Employee Story of the Month: A Journey with Barbara

26 August 2024
Culture, Homelike

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Welcome to our Employee Story of the Month series, where we shine a spotlight on the inspiring journeys and achievements of our team members. This month, we are thrilled to feature Barbara, whose leadership and positive mindset have significantly impacted our B2B operations at Homelike. Join us as we delve into Barbara’s story, her role at Homelike, and her vision for the future.

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Barbara’s Journey to Homelike

Barbara’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique. With an infectious sense of humor and a knack for storytelling, she shares her adventure with us:

“One of the most important things about me is that I talk too much. I’m Italian; I love talking. I love connecting with people. I’ve been living in the UK now for 27 years. Imagine, I came to London just for a weekend. I found a job during the weekend and I never went home. So I usually say it’s been a very long weekend.”

Barbara’s spontaneity and the unexpected twist of fate that led her to the UK have shaped her vibrant personality and approach to life. Despite being a typically pre-planning individual, she embraced her spur-of-the-moment decision to stay in London—a decision that ultimately led her to join Homelike after many successful years in the hospitality industry.

Understanding B2B Operations

Barbara leads the global reservations team for B2B clients at Homelike. Her role involves navigating the complexities of working with agencies and relocation companies, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and their employees moving across countries. Barbara explains:

“Our duty is to choose properties that are suitable and follow strict health and safety and security criteria. We need to ensure our properties meet these standards to avoid losing contracts with companies moving hundreds of people globally. Most of our clients come from the U.S., and the cultural shock can be dramatic for them, so we need to get it right.”

The detailed attention Barbara and her team give to each booking emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and ensuring a smooth transition for clients experiencing significant life changes.

Future Vision for Homelike’s B2B

Barbara’s vision for Homelike’s B2B business is ambitious yet grounded in the reality of the market’s needs. Currently, B2B accounts for 30% of Homelike’s revenue, and Barbara hopes to see it grow to 50%, equating to the B2C segment. She believes in empowering her team to make bold decisions and revolutionize the B2B sector with technological advancements:

“I’m hoping to be able to bring our fantastic supply to all of our different agencies. My team works daily to achieve this, and I see myself as an advisor for the type of technology we need. The market is ripe for a tech revolution, and I hope to help transition from paper to electronic documentation.”

Barbara’s focus on embracing technology and enhancing the user experience reflects her innovative mindset and dedication to pushing the industry forward.

Maintaining Positivity and Team Energy

One of the hallmarks of Barbara’s leadership is her ability to maintain a positive and energetic work environment. She believes in staying connected with her team through daily huddles and encouraging open communication. Barbara shares her approach:

“For me, the most important thing is to vent without any consequences. Out with the bad, in with the good. We always need to remember that every interaction is the first for the person on the other end. We need to give them our best.”

Barbara’s emphasis on empathy and understanding the client’s perspective helps her team deliver exceptional service consistently.

Balancing Support and High Performance

Balancing support and high performance is crucial for any leader, and Barbara excels in this area. She conducts weekly one-on-one meetings with her team members to address any issues, discuss bookings, revenue, and pipeline status:

“If there is a problem, my people know it almost before it happens because we talk every day. They come in with their problems and ideas, and we move from there.”

Barbara’s proactive approach ensures her team remains motivated and on track to achieve their goals.

Conclusion

Barbara’s journey and her contributions to Homelike are nothing short of inspiring. Her leadership, coupled with her positive mindset, drives her team to deliver outstanding results consistently. As Homelike continues to grow its B2B operations, Barbara’s vision and dedication will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Barbara’s story. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Employee Story of the Month series, where we will continue to share the incredible journeys of our team members.

Want to join us? Check out Homelike Jobs and start your journey today!