Kirsten Jensen

Talent and Development Manager, Artfarm

• What was your favourite subject at school?

I really enjoyed languages. I studied French, German and Dutch. The classes were quite small and we got the opportunity have very interesting discussions.

• What was your first job?

My first…unpaid…job was working in a hotel kitchen peeling onions and then working in pastry.

My first….paid….job was Breakfast Waitress in a 3-star hotel in Scheveningen where I studied.

• Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

Without a doubt Douneside House Hotel in Tarland. The location is stunning, the rooms are huge and welcoming, and the team are just amazing! Not to mention the delicious food. My personal recommendation: tasting menu with wine pairing in the Library!

• How do you inspire your team

Take a vested interest in each person as an individual – keep communication channels open – create an environment of psychological safety….

• Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

Kurt Ritter, former CEO of The Radisson Hotel Group. When I was HR Coordinator at the Corporate Office in Brussels, once a week, Mr. Ritter came to my desk, sat down and simply asked how I was. He sent me to Beijing for 2 weeks to deliver training to the team there and ensured that I had the best working holiday ever! Firm but fair….a true leader!

• How do you manage your stress levels?

Fresh air, dog walking and just switching off.
In the “heat of the moment”, take 3 deep breaths.

• Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

I am not on Instagram….self preservation as I would be glued to my phone.

Twitter…don’t know…never “caught me”.

Facebook is great for keeping in touch with my very wide international group of friends and family. A great way of sharing updates and photos. Can become a bit addictive though….so it has to be self discipline!

• If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you
  think you would be now?

I don’t know actually….I knew I wanted to be in hospitality when I was 12. I do know now that if I were not in hospitality, I would love to be a diplomat..an ambassador.

• What did you do on your last days off?

My dog Zeeva and I went to Kinloch Rannoch where my husband is currently working. We walked, did shopping at House of Bruar, ate some good food and drank wine! And enjoyed the views of the Loch in sunshine and through the snow showers.

• What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

Walk in the forest, read both fiction and leadership/”work” books, cooking, meeting with friends.