International Women's Day 2022

Inspiring Women at Motel One

#breakthebias

8 March is "International Women's Day". For over 100 years, this day has been used to draw attention to women's rights and gender equality. While there are some achievements to celebrate so far, the main aim is to draw attention to discrimination and inequalities that still exist: In 2022, the United Nations' motto for International Women's Day is "Break the Bias"

 

 

Stereotypes and prejudices against women and girls should thus be made visible and equal opportunities and equality further promoted. Speaking of which, we at Motel One are proud to have a strong proportion of women in our company: 57% of all our employees (in Head Office & Hotels, 2021) are women, 53% of management positions (managers with personnel responsibility Head Office & Hotels, 2021) are filled by women. Here we would like to introduce you to some of them:


Read more
Hotel Manager Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée
Matilde Conejo-Mir

What are you particularly proud of? 
I am currently very proud of my team, they are all fighters! Through Corona, we all had to learn to work differently and there were some difficult times, but now we have created a solid organisation that - despite new challenges - allows us to grow every day and have clear goals, especially when it comes to providing quality service. I am also very proud to be part of this company. I feel absolutely in tune with Motel One's corporate culture and appreciate that we can rely on each other for support.
What do you love most about your job? 
I love everything about my job and would rather call it my passion. The hospitality industry is the perfect environment for me because I have a lot of energy and I like to be active, dynamic and enthusiastic. I like the contact with people, especially of course when I am surrounded by happy people. I come to work every day to create a good working environment with my team and to foster a sense of togetherness. We are more like a small family and that is very important to me!
What is the most important piece of advice you have ever received? 
Enjoy your life and at least TRY to be happy every day! Take time for yourself and for your loved ones. Be kind and always have a proud smile on your face.
Is there anyone who inspires you or do you have a role model?
I am fortunate to know many strong women in my personal and professional life and have been influenced mostly by my friends, family and colleagues.
If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman (living or dead), who would you choose and why? 
If I could time travel, I would have dinner with Frida Kahlo for tacos (and tequila!) because even after her serious accident, she had the strength to follow her passion, painting, and always advocated for women power. Although I would always prefer to have dinner with living people :-) 

 

Bar Employee Motel One Munich-Campus
Hable Reszt

What is the most important piece of advice you have ever received?
Always stay true to yourself and don't bend for other people - that's what my mother has advised me since I was little.
What are you particularly proud of?
I am proud of the fact that I managed to find my feet in a foreign country and work in my dream job. I am also proud of being independent and raising a wonderful daughter.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy the atmosphere at the bar. Not only that the guests take time out from their everyday lives in a jolly mood with me. But also that we work together behind the bar like a family. 
What message would you like to give to young women?
Be proud of yourself and go your own way. 
If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman (living or dead), who would you choose and why? 
I would love to have dinner with Rosa Parks because she was incredibly brave and proudly stood up for the black community herself. 
What do you wish for all women?
I wish for all women in the world that they are treated equally and never have to experience violence - in any form.

 

Co-Head of Development Motel One
Astrid Schafleitner

What do you love most about your job?
That an encounter, a conversation gives rise to an idea that, after years of cooperation between many different people, becomes a beautiful Motel One. That is insanely motivating.

What is the most important piece of advice you have ever received?
The others also only boil with water.

What are you most proud of?
I have learned to trust my mind, to follow my feeling and to use my voice and to use it.

This year's Women's Day is themed #BreaktheBias. Have you ever been confronted with prejudices against women and if so, how can you overcome these biases in the future? 
A favourite phrase that I often still encounter in my everyday professional life: "Are we still waiting for someone on your side - is anyone else coming?" "No. No one else is coming. You may discuss the project with me and negotiate." I think it is a learning process to overcome bias and we are responsible for cheering it on and speeding it up.

Your message you would like to give to young women? 
Stay brave! Keep an open mind! Don't try to pretend and trust in your skills and knowledge.

Area Sales Manager NRW
Fatima Ceesay

What are you particularly proud of?
I am proud of having consciously and also unconsciously worked in a direction over the last 5-10 years that has brought me to this leadership position. I get to do a job that challenges me, promotes me and makes me happy.
What is the most important piece of advice you have ever received?
Never leave empty-handed: I always think about how I can use the time and my ways most effectively. And: He who asks leads.

A message you would like to give to young women?
Believe in yourself, above all trust your abilities and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. It is possible to learn anything, with discipline, perseverance and patience you will get to any goal.

Is there someone who inspires you or do you have a role model?
My mother, who raised two children on her own and always taught us that everyone is the architect of their own fortune. Hard work pays off, there is no one who can take it away from you if you want to get to your goal.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
Michele Obama. I want to know what it was like for you as First Lady. She is a woman of impressive strength and fighting spirit. She inspires, encourages and empowers women to believe in themselves and fight for your goals.
I have many questions for you and hope that you will bring your husband with you.

Manager One Foundation / Senior Manager Human Relations
Katrin Lepold

What do you wish for all women? 
According to the statistics, women are underrepresented in all areas of life and society, take for example the proportion of women in leadership positions. Moreover, girls and women already have less access to schooling and vocational training and later earn less than men on average. To overcome these deficits, I wish for all women, equal participation in education, politics, business, research... just to name a few, and furthermore, a fair remuneration equal to men.

If you could have dinner with any inspiring woman (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
Oprah Winfrey. She grew up at a time when many doors were closed to Black women in the US. Her life story, her social rise, her commitment and moreover her career as a leader and entrepreneur, move me a lot!  I'm sure she has a lot to tell and one evening would definitely not be enough!

What are you most proud of?
I don't know if "proud" is the right term for it.... But probably the closest thing to it is the feeling I have when I look back on my career path so far. At the age of 24, I caught up on my A-levels and studied before re-entering professional life. This was often arduous and also demanded a lot of stamina from me. So, if anything, I can be proud of having had the perseverance to not lose sight of my goals and dreams!

This year's Women's Day is themed #BreaktheBias. Have you been confronted with prejudices against women and if so, how can you overcome these biases in the future?
Unfortunately, it still happens that many women, no matter what their position, are given less credit in everyday interactions or are questioned differently than their male counterparts. I have also personally encountered this form of everyday sexism more than once. The most effective way to overcome this problem is for us women to work together and point out the existing grievances, demand appropriate countermeasures and establish them!

What is a message you would like to give to young women?
Dare to think bigger and realise your (professional) dreams! And I wish you a large portion of fearlessness and mutual support, because: always better together.