Raffaella Tasca

I attribute my success to tremendous tenacity, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to building trust. I began my career in the hospitality industry, working my way up through various roles before ultimately launching my own business. Each step required resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

A defining factor in my success has been my focus on long-term relationships. I believe that consistency, transparency, and follow-through create loyalty — and loyalty builds sustainable success. Rather than chasing short-term wins, I have prioritized earning trust and delivering value year after year.

I also attribute my success to my mindset. I embrace challenges as opportunities, remain solutions-oriented under pressure, and am not afraid to take calculated risks. Starting my own business required courage and belief in my experience, and that willingness to step into uncertainty has shaped my growth.

Ultimately, my success stems from discipline, integrity, and a deep respect for the people I work with. I believe that when you combine hard work with authentic relationships and a commitment to excellence, success becomes a natural byproduct.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple: deliver the level of service you would expect if you were the client. In other words, give people the experience you would want to receive yourself.

I often use the example of Mickey Mouse. Imagine going to Disneyland and Mickey is frowning, distracted, or not fully present. It would completely change the experience. People pay not just for a product, but for how they are made to feel.

That mindset has shaped my career. Regardless of the price tag, I believe every client deserves excellence. It’s not about doing the minimum required — it’s about anticipating needs, being proactive, and delivering with consistency, trust, and honesty. When you approach your work that way, service becomes more than a transaction — it becomes a standard.

My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: ask questions. Ask for advice. Be curious and humble enough to learn from those who have come before you. You don’t need to know everything on day one — in fact, you won’t. Growth comes from listening, observing, and absorbing as much as you can.

At the same time, don’t stay quiet if you have an idea. Confidence is built by using your voice. Even early in your career, you bring a perspective that others may not have. Be brave enough to speak up respectfully, offer solutions, and trust your instincts.

I also encourage young women to take calculated risks and be tenacious. This industry rewards perseverance. There will be moments that feel intimidating — negotiations, leadership rooms, major decisions — but those are often the moments that shape you most. When something aligns with your values and goals, pursue it. Believe in your work ethic, build strong relationships, and never underestimate the power of consistency and integrity.

Success does not happen overnight. It is built through trust, resilience, and showing up — again and again — with professionalism and heart.

The biggest challenges in my field right now are navigating ownership changes and ongoing industry consolidation, balancing rising client expectations with hotel operational constraints, and building visibility as an independent consultant in a highly relationship-driven industry.

At the same time, our field is still surprisingly traditional. Much of the work is done manually, with processes that have not evolved at the same pace as other industries. While hospitality is built on personal relationships — which is a strength — there is significant opportunity to modernize systems, improve efficiency, and bring more transparency and data-driven decision-making into the space.

Another reality is that compared to other industries requiring similar levels of expertise, the compensation structure has not always kept pace. That presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It pushes independent professionals like myself to differentiate through value, specialization, and long-term client loyalty rather than relying on volume alone.

Ultimately, these challenges create opportunity — to innovate, to elevate standards, and to build businesses rooted in trust, strategy, and smarter processes.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, loyalty, and accountability. I believe trust is earned through consistency — by doing what you say you will do, showing up fully, and standing behind your commitments.

I don’t believe in sugarcoating reality or making empty promises. What you get with me is honesty, even when the conversation is difficult. I would rather set clear expectations upfront than overpromise and underdeliver. In my experience, transparency builds stronger relationships than perfection ever could.

In my professional life, I prioritize long-term partnerships over short-term wins. I want clients and partners to know that I operate with authenticity and that their interests are protected. Loyalty matters deeply to me — not just in maintaining relationships, but in how I advocate for the people I work with.

In my personal life, family is at the center of everything. I value resilience, hard work, and leading by example. The same principles that guide me in business — integrity, honesty, and consistency — guide me at home. To me, success is not just measured by results, but by the character you maintain along the way.