Rebecca Donnison is the head of Membership and Communications at Soho House Amsterdam, where she thrives in the dynamic world of hospitality. Known for her versatility and sense of responsibility, Rebecca easily adapts to shifting priorities and enjoys fostering connections. Her passion for creating exceptional experiences and building a collaborative atmosphere defines her approach to her work.
T. Can you share some key milestones in your career that led you to become the Head of Membership & Communications at Soho House Amsterdam?
R. I grew up in Amsterdam and studied business and economics at the UVA with a master in cultural entrepreneurship. After studying and plenty of traveling I realized early that a corporate life was not for me and pursued a career in hospitality, managing a local cafe / restaurant. At the time I wanted to start my own business, but then concluded that it would be wise to gain experience in a different industry before I dedicate all my time to hospitality. So, I let go of that dream and started working for an entrepreneur who was at the start of launching a men’s fashion brand, Salle Privée. Here I was able to learn how to build a company from the start and took on various roles. After 4 years I realized that my love for hospitality was still greater than that for fashion. So not long after I came across this current role at Soho House, which for me was a perfect mix of what I looked for.
T. What skills do you consider essential for someone in your role?
R. First of all, you need to be able to thrive in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment that never slows down. Besides that, strong social and communication skills are essential. And finally, I would say the ability to be able to curate on the go and make fast decisions. A day is never how you expect it to be and brings unexpected challenges, but that’s also what makes it fun.
Equally important for me is the ability to guard my own energy, and keep the right balance and distance between work and private life. Creating a healthy ability to switch off is valuable.
T. How did your experience in marketing and PR prepare you for your current role?
R. I believe what has primarily prepared me for this role is the blend of various experiences, and my knowledge and network within the city. My background in hospitality has for sure been a valuable learning ground as a manager. Overall, this job entails numerous facets, and when it comes to marketing, our main focus is on engaging our internal community.
T. How do you ensure that the membership experience at Soho House is unique and personalized?
R. I believe it is crucial to understand what resonates with our local community and curate programs that cater to their various interests. For me it’s also essential to provide a platform for local creative talent and foster collaborations within our community. Additionally, what sets Soho House apart it its ability to attract international talent. Hosting these artists and performers for our members creates an intimate and authentic experience, as they perform for a relatively small audience.
T. Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years, and what goals are you aiming to accomplish?
R. I see myself continuing to grow and evolve professionally, looking to take on leadership roles within the cultural and creative industry. In addition, I still have an interest in starting my own business eventually. For which I’d love to explore the intersection of hospitality, travel, design and community. And secretly I dream of my own shoe brand, mainly so I can design shoes for myself.
T. What are the key components of your daily routine that help you stay productive and focused?
R. For me that is definitely yoga and sleep, I always keep myself busy and have an active life – but these elements balance that out. If i could i would practice every morning, but in reality, this comes down to 3-4 times a week. My week never looks the same with a mix of day and evening shifts or events, so I try to fit in yoga, preferably in my mornings. My main practice is strong yoga, like hot yoga, vinyasa and ashtanga. For me it functions as my workout, meditation, and just me-time all at once. It keeps me grounded and helps me stay focused, but good sleep is key too. Luckily, I’m an easy sleeper and always hit 8 hours. If I don’t have time for yoga, I still want to start the day in peace with a relaxed coffee moment alone or with my partner.
T. What do you do that inspires you in your free time?
R. I get most inspired by the people around me. I learn so much from my close friends, whose diverse perspectives and experiences always help me grow and see things in new ways. I’m also passionate about cooking; in my free time, I love to explore new recipes and host friends at home. Additionally, I enjoy hunting for vintage treasures, both clothing and design pieces.
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