Emiliano and Ismail work together at MEININGER Hotel Milano Lambrate and both have been with MEININGER Hotels already for many years. They’ve built not only successful careers here but also a strong friendship and team spirit that shines through in their daily work. We recently had the pleasure of bringing them to ITB Berlin, where they impressed visitors and colleagues alike with their warm hospitality, positive energy, and endless willingness to help.
In this interview, they share their journeys to MEININGER Hotels, what makes their team so special and why they still enjoy coming to work every day.
Hi both, let’s start from the beginning! Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and where you’re from?
Emiliano: I come from a small town in central Italy, a very quiet place where life moves at a slow pace. From the age of 14, I studied at an aeronautical college until I was 19, after which I moved to London to improve my English and began working as a waiter in a restaurant.
Ismail: I was born in a small city in Pakistan and moved to Milan, Italy in 2009 upon my father’s invitation. I am proud to call this journey a defining step in my life.
What was your dream job as a child and how did each of you get into hospitality in the first place? Was it always part of your plan?
Emiliano: My dream job was to become a military pilot or, at the very least, to stay in the aviation industry. After finishing secondary school, I tried a few specialist courses, but unfortunately, they didn’t yield the results I’d hoped for, so moving to the UK became my gateway into the hospitality industry.
Ismail: As a child, my dream was to become a construction engineer. However, over time, I discovered a strong passion for helping people. My professional journey began in 2012 as a receptionist at the Science and Technology Museum. After a brief break, I continued my career at MEININGER and got promoted from Night Auditor to Supervisor Receptionist.
And how did your journey with MEININGER Hotels begin?
Emiliano: My time with MEININGER began at the London house back in 2017, when I joined as an F&B staff member. Right from the start, I built a special relationship with the management, who helped me develop my skills from the very beginning. I had the opportunity to work in both F&B and Front Office, and eventually as an F&B Supervisor until 2019, when I decided to return to Italy and start as a Receptionist at the MEININGER in Milano Lambrate.
Ismail: Initially, my role at MEININGER was intended to be a short-term experience. However, the welcoming and dynamic environment motivated me to stay, and I am proud to have been part of the company for seven years now.
You’ve both been with the company for quite a while. What has kept you here over the years?
Emiliano: Personally, I feel very much at home working with MEININGER, particularly when it comes to work ethic, mutual support between colleagues and across different departments.
Ismail: What I value most is the positive work environment, inspiring colleagues, and well-structured organization supported by clear rules and regulations.
Your team in Milano Lambrate seems very close. If you were a group of superheroes, what would you be called?
Emiliano: X-Men: Each of us has extraordinary talents that are used for good, and we look out for one another just like a family.
Ismail: Supermen, because it reflects reliability, positivity, and a people-oriented mindset.
You’ve also known each other for some time now. How would you describe the other in three words?
Emiliano: Ismail is the kindest and gentlest person I have ever met; his calmness and professionalism are qualities that few people possess.
Ismail: Emiliano is a well-mannered, punctual, and diplomatic individual with a good sense of balance in communication.
We’ve heard you talking about your manager Ilaria. What makes her such a great leader in your eyes?
Emiliano: Ilaria has strong leadership and management skills and a good understanding of how a team works. Her abilities to listen and to take a stand when necessary are qualities that make her an exceptional manager. We are very happy to work with her and for her.
Ismail: I’d also say that she’s an exceptional leader and an inspiring individual. She brings together creativity, professionalism, and strong leadership skills, while always maintaining a positive attitude and genuine care for the team.
What’s something special about working at MEININGER that you think people on the outside might not expect?
Ismail: One of the aspects I truly appreciate at MEININGER is the openness to new ideas and continuous improvement, regardless of their source. The company promotes a culture where we grow together, collaborate effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
You recently joined us at ITB in Berlin: How was that experience for you?
Ismail: Attending ITB Berlin 2026 was a remarkable experience, offering the opportunity to meet new people and our inspiring leaders, and to explore innovative technologies within our industry.
Has working in hospitality changed the way you personally travel? Are there things you now notice when you’re away that you wouldn’t have paid attention to before?
Ismail: Definitely. I’ve started noticing more attention to detail and a higher level of professionalism in our sector, especially when it comes to handling flexible reservations and encouraging direct bookings instead of relying on third-party sites.
When you’re not at the hotel, what does your life in Italy look like? How do you like to spend your free time?
Emiliano: I like to spend my days off traveling, hiking by the lake, visiting other European cities and relaxing with my family after intense days at the hotel.
Ismail: After interacting with more than 200 guests each day, I enjoy spending my free time alone reading books and visiting the mountains.
And finally, what are your plans or goals for the future, both professionally and personally?
Emiliano: My future plans include buying a house and growing professionally as a manager. Having the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues who have much more experience than I do helps me a lot in all the situations we face.
Ismail: My future plan is to continue growing in operations, and I also hope to take an important step in my personal life by starting a family as I love babies.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Emiliano and Ismail!
✨ Read more M-Explorers’ stories on the MEININGER Hotels blog or check out our job openings.
