Trainee cocktail competition | LA VILLA
Sustainability, which means among other things, using regional, seasonal and organic products, is at the forefront of our concept at LA VILLA on Lake Starnberg.
The year 2021 is coming to an end and with it my first two years as Managing Director of LA VILLA, in the new management constellation with Margarete Schultes, our wonderful Hotel Director.
Running a business from January 2020 came with some additional hurdles, to say the least. I had many goals and plans that had to be put aside for the time being by Corona. Instead of analyzing sales figures, I had to prevent insolvency; instead of strategizing, I had to put out fires; instead of accelerating, I had to slow down.
Someone said to me the other day - "It's a pity that there have been so many lows in recent years." I see it differently: there have been many challenges, and quite a few highs that followed.
I've learned a lot, and I'm not just saying that because it's "just the way they say it." I have grown as a person and as an entrepreneur. I have gotten to know my employees better, I have acquired short-term and long-term "parallel thinking", I have completely rethought communication with stakeholders and... I have understood that everything happens with meaning.
LA VILLA has also grown. Certainly not in sales, but in the loyalty of employees, guests and partners. We held our heads high, we (almost) didn't complain and we always believed in ourselves. We have not lost anyone "because of Corona," which is what I am most proud of.
We have expanded our sustainability strategy, we have expanded our technology, and we have evolved in terms of offering and quality. At the same time, we have always remained true to our values and have tried to live up to our goal despite everything: Namely, to optimize the well-being of guest, employee:s and company.
And the journey has only just begun. Now it continues with strategic thoughts and implementations. I find this endlessly exciting!
In the last 2 years I have become calmer, more patient and more mindful, and I take myself less seriously. My volume of bad jokes may have increased, I may be forgiven for that.
I am grateful.
I look to the future with energy and confidence.
I look forward to seeing you.
Yours, Katja Lindo
