I began my university studies in the United States, enrolling in a Business Management degree. After three years, while exploring different career paths, I discovered a Hospitality Management program specializing in tourism in Miami, Florida. My interest in this field came naturally. From a young age, my family travelled extensively due to my father’s work with the European Commission. We lived mainly in developing countries in Africa and Asia, and this exposure to different cultures sparked my passion for travel and people. 

Whilst in hospitality school, I completed an internship with a private concierge service in Miami, which had offices in major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Milan. This experience opened my eyes to the service industry and led me to work in restaurants and bars, where I began developing strong customer service skills. 

In my final year of school, I gained my first hotel experience at a boutique 50-room Hilton property. From the beginning, I loved interacting with guests from all over the world and sharing recommendations to enhance their stay. I understood how it felt to be away from home and enjoyed offering small, thoughtful ideas that helped guests feel comfortable and welcome. 

I owe much of my development to my first Front Office Manager, who trained and mentored me. He was deeply hospitality-oriented, passionate about people, and truly enjoyed engaging with both guests and staff. His example helped confirm that hospitality was the right career path for me. In 2016, my student visa expired and I returned to my home country France. 

Back home, I secured a reception role at a Hilton hotel in Paris. I was fortunate to work under a General Manager with experience in a five-star property and a strong focus on service excellence. Although it was a four-star business hotel, the level of attention to detail and guest care reflected five-star standards. My fluency in English and familiarity with Paris allowed me to confidently assist and advise international guests. 

Over the next three years, I held several positions within the hotel, such as receptionist & night auditor, which gave me a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations. I later returned to reception as a shift leader, preparing for VIP arrivals and managing guest concerns. While some colleagues found challenging guest interactions difficult, I enjoyed finding solutions and turning negative situations into positive experiences. 

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I moved to Luxembourg to take on the role of Assistant Front Office Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton. This period was particularly challenging, as lockdowns forced the hotel to close. I focused on supporting the team, reorganizing workloads, and adapting operations during an uncertain time. 

When travel resumed, we experienced a surge often referred to as “revenge travel.” Despite constantly changing restrictions, it was rewarding to return to daily guest interactions, deliver high-quality service, and motivating the team through a demanding period. 

I later joined the Accor Group in Luxembourg, which operates nearly ten properties in the country. Being part of Accor allows for strong collaboration between hotels and teams, as well as shared discussions on trends within Luxembourg’s hospitality market. The country itself is unique, with a diverse population and growing tourism from neighbouring countries. Accor’s client-focused approach felt natural to me, especially as a French brand aligned with my background. 

I would recommend a career in hospitality to anyone who enjoys engaging with people from around the world, discovering new cultures, and working in a dynamic, international environment. 

My understanding of hospitality is deeply influenced by the Heartist® mindset I learned from my mother, who is from the Philippines. In her culture, welcoming someone means preparing their favourite food, ensuring comfort, and making them feel at home. I grew up watching her do this, and hospitality reflects that same philosophy—creating meaningful, local experiences that make guests feel truly welcomed. 

Living and working in Luxembourg, I am surrounded by colleagues and guests from many different cultures, each bringing unique strengths. Having lived in more than ten countries and travelled to over 35, I have developed a strong sense of open-mindedness and adaptability. 

Collaborating daily with people from across the world, learning from their cultures, and using that knowledge to enhance guest experiences is what I find most fulfilling. Being part of a multicultural team reflects how I grew up and represents the highlights of my career. 

Above all, it is important to be yourself, enjoy your work environment, listen with empathy, and remain open to new ideas and skills. Hospitality is one of the best industries to gain a global perspective, offering not just a career, but a broader view of the world.