Master Innholders Community Spotlight – Oliver Harris MIH IG
We've recently been speaking with members of the Master Innholders community to find out more about their hospitality careers, what working in hospitality means to them, as well as what they are doing currently to give back to the industry as part of their work.
This week, we spoke to Oliver Harris MIH IG, newly appointed Chair of the Innholder Graduates and General Manager at The Queensberry Hotel & Olive Tree Restaurant. He shares his aspirations for the Innholder Graduates under his leadership and discusses the growing importance of training programmes for junior hoteliers.
As the new Innholder Graduate Alumni Committee Chair, can you tell us a bit more about your aims and vision for the alumni community moving forward?
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing Chair, Damien Martin IG, for his unwavering commitment and significant contribution to the development of the Innholder Graduates Committee. I am delighted that Damien will continue to support us over the next year, and I look forward to building on the strong vision he has established.
Looking ahead, our core aim is to further strengthen engagement across our alumni network, which is made up of over 250 accomplished hospitality professionals. We want our alumni to feel part of a vibrant and supportive community, one that offers meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and continue their professional development.
A key focus will be creating more impactful initiatives, particularly through the continued success and growth of our Spring conferences. These events will serve as a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and industry insight. Further focus will be to further create a name for the programme amongst hotels that are not necessarily Innholder or Scholar led properties, helping to create a more diverse alumni in the years to come.
Ultimately, our vision is to sustain and extend the momentum created by Dr Hilary Cooke MI within the Aspiring Leaders programme, ensuring that the relationships, learning, and professional growth developed during the programme continue to thrive throughout our alumni’s careers.
Why are programmes like the Aspiring Leaders Diploma so important for people in our industry today?
Speaking from personal experience, the Aspiring Leaders Diploma played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to both professional growth and self-reflection. It provided a strong foundation not only for developing leadership skills, but also for understanding the importance of self-awareness in driving personal and professional progress.
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme is that it encourages you to step back from the day-to-day demands of a busy operation and really consider the “why” behind what we do. That perspective is often difficult to gain in such a fast-paced industry, yet it is essential for effective leadership.
I believe there remains a noticeable skills gap between middle management and senior leadership within hospitality. Programmes like the Aspiring Leaders Diploma help to bridge that gap by equipping individuals with the tools, confidence, and strategic mindset needed to progress into more senior roles.
Investing in the development of future leaders is critical for the long-term success of our industry. For me, the programme significantly accelerated my own learning and development and ultimately played a key role in advancing my career.
What advice would you give someone looking to apply for the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma?
One of my biggest takeaways from the application process is that it is absolutely ok not to be successful on your first attempt. The programme is highly sought after, which is a testament to the outstanding reputation it has built over the years. If at first you are not selected, view it as part of the journey and an opportunity to grow further before applying again.
It is also important to be prepared to demonstrate how you are already giving back to the industry. This is often an area of focus during the interview process, with questions such as: “How do you currently contribute to the industry, and what form does that take?”
It is also important to dedicate yourself to working with leaders who are equally prepared to invest in your growth and development. Having that kind of mentorship can make all the difference, not only in the application process but throughout your career.
What is one piece of knowledge/advice you took from the programme that you still apply to your work today?
That’s a very simple one, continued professional development is fundamental to my own success, and in turn, the success of those around me. It reinforced the importance of committing to learning and developing yourself every single day.
Just as importantly, it taught me that empowerment will always outweigh ego, and that active listening is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It highlighted the value of self-awareness, and the need to balance confidence with humility in everything we do.
Above all, it instilled a mindset that success doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from taking initiative, stepping forward, and going out to achieve it.
What three words would you use to describe the Aspiring Leaders Diploma?
Empowering, self-reflective and inspiring.