Paulina Joanna: Redefining Tourism & Hospitality With Human-Centered Business Model

For me, having a team I can rely on, one that truly understands the mission and goals of the company, is key. My leadership style is understanding each employee's needs and ensuring they are satisfied with their work. When the team is happy and engaged in their roles, the company naturally thrives and grows.

"The most important aspect of leadership is to remain human; to focus on people rather than just technology"

Let’s talk about MOJE Holiday. Could you share more about the organization, its unique selling point, and what sets it apart from others?

At MOJE Holiday, what truly differentiates us is our focus on the human element. While many companies highlight their advanced technology and automation, we prioritize personal connections. Our approach is centered on ensuring that our clients know who is taking care of them. We don't stay anonymous.

It’s important for us to personally meet our guests, hand them their keys, and ensure they know the name and face of the person they can contact directly. Our clients choose us because they appreciate this personal touch. They value knowing they have someone they can call anytime during their stay. It's this personalized, human-centered approach that sets us apart from other companies in the industry.

As a woman business leader, managing an organization must come with its fair share of challenges. Could you share some of the major obstacles you've faced in your current role, and how you've worked to overcome them?

One significant challenge I see today is the overwhelming pressure to multitask. Many people strive to juggle numerous responsibilities at once, often neglecting the essential need for rest and balance. I prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance, reminding myself and my team that we are human, not machines.

It’s crucial to value our time and ensure that everyone understands the importance of downtime. To address this, I consciously carve out days for relaxation and recovery for myself and encourage my employees to do the same.

In the tourism industry, we inevitably face busy periods that require overtime. However, even during peak seasons, I organize wellness days, sending my team and myself to a spa to recharge and rejuvenate. It’s vital for our personal well-being, both physical and mental, if we want to succeed. By fostering an environment that values health and balance, we can ultimately drive better performance and productivity.

What has been your success mantra as a leader?

For me, the essence of being a successful leader lies in empowering my employees to the point where they know exactly what to do without needing constant supervision. It’s about building a system where everything runs smoothly even when I’m not directly involved.

I’ve worked hard to pass on the necessary knowledge and establish clear procedures so the company operates like a well-oiled machine. While I’m always there to motivate and guide the team, the real success is seeing them execute their tasks confidently and independently. That’s my measure of leadership success, creating an environment where my team thrives and the business functions seamlessly without my daily oversight.

Paulina Joanna, Managing Director, Moje Holiday

Paulina Joanna is an accomplished entrepreneur with a background in law and a passion for tourism. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in roles such as Groups Coordinator at Top Atlântico DMC and Event Manager at Folwark Łękuk. Her career spans diverse international experiences, including roles in Poland, Portugal, and Angola, where she developed expertise in event coordination, travel consulting, and project management. Paulina holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland, and completed specialized training in accounting, taxation, and administrative management.