Episode 8

Dagmar’s inspiring leadership journey has been rooted in her loving and caring childhood, with values instilled within her at a young age, such as resilience, respect and discipline. Her early lessons laid the groundwork for the leader she has become, progressing from the General Manager of Hill Robinson Estates to now the CEO Hill Robinson Estates Saudi. 

Dagmar is a prime example of an astute female leader making her mark in the luxury hospitality sector. Her passion for hospitality began at a young age when she always strived to do something for others. Then, her journey continued with a hospitality education and, from there, working as a leader in various hospitality venues. She speaks about how she loves the industry’s fast-paced and dynamic nature. 

Yearning for more new experiences and career development, she relocated to the Middle East. Having always lived in different countries and experienced different cultures, Dagmar explains how one has to adjust and embrace the local culture when moving to a new place. 

As an essential leadership trait, Dagmar explains her empathetic nature and nurturing skills in looking after and collaborating with teams. Her nurturing has also been prominent in her personal life as she balanced the world of motherhood and her career.

Dagmar is a leader who fully supports women’s empowerment and believes gender should never come into play in identifying a good leader. She is continually working to lift the diversity barrier by creating a culture of mentors rather than competing with each other, highlighting that empowering women is vital to building inclusive work environments. 

Full of valuable lessons and takeaways throughout the episode, she talks about how there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to being a successful leader; however, maturity and failure are huge elements of success, being able to learn what not to do and developing your own leadership style based on your own values. She explains how self-awareness is essential and success is about being happy and doing things that give you joy. Dagmar underscores that you can have it all in life, but you can not have it all at once, something she learnt from balancing her personal and professional lives.