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Lisa Marie Metz Steffen, currently the COO* of the Steffen Group, represents a unique professional journey shaped by both her personal experiences and her family’s influence. As the daughter of the group's founder, Lisa has made her own way through her skills, leadership, and forward-thinking vision, all while navigating between tradition and modernity.
Between studies, experiences, and the search for meaning
After completing her baccalaureate at the International School of Schengen, Lisa initially pursued psychology, a field that seemed to match her aspirations. However, after much thought, she decided to redirect her path. She then spent six months immersing herself in the family business, an enlightening experience that allowed her to understand its inner workings and witness her father's deep passion for his work. This immersion deepened her interest in the company and encouraged her to envision a future career within it.
"The company was, and still is, like a baby for my father, and it's beautiful to see," she says.
Before making a final decision, Lisa felt the need to step back. She then joined a humanitarian volunteer programme, travelling to Indonesia, Tanzania, and Nepal. This six-month experience, far from her everyday life, helped her step out of her comfort zone and discover new cultures. These experiences strengthened her personal convictions and clarified her professional aspirations.
From her early professional experiences to joining the family business
After her travels, Lisa continued her studies in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she refined her skills. She supplemented her education with several internships in various sectors: one at a 5-star hotel in London, followed by an experience in event management during Paris Fashion Week. These enriching experiences helped fine-tune her skills, but the Covid-19 pandemic upended her plans. The crisis severely impacted the hospitality sector, including the family business.
It was at this point that Lisa turned her focus towards the Steffen Group. She saw it as an opportunity to become actively involved during the crisis. After several months spent in various departments, she was entrusted with a major project at Royal Hamilius. As the project lead for the design and implementation of the space, she oversaw everything, from decoration to staff management. This project became a significant personal challenge, a first step into a company she knew well, but where she had to prove her legitimacy.
“This project became my baby. We still laugh about it, but it was truly me who handled everything from A to Z, with the support of my father and my brother,” she explains.
A journey between family heritage and new responsibilities
From the start, Lisa took on increasingly important responsibilities and became actively involved in strategic decisions, particularly after her father’s retirement. Alongside her brother, who is now CEO, she faced the challenge of taking the reins during this transitional period. The early stages were not easy, as working with a family member involves a unique dynamic.
However, Lisa emphasises that the key to their success was establishing smooth and honest communication. Working together, after having grown up in different environments, strengthened their relationship and understanding, despite their contrasting personalities. Mutual respect and managing disagreements are essential in a family business. Lisa recalls her concerns at the beginning of this collaboration, but over time, their roles harmonised and their relationship became even stronger.
Running a family business also has a significant emotional aspect. Lisa admits there were moments of doubt, particularly in response to external perceptions. "Many must have thought I got my position because of my father," she confesses. But these doubts drove her to push herself further and prove her worth. Her father's mentorship played a crucial role in this process. While he remains there to support her, he also helped her avoid mistakes he had made in the past.
Leadership, vision, and future challenges
Now, as Chief Operating Officer, Lisa manages the company with seriousness and determination. She views her role as that of a guide, staying close to her teams, listening, and fostering open dialogue. For her, leadership should primarily be a collaboration, not an authoritarian role. She also places great importance on diversity within the company. Although she is the only woman on the executive committee, she believes female representation should not be an obstacle, even in traditionally male-dominated sectors. However, she acknowledges that certain professions, such as logistics, attract fewer women due to their physical demands.
Lisa also observes the evolution of the hospitality sector, particularly the growing environmental concerns and changes in consumer expectations. The demand for vegetarian and vegan options, which did not exist 15 years ago, has now become a distinguishing factor.
"My father was the first to introduce a vegetarian catering menu over 15 years ago in Luxembourg. At the time, it didn't work at all, but he wanted to be the first to offer it," she recalls.
The pandemic, for its part, has altered the relationship to work, pushing employees to seek a better work-life balance. Lisa highlights the importance of embracing these new trends to prepare the business for future challenges, particularly in recruitment and talent management.
Together with her brother, Lisa shares a common vision for the company’s future: before focusing on rapid expansion, they first wish to strengthen the company’s foundations, ensuring stable and sustainable growth. To achieve this, they place particular emphasis on continuously improving internal processes and fostering innovation to meet the increasingly demanding expectations of their clientele.
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*The COO (Chief Operating Officer) is responsible for the daily management of a company’s activities, optimising internal processes, and implementing the strategy set by the leadership.
