From Reception to Revenue: How a simple ‘thank you’ can lead to a new opportunity
When Jakub Pales moved from Slovakia to Denmark at 19, he didn’t imagine that a short internship would set the stage for a career in hospitality and make him fall in love with the Danish capital. In April 2024, he joined Bellagroup at the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel for what he thought would be a temporary student job.
“I just wanted to gain experience and improve my communication skills,” he recalls.
But things moved quickly. After his internship, Jakub became an on-call team member, then a full-time receptionist. Within a year, he was promoted to Duty Manager - just in time for the busy summer season.
“Taking on new roles in a short time pushed me outside my comfort zone,” he says: “I learned how much I can grow when I challenge myself.”
“I had no idea that a simple ‘thank you’ would lead me to a completely new opportunity.”
The turning point came during a training session on commercial strategy. Jakub implemented what he learned to boost restaurant reservations and decided to reach out to Bellagroup’s Executive Director of Hotels to thank her. That simple gesture opened a door: she introduced him to the Director of Revenue at Bella Center. When a maternity cover position became available, Jakub applied and got the job.
“I had no idea that a simple ‘thank you’ would lead me to a completely new opportunity,” he admits: “I just wanted to express my gratitude and learn more, and that made all the difference.”
“I learned how much I can grow when I challenge myself.”
Today, Jakub works in revenue management, where he combines data and strategy with a broader view of the business.
“It’s a mindset shift from daily operations to long-term commercial impact,” he explains.
Looking ahead, he wants to deepen his expertise and eventually take on more responsibility across Bellagroup’s properties. His long-term ambition? A leadership role in the commercial side of the business.
Jakub’s story is a reminder that growth happens when curiosity meets opportunity - and when leaders invest time and energy in people who show initiative.
“I’ve been lucky to have managers who supported me,” he says: “But it’s also about speaking up about your wishes and dreams. That’s what makes things happen.”
"Speaking up about your wishes and dreams. That’s what makes things happen.”
