Unconventional, impassioned, yet cool-headed: Marison Dantas da Silva, Head of Marketing, fits a lot of descriptions – or maybe not. Why she actually never wanted to work in marketing, how she gave up a life on the big stage, and what she really loves. Find out in our Face to Face Interview…
1. As Head of Marketing, what do you find especially exciting about Vienna House?
Oh, there’s plenty [chuckles]. Of course, it’s a fantastic feeling to be working for so many different hotels in such exciting places. You don’t get that everywhere. I’m a person who enjoys conversations at eye level and being a part of a whole. But I also like leading the way in a dynamic young team.
2. When people think of marketing, they often think of creativity and cool, off-the-wall concepts. True or false?
Yes and no. I see myself as unconventional and even slightly mischievous when I brainstorm with co-workers. But when things start to get too far-out, I try to listen to my gut feeling. Then it can happen that I wag my finger and insist on some restraint [laughs].
3. Are you a typical “hospitality child”? Did you grow up with it?
Not at all! My first dream was to storm the world’s big stages and study vocal jazz. Singing was my passion. I gave that up.
4. So why and how did you end up in tourism?
I was already at the entrance exam when I simply decided to break it off. All of a sudden, I was overcome with the fear of losing my passion as soon as I started my vocal career. I was 20 years old, quit it all and started waitressing. And you know what? I discovered that a job in the service industry was the thing for me! So I went to hotel management school. Tourism is like being on stage without knowing the script. You’ve got to be flexible, find solutions and make on-the-spot decisions. Creativity is important in both music and in marketing. So you see: In some ways, I’ve remained true to the artist in me.
5. And now you’re Head of Marketing…
I never really planned it that way. My mother is a graphic designer and my father is a journalist. Like many people, I thought I would do something completely different. But the fact is I inherited a creative streak. Back in 2009, I was already working in the newly opened andel’s by Vienna House Berlin. Then I went to Hilton for a few years as Marketing Manager East and was lucky enough to be in charge of the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Berlin during the opening phase.
6. I bet you still sing a lot in private.
Not anymore. These days, I’m almost happier just enjoying music by listening to it. Singing is a lot like competition sports: if you don’t train, you don’t stay fit. The same is true for your voice. I love to go out to eat and am something of a “barfly”. You’ll easily find me in an Irish pub or a cosy restaurant, unless I’m busy working on a new marketing concept. Of course I love visiting my home town Berlin – or even going by car to the Baltic coast in Poland which is so beautiful, calm and relaxing. And if I really want to unwind in Vienna, it’s “Louis the dog” time. Louis is my boyfriend’s Belgium Griffon: A little dog with big demands :-).
Thank you for the interview!