VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1.What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?

Honestly, I’ve always been fascinated by how travel, tech, and real human moments come together… and the vacation rental space is right at that sweet spot. It’s fast, it’s always changing, and at the end of the day, it’s about giving people experiences they’ll never forget. When I got the chance to join Holidu, it just clicked, I could help shape where travel’s headed while working with some seriously smart, passionate people. Plus, seeing travelers and local hosts both win? That’s the kind of impact that keeps me hooked.

2.What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

At Holidu, we’re not just about growing big, we’re about growing in a clever way too. What makes us different is how much we care about solid partnerships and tech that actually scales. We’re super data-driven, but we never forget this is a people business too. Whether it’s tweaking our product setup to help partners do better, obsessing over guest stuff like availability and pricing, or getting our teams to sync up on the big-picture goals, it’s all about playing the long game. For me, it’s about keeping everyone on the same page, building trust, and making sure we’re always tweaking things and improving.

3.If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? And looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?

Porto was awesome! It hit me how much face-to-face time still matters in an industry that’s so online. The coolest thing I took away was how much everyone is finally understanding that we need to put guests first, whether that’s through cool tech, AI, smoother operations, greener practices or just better customer service. Quality’s definitely trumping quantity these days. For Rome in 2025, I’m excited to swap stories with people tackling the same headaches I am, pick the brains of others winning it in tough markets, and figure out how we can all keep pushing the needle, both for our partners and the people staying with them.

4.Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?

Back in 2023, I hiked a few sections of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, 120 kilometers in a week, which was wild. It’s hands-down one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. You’re walking through these tiny mountain villages, with these massive Himalayan peaks just standing over you, it’s so humbling in a way that sticks with you forever. The people, the culture, those insane 8,000-meter giants… it’s the kind of trip that resets how you see things.

5.What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?

In my free time, I’m a marathon runner, and I pretty much run on every work trip I take. Early mornings are typically my thing, when the streets are quiet and I can just soak in a city. But if the previous night was a late one, I love those evening runs too, when the city’s waking up to nightlife, the lights are flickering… and you get that chill vibe of people just “living the city”. It does not matter if it’s Rome, Barcelona, Porto, Annecy or somewhere new, it’s my way to unwind, think, and get a feel for wherever I am. So if you’re up for a running story or two, I’ve got plenty! If you need a running buddy during VRWS, happy to join for a quick 10K run.