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For a communications expert, the essence of the profession lies in building and cultivating connections. This skill transcends the workplace, shaping interactions with media partners and even neighborhood acquaintances. Connection isn’t just a part of my job; it’s a fundamental aspect of who I am.
This inherent drive to connect is precisely what led me back to GetYourGuide, a company I had previously departed.
My Initial Chapter with GetYourGuide
In 2017, I embraced a significant change, transitioning from the established agency landscape of New York City to join GetYourGuide as a PR Manager. While the allure of international living was a factor, the immense potential for storytelling within this role truly captivated me.
Being GetYourGuide’s first PR professional and the inaugural member of the burgeoning Brand team, I sensed a journey of substantial growth ahead. The company culture and strong sense of camaraderie further fueled my enthusiasm. By February 2020, I had advanced to Head of Communications, contributing to the Brand team’s expansion into a robust department of over 30 creative individuals.
However, just a month into this promotion, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, dramatically altering our communications strategies. Our focus shifted to customer refunds, partner reassurance, and supporting our team through an unprecedented crisis. With travel restrictions in place and borders closed, it was an incredibly challenging period for the travel-tech industry. The future felt uncertain, to say the least.
Navigating communications during those eight months of the COVID era was a profound learning experience, but it also took its toll. While I remained confident in GetYourGuide’s resilience, the path to recovery appeared lengthy. From a communications standpoint, it felt like we had concluded a difficult chapter, and I was seeking a fresh start, a blank page.
Maintaining the Dialogue
With the world still largely in lockdown, I returned to my foundational expertise: software storytelling. I discovered Pitch, a promising, fully remote startup developing a next-generation presentation tool. It seemed like the blank canvas I had been searching for. I saw an opportunity to leverage my GetYourGuide experiences and build a communications team anew. As Zoom fatigue became widespread, Pitch’s product felt particularly relevant and valuable.
Leaving GetYourGuide was bittersweet, yet I cherished the enduring personal and professional network I had built there. Johannes, our CEO and co-founder, was incredibly supportive, even offering to connect me with potential opportunities. We maintained regular contact. His insights proved invaluable in my new role, and I occasionally shared my perspectives with him as well.
Fast forward to early 2023. As the global landscape adapted to COVID and the economic climate evolved, I began contemplating my next career step. The communications strategy and team at Pitch were thriving, but I realized I missed the dynamism of large-scale growth initiatives. Furthermore, as in-person interactions resumed, the limitations of a fully remote environment became apparent. I missed the collaborative energy of working alongside trusted colleagues, sharing the experiences of creation, success, and learning together.
I missed the feeling of being side-by-side with teammates I knew and trusted on a personal level, sharing the experience of creating, winning, and learning from our work together.
As if on cue, Johannes reached out, mentioning he was seeking a new Head of Global Communications to guide GetYourGuide through its next phase of expansion. It was unexpected, but I knew I needed to seriously consider this opportunity.
Before committing to interviews, I decided to conduct my own due diligence. I contacted former colleagues at GetYourGuide to understand their experiences over the preceding years. I wanted to know what had evolved and what had remained consistent to assess if I would still be the right fit. I gathered that the pandemic had been a catalyst for transformation at GetYourGuide. The company culture had been tested, and a more ambitious, more resilient organization had emerged.
This solidified my answer. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of rejoining GetYourGuide, I recognized it as the very move I had been seeking. I committed fully to the recruitment process. The company had evolved since my departure, and I was aware I needed to demonstrate my own professional growth.
In the summer of 2023, trusting my intuition, I decided to embark on the GetYourGuide journey once more.
“Boomerang” Advice for Fellow Returnees
Almost a year into my “boomerang” experience, I can confidently say it was the right decision. Here’s my advice for anyone considering a similar return:
Embrace the Familiarity—While Adapting to New Ways
There’s an immediate comfort in the familiar aspects—knowing the meeting room booking system, the best coffee spots, and, of course, people’s names. However, things inevitably change, and relying solely on memory isn’t enough. Re-familiarize yourself with current projects, policies, and procedures.
Recognize Your Own Evolution
Returning isn’t simply resuming an old role; it’s stepping into a new mission with a more mature company. You, too, have grown and changed. Approach it as a new beginning, bringing fresh perspectives and expanded skills.
Never Underestimate the Power of Connection
Finally, never discount the strength of personal and professional networks or the insights of those you’ve worked closely with. They offer a valuable perspective on your potential. Maintain authentic communication, and trust the “pull” of your network as much as your own ambition to advance your career. You never know when opportunity will come knocking – or calling.
