The Coaching Inn Group’s Lee Melton: ‘Say yes to every opportunity’

We are shining a spotlight those who are passionate about working in the sector as part of our campaign to showcase the positive aspects of a career in the sector, This is Hospitality.

 

Lee Melton is chief people officer of the Coaching Inn Group. The group was founded in 1996 in Boston, Lincolnshire, and now operates 36 inns across the UK. Melton was an Acorn Award winner in 2019, when he was head of learning and development for the group, and was also part of the panel at The Caterer’s first Breakfast Briefing Live. 

 

Here he talks about how working in hospitality has given him confidence and why it is the perfect industry to anyone who describe themselves as a people person. 

 

Why do you love working in hospitality?

It is a career that has hooked me from the very start – it has an eclectic mix of people, personalities, backgrounds and views on the world. Hospitality is about connection, creating real world, memorable experiences, sharing positive moments with people and being a part of their memories. There is something quite magical about being a part of so many people’s journeys.

 

What do you do in your day-to-day work that you never thought you would?

Quite simply, all of it. I started out working behind a bar, knowing nothing about the industry. My career has grown through the company and I feel very fortunate to have my own ‘bar to boardroom’ story, but every step of the way, I couldn’t have imagined being where I am today. I guess I have been lucky to be surrounded by people that have believed in me and supported me.

 

What do you wish you could have told your younger self when you began your career? 

You don’t have to have all the answers. The path to true growth is recognising the areas where you aren’t confident and going out of your way to develop those. Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to learn more – growth and success aren’t easy, and it is the challenging moments that give us the most.

 

What has working in hospitality taught you about people that you didn’t expect?

Everyone has the potential for greatness, but not everybody is given the chance to express it in their own way. We must lean into other perspectives, challenge the status quo and not expect everyone to fit the same mould. Once we fully embrace that, anything is possible. 

 

Describe a perfect day in your role.

No laptop, no phone calls, no emails – I’m would just be out at the sites, speaking to our teams, meeting our guests and being with people. I would talk to people about their careers, their aspirations and how they want to develop, and hopefully offer some guidance and support to help invest in their future.

 

“Hospitality is more than a career – it is a way of life”

 

What’s the most memorable thing that’s happened to you in hospitality?

The thing that I have the most to thank hospitality for is my family. I met my wife through this industry and we have two amazing sons. They all support me in everything I do.

 

When was the last time you laughed at work any why?

I try to laugh every day. Work must be enjoyable and it has to compliment your life; to be truly successful you can’t resent work and you must find a role that makes you happy. Today I had a laugh with a colleague about our early days working together and some of the questionable hairstyles of our youth.

 

What’s a little-known fact or misconception about working in the industry?

Hospitality is more than a career – it is a way of life. It shapes who you are and helps you grow into the best version of yourself. When I started out, I was shy, introverted and unsure of myself – a far cry from the person I have grown into.

 

What advice would you give to the next generation considering a career in hospitality?

Say ‘yes’ to every opportunity. Even if you are unsure about it or it scares you, take the leap of faith. You are more capable than you think you are, and it is the challenging moments that push us to grow.

 

What is This Is Hospitality?

Three easy ways to get involved

Get behind our This is Hospitality campaign and you could help change the perception of your industry. 

 

Follow us on our dedicated page www.thecaterer.com/thisishospitality and on Instagram @thecaterermag for news and updates.

 

Send in your short videos or share them on social media, explaining why you love working in hospitality, and support the campaign using the hashtag #thisishospitality

 

Email us. If you have suggestions for our campaign or want to share a positive story about our industry, get in touch at thisishospitality@thecaterer.com

 

This Is Hospitality