi Heaton, whose entrepreneurial career spans advertising, property, and launching The Other House, got straight to the point: “If you're not visible, you're invisible. And if you're invisible, you're not going to be heard.”

“If you're not visible, you're invisible. And if you're invisible, you're not going to be heard.”

But visibility isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. Naomi offered a tactical tip for quieter professionals:“If you feel you don’t have anything new to add in a meeting, repeat or encapsulate what someone else said. That reinforces your presence at the table.”

She also encouraged attendees to set micro-goals—like connecting meaningfully with just two people at a networking event. “That’s a win,” she said. And yes, she reminded the room, we all wear a bit of a mask. Especially in leadership. “You can’t always show what you’re carrying. But you can choose how you show up.”

Say Yes—Before You’re Ready

Rising through the ranks, Maria Udalova-Surkova, went from legal counsel to VP at Wyndham. Her pivotal moment? When her boss left suddenly, and she raised her hand to step up.“I didn’t know if I was ready. But I said yes. And that made all the difference.”

Maria’s message was clear: you don’t have to be fully prepared. But you do have to show a willingness to learn and build trust.“If you treat your career like a relationship—something you invest in, something you build—visibility follows. Because people start to see you as someone they can count on.”

Have an Opinion. Share It.

Clare Anna Gamon shared how visibility has helped elevate not just her personal brand, but the entire profile of London Rock Partners.“It’s uncomfortable at first. Sitting on panels, voicing opinions. But if you don’t have an opinion, how are people supposed to remember you?”

She emphasized starting small...speaking up in meetings, posting online, asking for introductions...and getting used to the awkwardness. “It’s a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.”

Clare also pointed out the dual nature of internal and external visibility:“Internally, you can be more open. But externally, you have to read the room—you might need to be more of a chameleon. Still you, just a version tuned to the audience.”

Personal Branding Isn’t a Campaign. It’s a Habit.

“Visibility is a habit—not a one-time campaign,” noted Alyona Antonenko. She urged attendees to get crystal clear on their personal brand: “If you don’t define how you want to be seen, someone else will decide for you.”

“If you don’t define how you want to be seen, someone else will decide for you.”

Her advice? Be consistent. Follow up after events. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Show up, again and again.“Don’t just collect business cards—build relationships that matter.”

Visibility Is About You—But Also About Them

In one of the most poignant moments of the morning, Naomi reminded the room that visibility isn’t just about being seen, it’s also about seeing others. “Pay attention to what other people need. When you understand their goals, their pressure points, you can connect in a more meaningful way.” That emotional intelligence? It’s what turns visibility into influence.

Visibility in Practice

Following the panel, attendees broke into small conversation circles to reflect, share, and workshop their own approach to visibility. Topics included personal branding, confidence-building, and how to handle the discomfort of “putting yourself out there.” The room buzzed with honest reflection and real connection—a reminder that the most powerful visibility often starts in small, intentional moments.

conversation circles gave everyone the chance to connect and speak!

As the morning drew to a close, one message resonated loud and clear: visibility isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about being present, purposeful, and proactive. Whether it's speaking up, saying yes to new opportunities, or asking for the introductions that open doors, visibility is built through small, consistent actions that reflect who you are and where you're headed.

And perhaps most importantly, visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being valued. It starts by showing up, standing tall, and allowing yourself to take up space.

From candid stories to actionable advice, the Inspire Women in Hospitality event hosted at keystone Law offices delivered one clear message: visibility isn’t vanity...it’s strategy.