Stephan Jablonski
It is Monday, August 16 and I am glad to welcome you to the final episode of “Monday motivation – Felix asks” season 5 right before a short summer break. Last week I read an article in a German newspaper that since the beginning of Covid, every 6th has either lost or cancelled his job in the hospitality, tourism and gastronomy industry. That is a terrifying development and over the next couple of years, it will be crucial for companies to position themselves as attractive employers.
However, it will also be a great opportunity for young talent to continue their path in our beloved industry. New hotels are emerging and talent is needed everywhere. And as my current guest rightly said:
“ You are right here. You have chosen a beautiful industry which offers so many ways of working in the entire world. It opens the world to you. Go out and find your way you will be surprised where you end up.”
In today´s episode, I am taking you to Cologne, home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, the third tallest church and cathedral in the world. While Cologne is the base of my guest, his home is all over the world. If you follow him on Social Media, you can see him enjoying his Cappuccino in the most beautiful places in the world. The hotels he is looking after are based in Anguilla, Bali, Venice, Machu Pichu, but also in London, St. Petersburg or Yangon. In total, he is representing 34 hotels, 6 trains, 2 boats and 3 Safaris. Please welcome today, Stephan Jablonski, the Senior Account Director Leisure for Germany, Austria and Switzerland at Belmond by LVMH Hotel Management.
Stephan is the face of Belmond in the German-speaking market for over 16 years and absolutely indispensable. I had the pleasure to get to know him a bit better on two occasions since I moved back to Germany.
During the interview, we talked about the start of his career at the famous German hotel “Traube Tonbach” before he moved to London for a short period. On his return, he joined The Leading Hotels of the World for five years and joined his old employer “Traube Tonbach” as Director of Sales from 2001-2004. After a year at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe he joined Belmond back in 2005.
We talked about his definition of hospitality as well as his favourite anecdote on board the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Stephan also shared some knowledge of his mentor as well as his favourite book recommendations.
Whenever you will be in Cologne, you will find Stephan’s favourite Italian at the end of the interview.
I hope that you will enjoy the read and please feel free to share your comments below.
Question 1: Where did you start your career? What do you love most about your current role?
Stephan Jablonski (SJ): “I´m very thankful that I started my apprenticeship at the Hotel Traube-Tonbach in Germany. They gave me all the basics and my fundamentals. It is still hard to find alternatives to this privately owned hotel. The way they handle hospitality is hard to find in Germany.
My current role at the wonderful world of Belmond let me help clients to organize dream Trips around the world. Every single day I love our world of Hotel, Trains & Cruises.”
Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you?
“I love the fact that the world of Hospitality is always changing, new hotel concepts, new technology etc but at the end it is all about taking care of clients’ needs and wishes.”
SJ: “I love the fact that the world of Hospitality is always changing, new hotel concepts, new technology etc but at the end it is all about taking care of clients’ needs and wishes. Our world of Belmond offers authentic places and the chance to experience moments of your life you will never forget like a stay in our Sanctuary Lodge on Machu Picchu.”
Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?
SJ: “A gentleman wanted to propose on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. As he knew his wife always had a Gin Tonic for Aperitif he asked the Maitre to place his Ring in an ice cube beforehand and serve it in the GT.
During the elegant evening the order was taken and the wife said: “Once in a lifetime on board the VSOE I think we need to Drink Champagne instead.”
Our Maitre asked her if it would be fine to drop an ice cube to have it really refreshing so the groom was able to hold on to his story and so he did.”
Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it and did she/he gave you a piece of advice you still follow?
SJ: “There were many I have to admit and in all corners of the world. But I'm always thankful to all the advice my GM Erdman Degler from the Hotel Traube-Tonach gave to me: There is no “NO” in our Business of serving guests, only alternative solutions.”
Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?
“You are right here!”
SJ: “You are right here! You have chosen a beautiful industry which offers so many ways of working in the entire world. It opens the world to you. Go out and find your way you will be surprised where you end up.”
Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.
SJ: “Brüder von Jackie Thomae
The White Book von Raphael Horzon”
Question 7: Which other industry expert would you like to see to answer these questions as well?
SJ: “Jochen Radermacher - Radermacher Reisen and Christoph Berner - Berner Travel Munich“
Question 8: What is your must-try/ must-see (e.g bar, restaurant, sight etc.) in Cologne?
SJ: “One of my favorite places in Cologne is the Italian Restaurant La Piazzetta at the Schaffenstr, where you get a really special taste of Cologne's local atmosphere and great Italian cuisine.”
Stephan, thank you so much for taking the time. I cannot wait to see you again.
Please, do not forget to #sharepositivestories
