Denise Thaler-Schuster has been strengthening the Hotel-Spider team as an Onboarding Specialist and Account Manager since 2021. With her diverse career and deep commitment, she brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to hotel technology.
But Denise is much more than just a system integration expert – she is a passionate animal rights advocate, a creative spirit and a woman who continually finds ways to learn and grow from challenges.
A life dedicated to animals and nature
Denise lives surrounded by nature in the idyllic Harz region in Germany with her husband, her dog Leyla, and her two cats. Her love for nature and animals is evident not just in her daily life but also in her work during the pandemic, when she worked for an animal welfare organization, among other things. This time gave Denise an opportunity to give back professionally.
“I came across these organizations because I have always been very committed to the environment in which we all live. Among other things, and above all, against animal testing. I have been living a vegan live style for a number of years now. Especially, animal testing for cosmetics products is just not necessary anymore. So why do it. “ she says.
For many years, Denise has consciously chosen to buy only products that are free from animal testing and animal-derived ingredients. “I don’t buy products that come from animals or have been tested on them. This is important to me because it's simply no longer necessary these days.”
Embracing diversity
In her free time, Denise finds a good work-life balance by getting involved in various projects. From creative graphic projects to gardening to long walks in nature to unwind. And when the weather is bad, “I cozy up in front of the fireplace with a good book or sometimes do a bit of knitting. I also love cooking and have recently discovered Ayurvedic cooking.”
The path to hospitality and technology
Denise recognized her growing enthusiasm for technology early on. “Back when I was a teenager, when my mom got rid of her first PC, I grabbed it and tried to figure out and understand complex systems,” she says. “I have always been fascinated and enjoyed discovering new things.”
At the same time, she developed a strong fascination with the hotel industry. A family vacation in Fuerteventura at the age of 12, during which she witnessed the decline of a hotel after a change in management, ignited in her the desire to work in the hotel industry and ensure quality and consistency. “It was really shocking at the time to see how such a wonderful property could be run into the ground within a year,” she remembers.
Her career took her through various roles, including at the Rosen Hotel in Sangerhausen, where she completed her apprenticeship in hotel management. The Rosen Hotel is now a client of Hotel-Spider, and Denise fondly remembers her time there. “I was very surprised when I spoke with them by chance and they still remembered me,” says Denise. “It’s really nice to know that you made a positive impression.”
After her training, Denise moved to southern Germany and Austria, where she worked as a receptionist and in the back office. Particularly during her time at the Lindner Romantik Hotel in Bad Aibling, she developed a passion for administrative processes behind the scenes. This experience eventually led her to move into hotel technology, where she discovered the ideal balance between traditional hotel tasks and modern technologies.
The perfect combination at Hotel-Spider
Today at Hotel-Spider, Denise uses her extensive knowledge of the hotel industry and her technological expertise to support clients in system integration. Her ability to explain complex technical concepts in an understandable way and her willingness to dive into every detail make her an invaluable asset to hotels. “I am delighted every day that I can combine my two passions – hospitality and technology – so well at Hotel-Spider,” she says.
Denise describes her typical working day at Hotel Spider as a mix of structure and flexibility. “My day starts with a cup of coffee and a glass of water, then I enjoy the fresh morning air and birdsong, ideally with a round of yoga” she says. Then she starts work, often before 8 a.m., to tackle the first tasks of the day. “I like to see what I can get done by 9 a.m., before the phone lines open,” she explains.
Turning challenges into strengths
Denise handles the challenges her clients face with confidence, having dealt with difficult customers in her career. She recalls a particularly impactful experience when she was working as a customer service representative for a technology provider and a customer loudly expressed her dissatisfaction during an hour-and-a-half long phone conversation.
However, Denise used this challenge to improve her skills in handling stressful situations. “I can laugh about it now,” she says, "but it really wasn't easy back then. Now I know how to stay calm and professional in such moments.”
This learning experience not only made her stronger but also refined her approach to customer service. Her ability to remain calm in stressful situations is highly valued by her clients.
Appreciation that lasts: Special client feedback
Fortunately, the positive customer experiences and feedback far outweigh the negative. A special highlight of her career at Hotel-Spider was an email she received from a very satisfied customer. The customer, a manager of a hotel chain, wrote her a message full of praise and appreciation. He praised her competent advice and her friendly manner and even offered to let him know if she ever considered looking for a new job.
This feedback was not only a testament to her excellent work but also a reminder of the importance of giving her best in every situation. “It’s just great to receive such appreciation,” she says. Of course I have no intention of leaving Hotel-Spider,” she adds with a smile, “but getting feedback like that is an extra affirmation of my work."
Looking to the future
Denise brings a unique combination of passion, experience and technological know-how to the Hotel Spider team. Her positive attitude, her ability to learn from challenges and her dedication to clients and colleagues make her a valuable member of the team.
Hotel-Spider is looking forward to continuing to work with Denise and celebrating future success together. We look forward to the upcoming projects she will tackle – whether in hotel technology or in her creative and animal-loving adventures.
