A rare and open conversation with one of Avalon Europe’s most influential leaders

Some careers move in steps.
Dana Hlavíčková’s career moved in chapters.

When she joined Avalon Europe in 2016 as a Senior Receptionist, no one could have predicted just how far her drive, discipline and devotion would take her. Within two years she became Hotel Manager, in 2020 she stepped into the role of Corporate Housekeeper, in 2022 she advanced again as Fleet Cost Controlling Manager, and by 2025 she was appointed Corporate Hotel Manager. Today she stands on the threshold of yet another role, one that will allow her to shape Avalon Europe’s future in ways only she can.

Dana is a leader defined not by her titles, but by her evolution. She is tough and tender, demanding and deeply human, admired and, at times, feared — a combination that only the strongest women in leadership ever embody.

This interview is rare. It is honest. It is heart-to-heart.
It is Dana as she truly is.

Dana, you’ve built one of the most remarkable careers within Avalon Europe. What guided each transition?

Dedication and hard work 😊 I am a very competitive person and achiever so I never stopped dreaming big and pursuing my career growth.

Do you remember your first day onboard?

I remember my first embarkation in Breisach for Avalon Felicity like it was yesterday. The memory that will always stay with me is the warm welcome from my Hotel Manager who walked toward me when he saw me and helped me with my luggage.

You’ve held almost every leadership role in hotel operations. What drives you to keep moving forward?

Constant development, professionally as well as personally. In our industry what we love most is the excitement and challenges we face every day. That’s what makes us different from an 8 to 5 job in the office. Some might call it adrenaline addiction 😊 that’s what drives me the most to be better and better every day.

How do you define excellence and has that changed throughout your career?

Tough question 😊 I am very hard on myself as well as sometimes on others due to the high standards we maintain. For me excellence is something that is not achieved often but when it is, it’s pure perfection. I believe this impacted my career growth as I would never do my tasks only on 99%. It always has to be 110% 😊

What has been your most important professional lesson?

Realising that not everybody can be like me, with the same work morale, stamina or common sense as we all come from different countries, family backgrounds etc., and we are all different generations. Once I realised that, it helped me support and guide my colleagues and crew much better while helping them achieve their goals.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Responsible, dedicated, strong

What keeps you motivated when the challenges feel heavy?

Knowing that thanks to our team, challenges will not affect our employees in such a wide range as they would if we were not there. Working 10 plus years in this industry, no challenge is big enough anymore 😊

What does success mean to you today?

When you say success, most people think of status, money, career… For me it’s seeing crew members who “grew up” with me and with our company. Seeing their journey and growth is the biggest success any leader can ask for.

What’s one thing about you people rarely know?

I am quite an open book so there are not many secrets. I can’t think of anything.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To let things you can’t change go.

How do you define fairness in leadership?

Doesn’t matter gender, religion, race or nationality, people should be treated equally. In the end we all have the same opportunities, it’s only up to us how we deal with them.

People often see authority before they see the person. How do you show your team the “Dana” behind the title?

I always try to find time to visit ships, talk with people so I can get to know them and they can get to know me. It’s not always easy for crew to open up as firstly they see authority, but eventually we always find ourselves in nice, funny conversations.

What is the hardest part of being a woman in a high command position – and the most beautiful part?

As women in this industry, some might still underestimate you so you need to work twice as much and prove yourself every day. The most beautiful part is actually being a woman 😊 There are still many gentlemen around with their natural protective instinct which is nice to see.

If you could tell your team one thing from the heart, what would it be?

That I am proud of every single one of them. It is a real pleasure to work with such amazing colleagues and crew.

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In every company there are people who keep the structure standing.
Dana is one of those pillars.

Her journey from Senior Receptionist to Corporate Hotel Manager is a testament to her discipline, ambition and relentless courage, and also to what Avalon Europe stands for: possibility, progress and the promise that talent will always find its way upward.

Women in leadership are often expected to be soft yet strong, decisive yet gentle, approachable yet authoritative. Dana shows that a woman does not have to choose. She can be all of these at once and more.

As she steps toward her next chapter, one thing is certain: Avalon Europe will continue to be shaped by her clarity, her integrity and her fierce belief that excellence is not an act but a habit.

This is leadership.
This is courage.
This is Avalon Europe.