Insights From the C-Suite: Valentina De Santis, CEO, Grand Hotel Tremezzo

As part of a new, members-only series, Women Leading Travel & Hospitality is asking industry executives about their professional journeys, mentorship, how they stay up-to-date on the latest industry technology and trends, how they take care of themselves, and so much more. This week, insight comes from Valentina De Santis, CEO, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a luxury villa-turned-hotel on Lake Como in Italy.

Women Leading Travel & Hospitality: Can you share a specific instance where you successfully navigated a major change or challenge, highlighting the key lessons learned and how they shaped your leadership approach?
Valentina De Santis: My daily challenge is to take care of everything that’s involved with the stay of our lovely guests, from the tiniest details to the most important procedures. I also dedicate a lot of my time to promote my little paradise around the world with my sales and marketing teams.

I am and always have been a host, even before becoming a hotelier. I’ve grown up spending every summer of my life at the hotel since I was a baby, so my role goes beyond any official position. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua are my homes, and what I would like written on my business cards would be just “the hostess with the mostest.” The key lesson I learned is that there’s no better inspiration than one that derives from the heart. In my case, that’s family. For centuries, the underlying inspirational spirit that has driven my success is the unification of efforts that make our hotel not just a team, but a real family unit. This is my successful secret.

WLT&H: How have mentorship and sponsorship played a role in your professional development, and how do you actively engage in cultivating talent within your organization?
VDS: The ingredients for a perfect recipe in hospitality are endless. But what cannot be missing is a huge dose of passion and love for your “home,” and being ready to be versatile and embrace a different role every day. This is how I keep my team motivated.

WLT&H: How do you maintain a healthy work-life harmony, and what strategies do you employ to prioritize your well-being amidst high-level responsibilities? How do you ensure your team does the same?
VDS: I feel true happiness combining work duties and quality time with my family when I’m able to make the people around me happy. My kids of course are No. 1. Nothing makes my heart burst more than hearing laughter around the house and the hotels while they run with excitement in the corridors towards the kitchen at Tremezzo to say “ciao” to the chefs or they jump with joy finding an egg in the chicken coop at Passalacqua. Then making my team — my wonderful extended family — happy, wanting to ensure they feel inspired every day taking care of themselves. And last but not least, of course, our wonderful guests. If they have a wonderful time at our hotels and find joy in experiencing “my” Lake Como, then I’m thrilled and feel in harmony. 

WLT&H: How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, and what role does continuous learning play in your ongoing personal and professional development?
VDS: I like to keep myself informed with hotel training programs designed to increase skills and leadership knowledge. In addition, I attend international workshops to strengthen networks and relationships around the world.