Dear Round Up Readers,

The week started for me at the Icons of Inclusion event hosted by Uwern Jong of OutThere, which opened my eyes to challenges but even more so to opportunities which lie ahead for travel companies that embrace inclusivity. Followed by another thought provoking day, this time at the Better Hospitality Conference, organized by Domini Hogg of Tried and Supplied, where I was on a panel about the role of the media in reaffirming gender tropes in hospitality, and what can be done to incite change. Click the highlighted links for my top takeaways.
 

So much attention on the UK since Princess Kate released a video statement about her surgery and cancer diagnosis, thankfully putting to rest lots of speculation and conspiracy theories. Because I live in London, many people have reached out to me over the past few months asking about Princess Kate…as if I have an inside line to the Royals. I don't!
 

Although as a former comms VP, while so very sorry to hear about her cancer diagnosis, I was thrilled to see Princess Kate take control of her narrative and get out in front of the story. The transparency and honesty of her message served to create sympathy and concern for Kate and her family, snuffing out all the vicious, viral rumors that had been circulating. Making some of the more vocal conspiracy theorists feel like @holes, was just an added bonus!

In my experience dealing with crisis communications and observing others, several lessons can be learned from the Princess:

• Getting in front of your story helps to deescalate most situations and puts you in control of the narrative

• If you make a mistake, own up to it (she put the doctored photo incident to rest)

• Be as honest as you can when sharing your story or situation

• If you can offer next steps, or communicate what to expect, this helps to get your story out of the news cycle
   

Now, on to the rest of this week's news...

Business, Women, and Random Trends:
 

• Why Are Women Both Sadder and Happier Than Men? Around the world, women report being more distressed day-to-day but more satisfied with their lives in general. This take hits different, read more in the WSJ.
   

• Why Aren’t There More Women CEOs? What You Might Not Know About Your Women Leaders Data filled insights about why women don't make it to the top rungs by exec search firm Russell Reynolds. This is one to read (and bookmark)!
   

• Mind the (Gender Pay) Gap! The gender pay gap is most egregious at the top of the pay scale, according to a new report from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Men constitute a whopping three-quarters of individuals earning over $208,000, and comprise 71% of the people who earn salaries between $163,000 and $207,000.
   

• Fostering Psychological Safety in the Workplace Business leaders can build a stronger culture of belonging says DeShaun N. Wise Porter, Hilton’s global head of diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement. Read her advice in CoStar.
   

• Does the Mormon Church Empower Women? A church Instagram post tapped into a long-running seam of discontent among some women, who have chafed at restrictions. Really interesting uprising happening in the Mormon community. Read more in the New York Times.
   

• The People Who Started Again in Their 90s Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Loved this inspiring read in The Guardian...it’s never too late and you’re never too old – at least according to the nonagenarians who are coming out, completing PhDs and publishing their first books in their 10th decade.

Travel & Hospitality:
 

• Expectations High for Hotel Deal Flow Picking Up in Latter Half of Year one of the first reports in from the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference
   

• Hidden Figures of Hospitality love this feature on 50Best about five unsung female hospitality heroes from history.
   

•  Why More Women are Joining the Hospitality Industry in Saudi Arabia Female leaders in the Middle East’s hospitality sector discuss their contributions to the industry and the path to empowering Saudi women. Read more in Hotelier Middle East.
   

• Strength In Sisterhood: How a Wellness Retreat Became A Sanctuary For Women Confronting Corporate Challenges a new program for women of color to destress at Miraval is featured in Essence.

On hertelier this week:

Big Welcome to Our New Subscribers! The story in Forbes, How Women Are Changing The Hotel Industry, keeps bringing new readers! Super excited to have you here. 
 

• How to Be Your Own Best Friend You're a great friend to others, but how do you treat yourself? Columnist Nancy Mendelson unpacks how you've got a friend...in YOU.
   

• New York City Women of Hospitality Celebrates Women's History Month With Tips From Zoe Pepper, Marriott Marquis Have you ever thought...if only success at work (and life) could be simplified into 5 easy rules? Zoe Pepper has got you!! **NYCWoH is doing their next event on April 2 around "Building Trust-Enabling Foundations for High Performing Teams " with Rachel Vandenberg.**
   

• When the Design Stakes are High with Louise Lythe, David Collins Studio David Collins Studio's Louise Lythe shares her process for designing the sexy Tre Dita restaurant and bar at the new St. Regis Chicago.

Podcasts to Download!

• The Deep Conflict Between Our Work And Parenting Ideals Great explainer by professor Caitlyn Collins about the struggle for mothers "between two devotions" and the realities of parenting today on the Ezra Klein Show.
   

• Women in Hospitality Stress Importance of Building, Being Part of a Community Enjoyed the Next Gen in Lodging Podcast and hearing from Davonne Reaves, Rachel Vandenberg and Ntxhi Song.

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Thank you for reading!

Em