Rebecca Thorn’s rise from fish and chips to general manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Rebecca Thorn’s venture into hospitality all started at a local fish and chip shop which eventually evolved into an impressive 17-year tenure with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). From her New Zealand homeland’s Queenstown to the Australian cities of Adelaide and Melbourne, as well as time in the UK and Fiji, she embraced diverse roles in the service and hotel industry. Now at the helm of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, which opened its doors in August 2023, Rebecca reflects on her remarkable experiences, showcasing her passion for hospitality and the exciting chapters that lie ahead.

How have you personally grown or evolved through your various roles and responsibilities in the hospitality industry?

Through my 17-year journey with IHG and working across diverse cultures and countries, I feel that I’ve grown immensely, shaping who I am today. In this job, you learn about the important things in life, all of our guests have a reason to stay with us, and through them, we in turn can experience the highs and lows of life. Through our guests, we are lucky to witness some of life’s greatest moments, from birthday and anniversary celebrations, weddings and family reunions, to the pure joy of people experiencing and discovering new places for the first time. Despite the occasional challenges, I am grateful to feel part of the incredible moments. This exposure has grounded me and built up my resilience. I’ve become a calm person, thanks to these experiences. I continue to grow, and the learning never stops, which is something I truly appreciate.

As one of very few female general managers in Tokyo’s hotel industry, how would you describe your leadership style and the principles that guide your decisions? My leadership style is primarily democratic — empathetic, collaborative and empowering. I believe in involving the team as they bring everything to life. I also adapt to various leadership styles when needed — strategic, visionary, pacesetting and transformational. While I have my natural style, I recognize the importance of adapting to individuals’ needs too. There are times when making the final decision is necessary, and I don’t shy away from it. Leadership can sometimes be lonely and tough decisions must be made, but at the end of the day, I weigh the priorities and benefits, and strive for balance.

In your career, have you encountered any significant challenges, especially as a woman in a leadership role? How did you navigate and overcome them?

In the early days, there was a lack of representation for female leaders and I didn’t see people like me in top roles. It’s different now, but I still deal with being in the minority. Imposter syndrome was a struggle but I’ve learned to overcome it. People are often surprised I’m a General Manager, and it happens a lot. There are still challenges, like microaggressions and gender stereotypes but I see it as an opportunity to drive positive change. I make sure to attend industry events, even if I’m the only woman, to contribute to that change and support others. 

What advice would you offer for aspiring women leaders in the hospitality field based on your experiences?

Believe in yourself; a great career in hospitality is not only possible but amazing. Don’t hesitate to apply for opportunities—even if you don’t feel fully ready. Have confidence and put yourself out there! Diversify your skill set, stay true to yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not.

Click here to read more.

© Savvy Tokyo