In this insightful episode of Pursuit Playbook, host Aprileen sits down with Lorraine Copes, the inspiring founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality. Lorraine shares her compelling journey from turning down a role in 2012 to finding game-changing opportunities, debunking misconceptions about the hospitality industry, and navigating her career as a proactive CEO and social entrepreneur. Discover how she has leveraged her Jamaican heritage, industry expertise, and commitment to diversity to shape her impactful career. Aprileen and Lorraine also delve into the importance of career role models, addressing inappropriate workplace behaviour, and the significance of strategic play in achieving professional success. Don’t miss this enriching conversation that underscores the lessons learned through grit, resilience, and inclusive leadership. In this episode: Lorraine reflects on a significant 2012 decision to turn down a role that did not align with her values, leading to transformative opportunities. Aprileen shares an account of a position she declined based on instincts, subsequently experiencing regret. Lorraine dispels common myths about hospitality careers, such as the diversity of roles and misconceptions about salaries. The discussion encompasses managing substantial budgets, Lorraine’s pragmatic approach, and her consideration for various stakeholder perspectives. Lorraine delves into her evolved approach to confronting inappropriate workplace behavior, influenced by her Jamaican heritage, and underscores the importance of career role models and building a professional brand. 5 Key Lessons from this episode: 1. Trust Your Gut: Lorraine believes in listening to your gut feelings and trusting yourself, especially as you grow in your career. 2. Find Role Models: Having role models who look like you or share your background can be super helpful and inspirational. 3. Expand Your View on Hospitality: The hospitality industry offers more than you think. Understanding its full scope can bust some big myths! 4. Tackle Workplace Issues: It’s important to deal with inappropriate behavior head-on, aligning with your values to create a respectful work environment. 5. Build a Legacy: Lorraine’s journey shows that intentionality, bravery, and strategy are key to creating lasting change and impact. Get to know our Playmakers:  - Find out more about Be Inclusive Hospitality (https://bihospitality.co.uk/)  Connect with Lorraine - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorraine.copes/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinclusivehospitality/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-copes-ab614820/ We hope you enjoy this deep dive into Lorraine's journey and strategies on Pursuit Playbook. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Join the community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com and sign up to our substack at https://pursuitplaybook.substack.com Don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen Alexander in March 2024. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @aiai.studios // Website: www.aiaistudios.com