Don't forget to put yourself first

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My professional path is connected to the hospitality industry, travel, hotels, and customer experience – an endlessly exciting and dynamic universe!

From my very first professional steps, I decided that I wanted to learn from the best and as a result, I gained experience with impressive names – Kempinski, Melia Hotels International, Iberostar, Marriott and others.

For several years, I dedicated myself to my own project – Above & Beyond Hospitality -  I work as a consultant and help independent hotels achieve higher revenues by improving their sales processes.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

As a child, I threw myself passionately into various activities, but I can't say that I had a specific idea for a profession. This didn't bother me - I always knew that I would find my way.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

It's exciting to receive your first paycheck! I worked actively during the vacations in high school, including 14-hour shifts. It wasn't hard for me; I had motivation and desire.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Of course, the people around us play a key role in shaping our habits – including both good and bad examples. In my early years, I worked very diligently because I understood that it was crucial to gain experience and I realized that when I have a family, it will be difficult for me to work for 12 hours, even though that has happened too...

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in a more mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?

Yes, of course – with experience and years, I became more confident and patient. I learned to choose my causes and not to waste energy on insignificant things.

With the experience of leadership positions comes a change in perspective and new responsibilities, but all of this is associated with great satisfaction.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, looking at it from today's perspective?

To be honest, it was very difficult for me to choose a major because when I finished high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. That's why when I directed myself towards working in hotels, I enrolled in an additional master's program at Cornell University, where we had very interesting practical activities.

Working in hotels is very specific, but it can be learned on the job. In this industry, the practice is very important, and only through work can we fully understand the theory.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

Of course, I never stop being interested in the world of hotels, trends in travel and hospitality, I follow news and my favorite brands.

I love to travel and compare what hospitality means in different countries.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

I love to sell and communicate with clients, and this experience is universal, but I wouldn't throw away the specific and valuable experience I gained over the years with some of the best names in the hotel business. I prefer to follow new trends and build upon them rather than start from scratch – this is my personal understanding and preference.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I hope that I have been a good example for the people I have worked with!

But I am guided by my understanding of what decision is right and fair, not by what people will think or say about me. You can't and don't need to please everyone.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with daily life challenges to stay in good shape and mood?

I try to look at everything happening in perspective – what significance it would have tomorrow, next month, or next year. I celebrate successes and appreciate them, draw conclusions from mistakes, and plan. It's good not to forget that not everything is in our control!

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining the right communication considering the different characters of the people you meet every day – colleagues, friends, close ones?

I avoid communication in moments of affect; this is very dangerous! If a situation has provoked me, I wait for some time to pass for the emotions to settle, so I can make a more objective assessment. I am not afraid to seek advice or ask for the opinion of an outside observer – this is always helpful.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Undoubtedly, money is important! Unfortunately, I have encountered many employees at all levels, including directors, who do not dare to raise the conversation about their pay and wait for magical solutions, while accumulating tension and resentment.

Of course, there are also employees who have demands for specific pay or increases but refuse to put in the effort.

For every organization, it is important to be honest with its employees, to communicate its performance, goals, strategy, and to have a dialogue between teams at all levels. Only then can the team be truly motivated, which improves the organization's results and, accordingly, the conditions. It sounds too simplistic, but it works!

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Be open to changes, be patient and show understanding, but don't forget to put yourself first!