VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

In approaching the 12th edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, we’re releasing a series of interviews to leaders, key players and highly motivated people in our industry whose companies make a deep impact in our space and will be present at VRWS.

The aim is to get you some insight into these leaders and the company they founded, manage or work for, as well as getting some behind the scenes on their thinking, their motivation and their drive.

Sebastian Malec

Sebastian Malec

Head of Growth - Tedee

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

I’ve been always passionate about traveling. Having worked in the tourism industry in the past, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges property managers and hosts face — especially when it comes to guest access and security. That’s what drew me to IoT and smart locks. It’s exciting to be part of a technology-driven solution that simplifies operations, enhances guest experiences, and ultimately makes vacation rentals more efficient.

Blending my background in hospitality with innovative tech allows me to contribute to an industry I’ve always been passionate about, but from a new and impactful angle.

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

At Tedee, our focus on providing seamless, secure, and user-friendly smart lock solutions sets us apart from the competition. We understand the unique challenges that vacation rental owners and property managers face, so we design our products to simplify operations, improve security, and enhance guest experiences.

To stay ahead of the competition, we continuously innovate by integrating the latest IoT technologies and gathering feedback from our customers. This helps us refine our solutions and ensure they meet the evolving needs of the industry. Additionally, we prioritize reliability, ease of use, and exceptional customer support to ensure that our clients always have the best tools at their disposal. By staying customer-centric and committed to innovation, we continue to lead the way in the smart lock space for vacation rentals.

  1. 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?

Although I wasn’t able to attend the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, I’m excited to hear about the key takeaways from other attendees, especially when it comes to the feedback from property managers. Understanding their experiences and needs is invaluable as we continue to improve our solutions at Tedee.

Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, I’m eager to connect with industry professionals and build new business relationships. I’m particularly excited about gaining insights into the latest trends in the vacation rental space and how we can continue to innovate and provide even more value to property managers and guests alike.

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

One experience that left a lasting impression on me was my time in South America. I absolutely fell in love with the rich culture, the warmth of the people, and the breathtaking landscapes. What really stood out to me was how deeply connected the locals are to their environment and traditions. It’s a place where every corner has a story to tell, and the energy is simply contagious. South America has a way of making you feel both grounded and inspired at the same time, which is something I’ll never forget.

  1. 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?

I’m Polish, but I grew up in Italy, not far from Rome, which sparked my interest in languages early on. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to pick up five languages, mostly through my time in the tourism industry, where communication is key. And also now at Tedee, as we work with business partners all over the world. It’s a fun way to connect with people from different cultures, and it always makes for an interesting conversation! If you speak Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or English, I’m happy to chat in whichever works best.



You’ll have the opportunity to meet Sebastian directly at VRWS in Rome

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