From Rooms Division Manager to General Manager and New Leadership Expert
How the journey started
My journey at Seminaris Hotels began in summer 2021 as Rooms Division Manager at our hotel in Lüneburg. Right from the onboarding process, I noticed that people here are given a high level of freedom and trust to work independently. That immediately stood out to me in a very positive way and felt refreshingly different compared to previous employers.
Seminaris recognised early on that the future of work requires new ways of thinking and a different leadership culture. Since 2018, the hotel group has therefore been going through a transformation process focused on creating structures that support both personal and professional growth. This mindset is reflected in our guiding principle: “We make people grow.”
I was immediately fascinated by this approach. After a short time, I was trusted not only with my operational role but also invited to become part of the transformation team “Team Kopf”. Just a few months later, our former General Manager offered me the opportunity to step into the role of Operations Manager — a huge opportunity and an enormous sign of trust.
In this new position, I quickly realised how much influence I could actively have on the development of the hotel. The trust placed in me, the freedom to take ownership and the support from across the company motivated me to give my best every day and contribute far beyond my core responsibilities. For the first time in my professional career, I truly felt that initiative, intrinsic motivation and the willingness to embrace challenges were genuinely valued.
„Even during onboarding, I realised how much freedom and trust people receive here to work independently. That surprised me in a very positive way and felt refreshingly different compared to previous employers.“
Learning through responsibility
I see every day as part of a personal learning journey where I can continue developing professionally, personally and as a leader. I consciously challenge myself by stepping into situations that push me outside my comfort zone.
Seminaris Hotels provides the safe framework that allows me to navigate uncertain situations with confidence. Feedback, reflection and open exchange help me continuously learn and improve. Internal and external workshops have also become an important part of my personal and professional development.
A new understanding of leadership
During my time at Seminaris, I especially learned how to recognise potential in people and help them grow. I truly enjoy developing workshops and training formats for colleagues and exploring new ideas together.
Our monthly “Leadership & New Work” workshop for managers has become a well-established format within the company. At the same time, I had the opportunity to actively contribute to the company’s transformation and engage with topics such as leadership, change and modern collaboration beyond the hotel environment as well.
Why growth becomes possible at Seminaris
As a matrix organisation, Seminaris rethinks traditional positions and understands responsibility more as a flexible role model. This creates space for people to grow, contribute and shape their own development.
For me personally, it was especially important to experience that “We make people grow” is not just a slogan, but something that is genuinely lived throughout the company. An open error culture and the willingness to learn from challenges helped me gain confidence, take responsibility and continue growing professionally and personally.
Seminaris became a place where growth is truly possible — as a professional, as a person and as a leader.
Looking ahead
I love challenges, change and situations that push me to grow. That is where I find motivation and development. My goal is therefore not tied to a specific position, but to continuously evolve and stay curious.
My expectations of an employer are simple: space for growth, trust and the opportunity to take ownership. That is exactly what I found at Seminaris Hotels.
