VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What do you do for a living and which part of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I’m Sébastien Grosjean, the CEO and Founder of Smily. My job is all about making dreams come true, not just for myself, but for my team, our clients, partners, and investors. We help people turn their passion for vacation rentals into thriving businesses, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest. From those who want to work remotely while diving or kitesurfing, to parents who want more time with their kids, to entrepreneurs aiming to scale their vacation rental companies – Smily is here to make it happen.

The part I enjoy the most? It’s seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they realize their dreams. Whether it’s an investor seeing strong returns, a property manager enjoying a better quality of life, or a retiree staying connected with a vibrant community of travelers, these moments of happiness and fulfillment are what drive me. Sharing smiles at scale – that’s the heart of what we do at Smily.

2. How does your company innovate or adapt to the evolving needs of the vacation rental space?

Innovation and adaptability are at the core of Smily’s DNA. Our approach to staying ahead in the vacation rental space is multi-faceted and deeply ingrained in our daily operations.

First, we maintain a close dialogue with our customers. By constantly speaking with property managers, owners, and travelers, we gain invaluable insights into their evolving needs and pain points. This direct feedback loop allows us to tailor our solutions precisely to what the market demands.

Second, we immerse ourselves in industry events and stay on top of market trends. Being very involved in these events keeps us informed about the latest developments and shifts in the vacation rental space. It also offers a platform to share our insights and innovations with the broader community.

Third, our commitment to technology is unwavering. We harness cutting-edge tools and new technologies to solve real problems for our users. From automating mundane tasks to enhancing guest communication and ensuring secure payments, our tech solutions are designed to streamline operations and boost profitability for our clients.

Finally, we don’t limit our learning to just our industry. By expanding our monitoring and learning to other sectors, we identify best practices and innovative strategies that can be adapted to the vacation rental market. This cross-industry learning enriches our perspective and fuels our creativity, enabling us to bring fresh, effective solutions to the table.

At Smily, we’re not just adapting to change – we’re driving it. By staying connected, informed, and innovative, we ensure that our clients are always a step ahead in the ever-evolving vacation rental landscape.

3. How do you view the various predictions about AI’s impact on society, ranging from dystopian scenarios to transformative advancements, and how does your company approach or integrate AI technology?

The future of AI and its broader technological counterparts is nothing short of the most significant disruption humanity has ever faced. At Smily, we embrace this transformation with open arms, recognizing the convergence of AI, robotics, air mobility, quantum computing, biotech, and even the merging of science and spirituality as a sign of unprecedented change.

When it comes to predictions about AI’s impact on society, opinions range from dystopian fears to visions of transformative advancements. At Smily, we view AI as a magnificent tool that holds immense potential for increasing efficiency, enhancing quality, and opening new frontiers of possibility. We understand the gravity of this technological wave and the choices it presents: to criticize and do nothing or to actively shape the future.

We unequivocally choose the latter. As my mentor Peter Diamandis wisely said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.” This proactive stance drives us to integrate AI into our operations and services in ways that genuinely benefit our clients and the broader community. Whether it’s through automating repetitive tasks, optimizing rental management processes, or enhancing guest experiences, AI enables us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the vacation rental industry.

Our approach to AI and technology is rooted in the belief that they are tools to amplify human potential. By leveraging these advancements, we aim to create a world where businesses thrive, people enjoy better quality of life, and new opportunities emerge for all. Smily is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that we harness the power of AI not just to adapt, but to lead and innovate in ways that bring smiles across the globe.

4. What would you like to achieve by attending the Vacation Rental World Summit 2024 in Porto with your company? 

The VRWS is a cornerstone event for the vacation rental industry, and we’ve proudly attended every year since its inception. This summit is not just another event for Smily; it’s one of the most crucial gatherings in our industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and connection.

First and foremost, we aim to connect with our existing and future clients. Building and strengthening these relationships is crucial to understanding their needs and ensuring that our services continue to exceed their expectations.

Secondly, we look forward to connecting with our partners and peers. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing with industry leaders and innovators are vital for driving the vacation rental space forward.

Additionally, we are committed to learning and staying on the cutting edge of vacation rental knowledge, trends, fears, and dreams. The insights gained at the summit will help us anticipate market shifts and continue to innovate in ways that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the broader industry.

Lastly, this event provides an invaluable opportunity for our team members to connect and grow together. Building a cohesive, inspired team is fundamental to our success, and events like this play a significant role in fostering that unity.

By attending the Vacation Rental World Summit 2024 in Porto, we aim to not only enhance our own capabilities but also contribute to the broader vacation rental community, sharing smiles and creating lasting impacts.

5. What are your passions, including any hobbies or sports, that you enjoy discussing and sharing with others outside the professional setting?

Outside the professional setting, I’m passionate about extreme sports and personal development. I love the thrill of snowboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and efoiling – these activities not only keep me active but also provide a great exercise and flow.

I’m also deeply interested in personal development and energy work, more and more actually. Exploring enlightenment and ways to enhance personal growth and inner peace are topics I enjoy discussing and sharing with others. These passions keep me balanced, energized, and continuously striving for improvement in all areas of life.