A former nomad has landed in our Laikaverse: Welcome Steffi!
By Chiara Breedijk
From the bustling streets of Santiago, Chile, to the serene landscapes of rural Ireland, and the vibrant cities of Düsseldorf, Munich, Dublin, Bonn, and finally Berlin, there's no corner of the world too distant for Steffi to call home. August brought a new chapter to the Laikaverse as Steffi joined the crew, bringing with her a wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm. So, without further ado, a warm and hearty welcome to Steffi our new spaceship manager and space captain assistant!
Who is Steffi?
Born in the heart of South America, she embarked on a lifelong adventure to explore diverse cultures and traverse continents. Her journey has taken her through a tapestry of experiences, ultimately leading her to a current permanent residence in Berlin, where she has found her place at Laika Communications!
Steffi's educational background is as diverse as her global adventures. She pursued international relations in her home country before venturing to Munich to study project management. Prior to embarking on her journey with Laika, she immersed herself in the world of event planning, leaving her indelible mark on companies such as Pacha, Ketchup Music, Scotch & Soda, Christ Juwelier, Travelart, and Carmoar Tours.
We asked her if she could share a memorable event planning experience that left a lasting impression on her. With a big smile, she answered, “My passion for organizing festivals, especially when it involved the iconic Fatboy Slim, whom I adored since I was a teenager, led to a remarkable opportunity and memory. I found myself in direct contact with his tour manager and him, orchestrating every detail from ticket sales and reservations to sound checks and hospitality at a grand event at Pacha. It was a dream come true for me!”
How did it all begin?
It may sound like a scene from a movie, but Steffi's voyage into the Laikaverse began right here on Earth, within the shared courtyard of the same building where she now resides. Fate, it seems, had a hand in this serendipitous meeting between Steffi and Laika's CEO, Ela. What started as a casual conversation during a leisurely stroll in their shared courtyard quickly transitioned into an exciting proposition—a job opening that would set Steffi on a new trajectory.
New connections, learnings and attachment, even more after Croatia
Steffi found several compelling reasons to embrace her role at Laika. After navigating the demanding and high-pressure events industry, she yearned for work that allowed for some margin of error, where constant vigilance wasn't a prerequisite, and where she could enjoy a more relaxed pace. While initially grappling with the intricacies of her responsibilities and getting established, she felt an immense sense of contentment in discovering her ideal niche at Laika. What particularly delighted her was the comprehensive perspective she gained through collaborating with various crew, including PR, marketing, and accounting. Her role encompassed the entirety of the company, granting her an invaluable overview.
Steffi adds, “I have a tendency to get bored easily, so I constantly seek diversions to stay informed about various topics. Marketing, with its emphasis on the long game and the creative aspect, resonates with me, much like my experiences in events where I aimed to evoke feelings in people. That's something I can carry over into marketing as well, focusing on the emotional connection. What I particularly cherish about my role is the collaborative spirit within the crew. Working with my colleagues feels like being part of a family, and it's quite an unconventional joy to embark on a two-week trip to Croatia for work after just three months on the job. The laid-back vibe is refreshing, and I appreciate the open culture in Germany, where it's acceptable to make mistakes. In contrast, the event industry is unforgiving in that regard, but here at Laika, embracing and learning from mistakes is encouraged, making it a positive and unusual experience.”
Santiago, Chile, Düsseldorf, Munich, Dublin, Bonn… will Berlin finally be Steffi's permanent home? 🥺 With the adventurous spirit of Steffi, we gain a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience, which our crew wholeheartedly welcomes. We are delighted to have her as our new crew member, and we look forward to countless more exciting journeys and memorable moments together!