60 Seconds with Ewa Gillan

Monday 3 August 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I am a Sales & Marketing Executive at The Malone Hotel, a relaxed luxury hotel located in the heart of South Belfast. My role focuses on driving business growth through a combination of sales strategy, relationship building, marketing campaigns, and brand development.

I work across corporate sales, meetings and events, partnerships, digital marketing, and guest engagement, helping to strengthen The Malone's position as a leading destination for both local and visiting guests. A key part of my role is building relationships with businesses, tourism partners, and the local community while creating campaigns that showcase the hotel's unique offering.

With a strong focus on exceptional service, meaningful experiences, and genuine connections, we are proud to be part of the local community, welcoming guests from Belfast and beyond while creating a destination where people can meet, celebrate, and connect.

Career Journey

My career journey has always been driven by ambition, curiosity, and a desire to keep learning. I started my first job at 15, gaining valuable experience across different industries from a young age. These early opportunities helped me develop confidence, resilience, strong communication skills, and an understanding of the importance of building relationships.

I went on to complete a dual Business degree, which provided a broad understanding of commercial strategy, marketing, management, and the wider business environment. During my studies, I developed a particular interest in sales, marketing, and how organisations build meaningful connections with their customers.

I also gained experience in commercial real estate in America, spending almost three years developing my understanding of the commercial world and strengthening my interest in relationship-led business.

My move into hospitality was a natural progression from these experiences. What began as an unexpected career path quickly became something I was truly passionate about. Through a variety of sales and marketing roles, I have combined my commercial background with creativity, strategy, and relationship building.

Today, as Sales & Marketing Executive at The Malone Hotel, I am passionate about driving growth, creating impactful campaigns, and building connections with guests, businesses, and the wider community. My journey has taught me the importance of embracing opportunities, staying curious, and continually developing both personally and professionally.

One Skill That Helps Me Most

The skill that helps me most in my role is relationship building.

Whether I am working with corporate clients, partners, colleagues, or guests, the ability to understand people, communicate effectively, and build genuine connections is essential.

Sales and marketing are ultimately about people. Taking the time to listen, understand needs, and create trust leads to stronger, long-lasting relationships. This approach has helped me develop successful partnerships, identify opportunities, and create experiences that deliver value for both the business and our customers.

Alongside relationship building, adaptability is also crucial. Hospitality is a fast-paced industry where every day brings new challenges and opportunities, so being able to stay positive, think creatively, and respond quickly has been invaluable in helping me grow in my role.

Advice for Women in Hospitality, Sales & Marketing

Be confident in your abilities, embrace opportunities, and never underestimate the value you bring to the table. Hospitality, sales, and marketing are industries built on relationships, creativity, and resilience, and women bring so many strengths that contribute to their success.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is not to wait until you feel completely ready before taking on new challenges. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, asking questions, and being willing to learn along the way. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is an opportunity to develop.

My personal mantra is:

"Say yes to opportunities, believe in yourself, and keep learning."

Your career journey will not always follow a straight path, but every experience helps shape the person and professional you become. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, support other women, and never be afraid to take up space.

Exciting Plans Ahead

The year ahead is an exciting one for The Malone Hotel as we continue to grow, strengthen our offering, and build on the momentum we've created.

We are focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing new partnerships, and continuing to position the hotel as a leading destination for leisure, corporate events, and hospitality experiences.

We are also incredibly proud to have received several award nominations, which reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team. Industry recognition is a fantastic achievement and motivates us to continue raising the standard of hospitality we provide.

Alongside this, we have exciting plans to further develop our food and beverage offering, create unique guest experiences, and build even stronger connections with our local community, businesses, and visitors to Belfast.

Biggest Career Inspiration

My biggest career inspirations are the women who have shaped my life.

From my mum, granny, teachers, and friends to my childhood childminder, each has influenced me in their own way and helped shape my values, confidence, and ambition.

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by women who demonstrated resilience, kindness, hard work, and self-belief. Through their guidance, encouragement, and example, they have all played a role in helping me become the person and professional I am today.

I believe inspiration doesn't always come from one individual. Often, it comes from the collective impact of people who support, challenge, and encourage you throughout your journey. I carry lessons from each of these women with me in my career and hope to continue that same spirit of supporting and empowering others.

Connect with Ewa

The best way to connect with me is through LinkedIn.

I enjoy engaging with other professionals, sharing ideas, and building meaningful connections. I'm always keen to meet new people, hear about their experiences, and learn from others across a wide range of industries.

Whether you're passionate about sales, marketing, hospitality, business development, or simply enjoy sharing ideas and experiences, I'd love to connect.

How Women in Business Has Helped My Career

My membership with Women in Business has been incredibly valuable in supporting both my personal and professional growth.

It has provided opportunities to connect with inspiring women from a wide range of industries, learn from their experiences, and build meaningful relationships that have broadened my perspective and strengthened my network.

Through networking events, workshops, and conversations with fellow members, I have gained confidence, developed new skills, and been encouraged to continue pushing myself in my career. Being part of a community that celebrates ambition, collaboration, and women supporting women has been a constant source of motivation.

Women in Business has given me the confidence to recognise my own achievements, embrace new opportunities, and continue growing as a young professional in the hospitality industry.

Monday 3 August 2026