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Meet our Explorers: Our Event Manager Leo tells us about his career path & LGBTQIA+ commitment

We caught up with Leo Resende, our Events Manager, to dive into his journey at MEININGER Hotels. From his dynamic start in Sales to planning memorable events, Leo shares his experiences, dreams, and how diversity and inclusion shape the MEININGER culture.

• Let’s start with the basics. How long have you been a Berliner?

It’s been 5 years. I’m originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but I lived in the UK since age 16.

•  Now, your journey with MEININGER Hotels—spill the beans!

I worked with a MEININGER Hotels partner before, so I knew the product. I started as the UK Sales Manager in London, later moved to Berlin, and eventually shifted into events; a happy move as I’d already joined MEININGER Hotels events. I love my new position!

• Managing events can be tricky. Any secrets for a seamless experience?

Achieving seamless is tough with events that could involve up to 400 guests. As we say in Brazil, “If Jesus couldn’t please everyone, how will I?” I aim to surprise by delivering the unexpected. If they expect burgers and fries, give them sushi!

• Best and most challenging aspects of your role?

The best part is the creative element. Developing a vision and executing it is rewarding. We get to do unique things, like the “Make your own gin” experience. The day of an event is like a rollercoaster. You rely on suppliers, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Trust is key, especially since I operate pretty much as a one-man show.

How do you identify yourself on the LGBTQAI+ spectrum?

I identify as a gay man and am proudly part of the Diversity & Inclusion team, a growing platform for diverse employees. We do a lot of cool things, and we’re a bit louder than other teams! (laughs)

•  That’s the fun part! The CSD motto this year was “Be their voice and ours...”

In D&I, we aim to represent ourselves and other groups, giving voice and visibility. It’s more than sympathy; it’s about “Hey, you're just the same as me.” A message of equality!

• Positive changes in D&I at MEININGER Hotels since you joined?

Yes, an organic shift with new talent joining from various places. Diversity changes the creative and commercial dynamics and having a D&I strategy makes a big difference.

• How does D&I contribute to the company’s success?

Happy and comfortable people do better jobs, and job satisfaction rises.

• The company embraces various values and traditions. How does it create a warm environment for employees and guests?

After our first Pride Townhall at the Headquarters, people felt prouder of the company. It gave representation and boosted morale. Our hotel teams are also a step ahead as they interact daily with guests, a widely diverse crowd.

• Can you tell us more about the Pride Townhall?

We wanted to do something to celebrate Pride. It was a virtual event with a trans woman living in Berlin as our guest speaker. I interviewed her on her unique experiences, and it went great!

•  Inclusion is like a puzzle with each piece adding to the bigger picture. Can you share a project you’re working on with the D&I team to create a positive impact?

Identifying more minority groups, promoting awareness days, for example for religious holidays, and showcasing diversity beyond the LGBTQAI+ community.

• How would you encourage people to embrace diversity in their daily interactions?

Walk up to people different from you, make connections outside your comfort zone, and ask them “How is it for you?” Real-life connections are a form of education.

• We all have role models who inspire us. Who’s yours and why?

I was involved with Tibetan Buddhism for some time, so I’d say the Dalai Lama. He's peaceful, in a good mood and inclusive. I went to one of his events once where every sentence was translated in 5 languages. It can’t get more inclusive than that!

• Absolutely! Lastly, what's your personal mantra?

"What do I want from today?" If you can't answer that, it might not be a good day. Also, our Pride Townhall quote about D&I, "I don't like cucumbers, but I don't hit them when I go to the supermarket!”

Thanks for sharing your insights, Leo!

• How did your journey at MEININGER start?

After many years in Dubai, my family and I moved to Amsterdam in 2017. As I love working with people, I applied for the Receptionist position at the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel in 2018. The hotel was just about to open, and I had the amazing chance to be part of the pre-opening crew. I remember my first days during which the hotel was still in the final stages of construction. And look how it looks now! 

• Which positions & teams have you worked in, so far?

I've been working at the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel since day 1. My first position was Receptionist, and then Senior Receptionist by the end of 2018. I was very lucky that the Senior management, back then, trusted me with many tasks and that I had the opportunity to grow into my new role and became an Assistant Hotel Manager by 2019.  

• In which cities have you worked for MEININGER?

In Amsterdam. I've also supported the opening of our MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi.

• What have the last few years at MEININGER been like for you?

An amazing journey with such an amazing team! From a new hotel opening to booking records lasting many weeks with nearly 100% occupancy to the devastating drop in 2019 when Corona hit us hard. With my great team, we maneuvered through this and came out stronger than ever before. We were able to welcome back to the city our lovely guests and occupancies got higher day by day and week by week. 

• What are your biggest personal accomplishments?

I believe my career here, at MEININGER, is a great accomplishment in itself. I have worked with people all my life. However, I haven't worked in hospitality before I started here and I've challenged myself to transfer my previous work experience to a new setting. I adapted quickly to my new life in Amsterdam and standing here today makes me very happy. I'm extremely proud of what this team has achieved and how we've become a role model for other hotels. Whether the introduction of new systems, the design/implementation of new operating procedures, or simply how the members of our team are working as one entity: it's all a major achievement for me, and I'm glad I'm part of it.

• How would you describe your work at MEININGER (in 3 words)?

Just loving it. Okay, okay, I borrowed this from the other big M. But it's true!

• How would you describe your team's dynamic?

Especially after the pandemic, the team became even more caring, sensitive and cheerful when working together. We've developed our spirit of teamwork and resilience and it became stronger than ever before; something that keeps us going in this world where change is constant.

• What ​keeps you motivated at work?

Happy guests, happy staff. Working with people was always my drive and motivation. Being in a role where I do this daily and also shape the way of how we do things is a great motivator. Last but not least, knowing there are always extra opportunities here, at MEININGER, makes me and my team be at our best every day.

• How did your journey at MEININGER start?

I joined MEININGER in August 2020, just after the 1st Covid wave. I got very lucky since the hospitality industry wasn't at its best back then.

Previously, I had been working in a small hostel, and I had been looking for something more stimulating. I had heard a bit about MEININGER during college and I had seen they offered a position that was really interesting, so, I thought why not?  

Before getting hired, I believed that MEININGER was just about operating huge hotels. But then, I discovered the great company values, the commitment employees show towards both their team and guests, and the feeling of togetherness and mutual support that rule here. All of this attracted me to the brand and made me connect with it.

• Which positions & teams have you worked in, so far?

I used to work in the Operation department as an Assistant Hotel Manager. Now, I'm working in the Commerce department and joined the Sales team as a Customer Success Coordinator. I'm curious to see what other surprises the future has for me.

• In which cities have you worked for MEININGER?

Lyon and now Berlin.

• What have the last few years at MEININGER been like for you?

Summing up, I would say personal and professional growth. I've learned a lot about myself by working with others. 

Being within a stimulating work environment and, generally, in a challenging industry pushes you to adapt, to question yourself and to get creative. You have to be versatile and able to develop while performing many things.

We have the chance to work for a company that has great values which are unanimously shared by its employees, so, I guess my family just got bigger! 

• What are your biggest personal accomplishments?

I got a Manager position at a quite young age, at only 24 years old, and the hardest thing was to believe in myself and my competency. It took me a while to gain confidence, but when I finally did, I felt really proud of myself for succeeding.

People often say "fake it 'til you make it" and I have to agree. We often tend to be our own worst critics and I've now learned to go beyond this. Having proven to myself that I'm capable of doing great things and being versatile is definitely an accomplishment for me. Collaborating with a company that believes in you enough to let you grow is a big achievement, as well.

• How would you describe your work at MEININGER (in 3 words)?

Why only 3 words? Not enough [she laughs]. I would say people-centered, caring and motivating. That's 3.5, sorry! 

• How would you describe your team's dynamic?

Really supportive and encouraging. There's healthy competition which pushes us to always give our best.

• What k​eeps you motivated at work?

The result. I really enjoy seeing my thoughts or actions take shape.

But the most important thing is to wake up every morning knowing it will be another exciting day that will help you grow and be proud of what you've accomplished.

• How did your journey at MEININGER start?

It began in 2018. A friend who was working in Service for the MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery told me about its opening and the great working atmosphere. That made me run to apply for a job there the very next day.

• Which positions & teams have you worked in, so far?

First, I started out in Service at the MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery. Then, I did reception training at the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz. As a receptionist, I undertook all the different shift-types while working at all our hotels in Berlin. For 3 months, I worked at the MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympia Stadium as supporting staff and helped with the onboarding process of new colleagues. I also worked in Technical Support at another hotel for 2 months, since our technical team there needed extra help. At some point, I worked the night shift at reception and, more than a year later, I got promoted to Front Desk Supervisor.

• In which cities have you worked for MEININGER?

Berlin & Munich.

• What have the last few years at MEININGER been like for you?

A big challenge and an adventure, overall. I learned a lot about how a team sticks together in hard times, such as the pandemic and the various lockdowns.

• What are your biggest personal accomplishments?

Being a supervisor to a whole new team, supporting and teaching them everything about the job.

• How would you describe your work at MEININGER (in 3 words)?

Fun, full of challenges and with a perfect work-life balance.

• How would you describe your team's dynamic?

We all have a good connection with one other and are good at communicating. Everybody's always ready to help when needed and we trust each other. We also like to enjoy ourselves and have a good time at work.

• What ​keeps you motivated at work?

First of all, the good working ambience and the nice colleagues. I like to wake up in the morning knowing that something new happens every day and that today is going to be unique and different from yesterday. Meeting new people from all over the world feels very motivating, too, because it helps me grow.

• How did your journey at MEININGER start?

I first started working at MEININGER in February 2013.

At the time, I was new in Berlin and was looking for a part-time job to support my studies. A close friend of mine urged me to check out the job openings of MEININGER Hotels, so, I ended up applying for the Front Office Receptionist's night shift. The interview process ran smoothly and soon I joined the MEININGER family. Almost 4 years at reception boosted my confidence, improved my language skills, and awarded me with countless funny stories based on my daily contact with guests.

My evolution was fast. Shortly, I became a full-time Front Desk Manager and a multi-tasking machine with a single goal: to provide the best services possible and inside tips to our guests.

• Which positions & teams have you worked in, so far?

After I finished my master's, I applied for a position in the Marketing department in the HQ, and I joined the Marketing team as a Content Coordinator in January 2017. Later, I was promoted to Junior SEO Manager and now I'm a Digital Marketing Manager.

Knowing first-hand the issues, needs and challenges that Operations is daily dealing with has proven a huge advantage that helped me prioritize and sort out my to-do list. Also, having a wide network of friends and contacts within the company simplified my daily work and fast-tracked the progress of my projects. Knowing people does make a difference!

• In which cities have you worked for MEININGER?

As a receptionist, I've worked at 4 of our 6 hotels in Berlin. Sometimes, you might be relocated because somebody's sick, or because another hotel needs extra support.

• What have the last few years at MEININGER been like for you?

The Covid pandemic had a significant effect on the total number of employees we had. Especially the Marketing team got smaller during that time while the workload increased. Keeping up with priorities and needs was a great challenge. After the amount of hard work that we put in, I can proudly say that we successfully managed to conquer all challenges.

The one and only positive outcome of the pandemic was everyone having the flexible option of remote work. Seems like the productivity levels while working from home can be higher than always working at the office, at least for me.

• What are your biggest personal accomplishments?

That's a tough one...

I cannot think of just one specific personal accomplishment since my job requires me to constantly improve and optimize the online presence of MEININGER Hotels. In addition, everything I do is part of a team effort with common objectives. Some highlights are that we have a much faster website, now, with good performance and a high conversion rate. I also played a crucial role in launching the new Manage-my-booking section which enables guests to easily cancel or modify their reservations online. On top of that, we successfully activated 8 new hotel pages within the last 2 years and performed various activities to digitalize the in-stay experience at the hotels.

• How would you describe your work at MEININGER (in 3 words)?

Self-improving, diverse and challenging.

• How would you describe your team's dynamic?

Being able to rely on your colleagues and feeling confident that they will deliver the best result possible is a huge plus. In our team, there's healthy competition and focus on self-improvement with no conflicts and tension among us. Everything is balanced and peaceful, and offer each other constructive feedback constantly.

• What keeps you motivated at work?

I kind of feel responsible for every single piece of information you may find online about MEININGER Hotels. This keeps me on my feet and motivates me to constantly improve and optimize our website: the main source of revenue. The memories of my time as receptionist are still fresh and remind me of the need to provide the best digital experience possible to our guests.

Some exciting and demanding projects, which are on the way (e.g., a new website, new custom booking engine, etc.) and will transform the online experience, are what I would call... my energy drink!