May we introduce: Johanna Lehmann
Johanna, 27, is originally from the beautiful city of Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt. After earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism, she moved to Leipzig to pursue a master’s in communication and media studies at the University of Leipzig. During her studies, Johanna traveled extensively, working as a radio editor and host in Spain and Hungary, as well as a project coordinator.
Since 2023, Johanna has made Amsterdam her home, both professionally and personally. She joined our team as a project and event manager from day one. With her open, warm, and communicative nature, Johanna also shares her love for Amsterdam by leading city tours.
What fascinates you most about Amsterdam?
That’s easy—I came for the lifestyle—and stayed because of it. Amsterdam has this positive energy that lifts me every day. The people here are incredibly friendly, and the communication is always respectful and personal. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and at home.
As a German with workaholic tendencies, I’m especially fascinated by how well the people here maintain their work-life balance. They approach everyday life with such a positive, life-affirming attitude. Here, the glass is always half full, never half empty, and that mindset has had a significant impact on me and my approach to life.
What’s it like working as a project and event manager in Amsterdam’s tourism industry?
I would describe it as truly inspiring. I’ve always enjoyed working with people, so I knew early on that I wanted to turn this passion into a career. However, I never imagined that the tourism industry would eventually become my dream job. Honestly, I’d say my role brings everything I need for a fulfilling and rewarding workday, and I also feel I bring everything needed to successfully meet its challenges.
As one of the most visited cities in Europe, Amsterdam is the perfect place to meet people from all over the world and make their experiences unforgettable. It’s a privilege to share my love for this city every day. While some locals may find the crowds that flock to Amsterdam each year overwhelming, I actually see it as a compliment to live in such a sought-after city. And as a project and event Manager, I’m proud to play a role in ensuring visitors have an exceptional stay.
What do you value most about your job?
Without a doubt, it’s my team. I can’t even call them colleagues anymore because, over time, they’ve become like family. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we support and motivate one another. We’ve also figured out how to work together effectively while maintaining a harmonious, considerate atmosphere. I’ve always wanted to be part of a team that treats each other so well, and where it feels worth pushing through even the stressful times to achieve success together.
What’s the biggest challenge in your job?
I’d probably say accepting that I can’t tackle a hundred things at once (laughs). When planning activities and events for different groups, the key is keeping everything organized and executing it as efficiently as possible. Every group is unique, so their needs and expectations vary. Since I know Amsterdam so well and tend to think creatively, I often come up with many ideas, and of course, they all require time and need to be carefully coordinated. If only there was a magic coffee that could help me get everything done in half the time!
What makes for perfect event planning, in your opinion?
For me, the key word is always communication. From the very first contact with the client, I want them to feel that every idea and every request is welcome. But it’s just as important that any questions or concerns can be communicated easily and quickly. While our relationships with clients are always professional, our team approaches everything with a friendly, personal touch. As long as we’re aligned with the client and with each other, working together towards the perfect event, there’s nothing that can go wrong. The real reward for me is seeing happy faces at the end of a project. And the feeling that a client has transformed into a long-term partner? That’s priceless.
Last year, our team had the opportunity to plan a multi-day company trip to Amsterdam. During the planning process, we built a really friendly rapport with the client. We were there for the events and group activities throughout their stay, and I had the chance to connect with so many amazing people. It really took our business relationship to the next level. That’s a memory I’ll cherish for a long time.
