We had the chance to catch up with Pia, Head of PR & Communications at MEININGER Hotels and mom to an 8-year-old son. In this interview, she spills the tea on how she stepped into her role, how she juggles work and family life, what her daily routine looks like, and more!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at MEININGER Hotels?
I’m originally from Berlin but spent 12 years working abroad: 10 years in Shanghai and 2 in Dubai. After returning to Germany, I continued working remotely for my employer in Dubai but soon realized that long-distance work wasn’t fulfilling. That’s when I began looking for opportunities in Berlin.
At a friend’s birthday party, I met Anja, our Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications. She was 4 months pregnant and searching for a maternity leave replacement. She encouraged me to apply, so I went through the full hiring process. Fortunately, I was offered the position, and a few months later, I started as Director of Marketing & Communications at MEININGER Hotels.
What drew you to the position of Head of PR & Communications, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Since my first role at MEININGER Hotels was initially temporary, I wasn’t sure what would happen after Anja returned from maternity leave. However, from early on, I felt a strong connection to the company and my colleagues thanks to the open-minded and friendly work culture. When I was offered the chance to stay on in a new, long-term role, I was thrilled! The position of Head of PR & Communications was newly created within the Marketing & Communications team, giving me the exciting challenge of further shaping the company’s internal and external communications.
What I enjoy most about my role is collaborating with colleagues across all departments. Communication is all about connecting the dots, amplifying voices, and making sure the right stories are told in the right way. I love helping different teams communicate their ideas effectively, both internally and externally while also shaping the broader narrative of MEININGER Hotels as a brand. It’s a dynamic, fulfilling role that keeps me engaged and inspired every day.
What are your main responsibilities as Head of PR & Communications?
I’m responsible for managing MEININGER Hotels’ internal and external communications. My focus is on strengthening our brand positioning and increasing awareness across Europe through strategic PR efforts, media relations, and corporate storytelling. Together with my team and our PR agency, we develop and implement communication strategies that support our company’s goals, ensuring that messaging is consistent and impactful across all channels. Internally, we work closely with different departments to enhance internal communications, keeping employees well-informed and engaged. This involves developing communication formats, supporting change processes, and helping teams effectively convey their messages.
You’re a mom of an eight-year-old! What does a typical day look like for you, balancing work and family life?
My day kicks off at 6:30 am (powered by coffee!) when I start preparing breakfast before waking up my son at 7 am (sometimes with a little extra encouragement). Once either my husband or I drop him off at school, we reward ourselves with a relaxed 30 to 45-minute breakfast together; a rare grown-up moment to plan the day before the work hustle begins at 9 am. Around 1 pm, we often regroup for lunch, and then it’s back to work until our son either bikes home or one of us picks him up. Sometimes he brings a friend, turning our living room into a mini football field while we try to stay focused on emails. By 5:30-6 pm, the laptops close, and it’s family time: dinner prep, homework, chatting about the day, and trying to keep screen time under control (for all of us!).
I squeeze in Pilates twice a week—sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening—depending on how the day goes. Of course, school meetings or last-minute doctor’s appointments pop up, but thanks to the flexibility of working from home, we juggle it all as a team. When I’m in the office, traveling, or at an event, my husband takes over, or our son enjoys some after-school adventures with friends. It’s a lively, sometimes chaotic, but well-oiled family machine—most days, at least!
What are the biggest challenges you face as a working parent, and how do you handle them? Are there any routines or habits that help you stay on track?
The biggest challenge for me is having very little time for myself. I also often feel torn between work and family, struggling to be fully present in either. On top of that, the mental load can be overwhelming—there’s always something to plan, manage, or remember, and the list never seems to get shorter… To handle this, I try to set clear boundaries, like shutting down work at a certain time and prioritizing quality moments with my family. Scheduling small breaks for myself—whether it’s exercise, a coffee break, or just a quiet moment—also helps me recharge. Accepting that I can’t do everything perfectly has been an important mindset shift. Flexibility at work and open communication with my partner and work colleagues also make a big difference in keeping things balanced.
What advice would you give to other working parents who are juggling similar challenges?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. There will be days when work is overwhelming, the laundry piles up, and your child’s homework isn’t done. That’s normal. What really helps is open and honest communication, especially with your partner. You need to work as a team, understand each other’s pressures, and support one another when things get hectic. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from family, friends, or even other parents. Sometimes, swapping school pick-ups or playdates can be a lifesaver. And lastly, try to carve out small moments for yourself, even if it’s just a coffee in peace or a quick walk. You can only juggle everything when you have the energy to do so.
How does MEININGER Hotels support employees with kids? Are there specific policies or cultural aspects you find helpful?
I’m not aware of specific policies tailored to parents, but the work culture here is family-friendly. I’ve never felt judged or disadvantaged when I needed to prioritize my child—whether it’s a doctor’s appointment or a sick day. That level of understanding is something I truly appreciate. What also makes a big difference is the flexibility to work from home, at least when you work for the HQ. It allows me to juggle work and family life much more effectively. Honestly, I don’t think I could work full-time if I had to be in the office five days a week. Knowing that MEININGER Hotels values outcomes over rigid schedules gives me the freedom to manage both my professional and family responsibilities in a way that works best for me.
Do you feel your experiences as a mom influence the way you approach your work, especially in communications?
I think so, at least in subtle ways. For one, I’ve definitely developed more patience. Negotiating with an 8-year-old teaches you a lot about listening, staying calm, and choosing your words wise; skills that come in handy when managing communications and aligning with different stakeholders. Being a mom has also made me more conscious about being fully present. I try to focus on work when my son is at school or asleep, so that when he’s home, I can really be there for him. This mindset translates into my work as well—being intentional with my time and focusing on what matters most.
How do you like to unwind or spend your free time outside of work?
There are lots of things! My husband and I love cooking together, and we often host dinner parties with friends—good food, good wine, great company, and long conversations around the table are my kind of evening. I also cherish coffee and shopping dates with my girlfriends. Staying active is important to me too. I go jogging regularly and attend Pilates classes—both help me clear my mind and recharge. Whether it’s social time or sports, I need to find that balance.
As Head of PR & Communications, how do you manage to inspire and motivate your team?
I believe motivation is contagious. When I’m passionate and enthusiastic about our work, it naturally inspires my team to bring their best to the table. I’m a team player at heart—I value open discussions, and I involve my team in decision-making processes. When everyone feels heard and empowered to contribute, it fosters a sense of ownership and drives motivation. Trust is another key factor for me. I’m not a fan of micromanagement. I believe in giving my team the freedom to work independently, knowing they can always count on my support when needed. This approach has consistently led to great results and a positive team dynamic. Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, trusted, and excited to achieve great things together.
What do you think makes MEININGER Hotels a great workplace, not just for parents but for employees in general?
I think MEININGER Hotels is a great place to work for anyone. New starters are welcomed with open arms and trusted from day one. The work culture is incredibly open, supportive, and friendly—something that’s not always a given and can be hard to find. What also stands out is the international environment. We work with colleagues from many different nationalities, which makes the workplace diverse, dynamic, and inspiring. Employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and take the lead on initiatives that can improve the company even further. A great example is our DEI team, which was founded by a group of employees to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their work has increased awareness both internally and externally, and it inspires others to drive positive change as well.
What are you most proud of, both in your role at MEININGER Hotels and as a mom?
As a mom, I’m proud of raising a kind, curious, and confident little human. Balancing work and family life is not always easy but knowing that my son feels loved and supported while also seeing me pursue a career I’m passionate about—that feels like a big win. I hope I’m showing him that it’s possible to find joy in both your work and your family life!
Thanks for sharing your insights, Pia!
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