5 QUESTIONS FOR PATRICIA LUCIAN

1. THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, WOMEN AND MANAGEMENT - HOW DO YOU LOOK AT THIS COMPLEX OF ISSUES?

In the Austrian hotel industry there are many women in indispensable management roles. However, they are often not very visible. Many things are decided in the back office or managed “in the bowels” of the business. Therefore, I would say that women are the backbone of the Austrian industry, which is dominated by family businesses. We often owe the good relationships with long-standing guests to them. But they also actively drive change.

2. WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR MOST IMPORTANT MILESTONES SINCE JOINING THE BURG MANAGEMENT TEAM?

When it comes to our house, I would never speak of myself alone because what makes us so strong is the “we.” If I have to choose one, the new staff houses are definitely a milestone that I helped push forward. The employees are the heart of the Burg. We want our people to work here and live happily. We have created good conditions for them, and this makes me proud.

3. CAN IT WORK TO SHARE THE LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH YOUR OWN PARTNER?

Of course! On one condition: you have to be a strong team and be able to rely on each other 100%. Especially if you join a family business as a partner. It worked out wonderfully for Christian and me, we have grown closer together year after year. We complement each other in our different tasks and trust each other’s decisions.

4. WHICH PRINCIPLES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU WHEN IT COMES TO LEADERSHIP?

I don’t follow strict principles in that sense. But there are things that are important to me. First and foremost: commitment. That means being reliable and keeping your word. To business partners, guests – and of course our team. And also: authenticity. I know this is a word that everyone throws around (laughs). But still, if you are not authentic, you waste energy. And what’s even worse: you attract people who don’t share the same values. In the end, this doesn’t lead to success. When it comes to the people in our company, it’s teamwork and a positive attitude that are crucial for me. As long as you can laugh together, you can learn and master anything.

5. WHEN YOU GET A BREAK: HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE? 

I find peace especially in nature and doing sports. Whether it’s running, swimming, hiking, yoga, strength training – any kind of exercise relaxes me. Preferably alone or with my dog Leni. I love people and the hustle and bustle of our company. But to balance things out, I also find it important to have times when I can just be with myself and nature.


THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT TIPS FOR ANYONE GROWING INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE: 

1. Don't take things too seriously – not even yourself. Things are always better than they seem.

2. Practice healthy egoism. Our job is lovely but demanding. It's important to stay mentally and physically fit; which is why you should allow yourself time off.

3. Have the courage to demand respect. We ladies also have the right to speak our minds. If you're at peace with yourself, you will always treat others with respect.