Successful Future Strategy

Andrea Grudda, author and speaker, explores societal changes and the role of AI in our competitiveness. At Marbach Castle, she led a workshop on future-proofing a business and answered intriguing questions on our terrace. We discussed the conference hotel of the future, evolving guest needs, and the importance of spaces that promote human interaction.

BIO Andrea Grudda:

Andrea Grudda lives in Düsseldorf and Berlin. She is a strategist, author, and speaker passionate about the future viability of businesses. Her presentations blend science, lifestyle, and practical implementation, captivating her audience with a wealth of real-world examples. With over a decade of experience across various industries, Andrea guides companies through transformation into the new world. She has a keen talent and instinct for anticipating future trends and understanding the evolution of people, societies, and customers. Her extensive practical and academic work equips her with profound insights into societal changes, contemporary sales, and new communication methods.

We all know that AI is better than us in many work processes, so as humans, we are only competitive and indispensable when we are allowed to be human.

What will the conference hotel of the future look like?

Andrea Grudda: Society has changed because people have changed, so we should ask: What do people who make the effort to travel to a conference hotel want, especially when they could meet online? What do they need to quickly connect, interact, and, above all, experience modern learning? The hardware must be top-notch, with good Wi-Fi and technology. But the real challenge is providing a space for guests, and that is evolving rapidly. Today, rooms don’t need to consist of just chairs, tables, and a functioning projector. It’s about offering flexible solutions and catering to the diverse needs of people. This could mean offering guests a different seminar room each day, allowing them to work outdoors, or simply providing a walk in the park and a tasty ice cream.

How can a conference hotel create space for the diverse needs of guests?

Andrea Grudda: It might sound strange, but in recent years, we have forgotten how to give people the space to be human. Optimization, speed, and adaptation to the work environment have led us to feel like we must constantly perform. We all know that AI is better than us in many work processes, so we as humans are only competitive and necessary when we are allowed to be human. Breaking free from these old patterns of merely functioning requires courage. Allowing oneself to be human at work and to listen to one’s own intuition is essential in this fast-paced, pressure-driven era.

What do you take with you on your journey after your first stay at Marbach Castle?

Andrea Grudda: The nature at Marbach Castle is impressive. Sometimes you need an oasis to calmly reflect on the outside world. Marbach Castle is a true oasis in a beautiful location. I felt far away and able to break free from my daily routine. When you’re in a change process and want to create something new, it’s beneficial to step out of everyday life, and I was able to do that wonderfully.

How are we at Marbach Castle prepared for this generational shift and Its needs?

Marbach Castle is well-prepared for the generational shift and the diverse needs of tomorrow’s guests. We offer a range of options and concepts to bring different generations together in modern meeting spaces, providing a unique experience. By fostering interaction between younger and more experienced leaders in flexible conference rooms, we believe this combination creates a winning team. Through targeted measures, which we will discuss with you individually, we create a platform where both generations can inspire and learn from each other. This generational dialogue leads to new perspectives, innovative ideas, and sustainable growth.

Meetings in nature are also possible on the approximately 17-hectare grounds surrounding Marbach Castle. We provide fast Wi-Fi throughout the property and offer flexible options for conducting your meeting outdoors. Whether it’s in the forest with a picnic, at the boathouse by Lake Constance, or on our various terraces around the castle.

In our Gallery, a multifunctional space with a modern design, we create a pleasant atmosphere where participants of all generations can feel comfortable. The flexible seating and combination of seating islands and tables allow guests to use the space according to their needs and preferences. Here, participants can exchange ideas, network, generate ideas, or take a break with a game of foosball before returning to creative work.

Marbach Leadership Talks

Every day, we welcome outstanding experts to Marbach Castle, who share their knowledge in trainings, meetings, and conferences. In our Marbach Leadership Talk, we introduce these experts and their leadership expertise to enrich your leadership practices. We also ask them why they, too, are captivated by Marbach Castle as a conference hotel on Lake Constance.

Conclusion:

In our interview with Andrea Grudda, it becomes clear that the conference hotel of the future requires much more than just functional infrastructure. It needs to be designed as a flexible space that meets the individual needs of guests and promotes creative thinking. The ability to facilitate encounters that go beyond traditional seminar formats is crucial for providing guests with a holistic and inspiring experience. Innovative approaches like LEGO Serious Play and outdoor activities help create an interactive environment that fosters exchange between different generations and perspectives. Schloss Marbach is well-prepared to meet these challenges and provide an oasis for productive learning and growth.

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