What do you associate with luxury? For some, it's money or something material that you can buy. For others, it's quality of life. Even though the understanding of luxury is very individual, there is a trend towards more ethical, sustainable and quiet luxury. Someone who knows the luxury goods market and the high-end hospitality industry inside out is our interview partner of the month: Tanja Alexja Wegmann.
With almost 20 years of experience in the hotel industry and detours in the jewelry and watch industry, she is in daily contact with the beautiful, traditional and luxurious. Was this world always her goal? "It wasn't necessarily meant to be, but I've always been open to new things and always up for a challenge," says the experienced hospitality specialist. After finishing hotel management school, Tanja Wegmann found it exciting to get an insight into the 5-star hotel industry. The fact that she was considered one of the most promising general manager candidates by an in-house fast track program at Intercontinental Hotels at that time and would subsequently have a steep and long career in luxury hospitality management could not have been imagined by the businesswoman, who until recently was the general manager of "Les Trois Rois", during those years.
Since mid-July 2022, Tanja Wegmann has been enjoying a different kind of luxury: as the founder of her own company, "Tanja Wegmann Hospitality", she can independently determine how she spends her time, choose projects wisely and accept mandates selectively, taking new exciting paths with her filled backpack. Her commitment in the social sector is very important to her: For several years on the board of trustees of the old people's and nursing home Sternenhof active, Tanja Wegmann would like to increase her involvement even further. However, she remains true to the hospitality management industry - her heart beats for a sensual, aesthetic and holistic experience of pleasure, which she wants to make tangible. This is even more important to her in light of the coming times of robotization of the hospitality industry and the concept of virtual metaverse hotels: the distinctive human touch and emotional intelligence. She is currently actively involved in the renovation project for the "Villa Florhof" by Lalique in Zurich, which is scheduled to open in spring 2024.
We talked to the CEO and board member about her professional and personal habits. Find out in the interview how Tanja Wegmann defines success and what she considers the most important professional advice of her career.
Ms. Wegmann, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"At the time, as a high school graduate, I had three possible career paths in mind: studying psychology, training to become an interior designer, or going to hotel management school.
I chose the latter because, at a young age, I mainly wanted to travel and get to know the world. Today, I am still grateful for my decision - the Ecôle Hotelière de Lausanne offers a sensational, exciting and wide-ranging education. And last but not least, today I can combine and apply the other two areas of interest well in the hotel industry."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"With a cappuccino and a ginger shot, I slowly get going in the morning, then I go for a jog with my dog Mäxli in the countryside. Compared to the past, I take much more time for myself in the morning these days before I dive right into work."
What does success mean to you personally?
"Success and career were not important to me in the early years. Over time, I acquired a taste for it. The fact that I can make a difference today with my wealth of experience fulfills me greatly.
But success for me also means recognition, positive feedback, interest from people in my private and professional environment. But above all, personal success means to me when I approach every day with motivation, passion and heart and soul and can touch people in the process.
What would you work for free for a week?
"My friend Farah DeTomi founded the animal organization Animal Police in 2018, she rescues many animals in need on the island of Mallorca. On her Finca Noah, she now cares for about 160 animals with a lot of heart and passion. It has long been in my planning, I would like to support her and in the foreseeable future a week to help her in Mallorca as a volunteer. Farah also runs an event company in addition to Finca Noah, she lives completely for the welfare of the animals, but also for that of her business partners. This power woman has my greatest admiration."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"A successful entrepreneur once told me: stay the way you are, be proud to be a woman and don't bend yourself for others. Today I like to pass this advice on to young women who are at the beginning of their career: Stay authentically yourself, pursue your goals with hard work, heart and soul and passion, yet always remain open to new things, meet people with a lot of empathy, listen to your counterpart and show real emotions when needed."
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Ms. Wegmann for her contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted by telephone.
Editor: Neslihan Steiner
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
