Driving Success, Together: A Year-End Q&A With ETG’s People

Meet the team

Fernanda, Recruitment Team Lead

Hello there! My name is Fernanda. Although I have an Italian surname through my Italian family, I was born and raised in Brazil, and I still live there.  At ETG, I’m the Team Leader for Global Recruitment. My team’s main focus covers API, HQ Commercial, Direct Supply, and the B2A divisions across the Americas and Africa.

Christopher, Area Manager, Germany

Hey, I’m Chris! I live in Frankfurt, Germany (originally from Australia), and I oversee RateHawk’s Sales team in Germany.

Raffaella, Corporate Business Development Manager, Italy

Hi, my name is Raffaella. I currently live in Ercolano, near Naples, Italy. At ETG, I work as a Corporate Business Development Manager. In my role, I am responsible for promoting our corporate product, Roundtrip, across Italy. I engage daily with key decision-makers in various companies, designing tailored trip solutions to meet their specific needs.

— Thanks for joining our wrapping 2025 Q&A! Let’s start with recalling a work task or situation in 2025 where you were able to make a great decision according to ETG’s core principle — thinking out of the box. What comes to mind?

Fernanda: This year, I was responsible for implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in our recruitment process, from scratch, in close collaboration with the Data Protection team. The initial plan was simply to roll out the policy and inform recruiters about the new process — but I went far beyond that. We created a workshop and a full training program about the topic and its importance. I also adapted and migrated our entire recruitment system to support the new policy and trained the whole team on the new setup.

I went beyond scope and expectations because I realized how interconnected everything was and how essential it was to deliver a full, end-to-end solution. It was one of the most complex projects I’ve ever led, and I’m genuinely proud of the positive results, feedback, and smooth transition!

Chris: There was a case when a partner requested services outside our standard offerings. By thinking outside the box, I collaborated with multiple departments to bundle RateHawk tools in a customized offering. The client was impressed, resulting in a long-term contract.

Chris: “If I could make one wish, it would be for every team to cultivate a culture of genuine trust and open communication.”

Raffaella: The best way for me to think outside the box is to identify new levers to boost sales, whether that means analyzing behaviors or data. One of my best decisions this year was to thoroughly analyze the historical data the client provided on expenses from the past year. I prepared a personalized report that clearly showed potential savings, then I took the first flight to Milan with the account manager, just to meet and shake hands with the travel managers who didn’t trust an online meeting. We are now moving into a great collaboration.

Raffaella: “The best way for me to think outside the box is to identify new levers to boost sales, whether that means analyzing behaviors or data.”

— What was your favorite team moment this year?

Fernanda: The second quarter was one of our most challenging quarters, and we were racing against the clock! Despite the challenges, we delivered, especially during major project rollouts. This was my favorite moment because I collaborated closely with my peers, grew even closer to my team, and watched us build creative workarounds and new strategies together.

We received great feedback from hiring managers, celebrated promotions, and most importantly, we stayed united. Seeing the team face challenges together and support each other naturally and consistently was incredible. It strengthened us and made us even more bonded.

Fernanda: “Despite the challenges, we delivered, especially during major project rollouts. This was my favorite moment because I collaborated closely with my peers, grew even closer to my team, and watched us build creative workarounds and new strategies together.”

Chris: I organized a three-day city tour in Paris for my Sales team. Since we all work remotely, opportunities like this are invaluable for strengthening our team dynamic. It was wonderful to see how well we collaborate in person and to appreciate each team member’s unique personality and energy.

Raffaella: My favorite team moment was definitely our first party, organized and hosted by the Italian team in April. We met several partners and enjoyed good wine and food, enriching our networking.

— What’s one small thing that made you unexpectedly happy this year?

Fernanda: I’m someone who puts my heart and soul into everything I do, always giving my best and looking for new ways to make things happen. From being invited to the first group of mentors and ambassadors in the company, to the birthday surprise my colleagues prepared, it meant so much to me. It made me feel valued on a personal level — and gave me even more energy to keep going!

Fernanda: “I’m someone who puts my heart and soul into everything I do, always giving my best and looking for new ways to make things happen.”

Chris: I had the opportunity to deliver a sales presentation to more than 140 RateHawk colleagues. Hearing their feedback and knowing it brought them greater clarity was genuinely rewarding. It made me appreciate the impact of sharing knowledge with the team.

Raffaella: I’ll share two things, work- and personal-related. First, I’m happy at work anytime I can close a deal, build trust and long relationships, and even meet a partner offline.

Second, my daughter has completed preschool and has now started primary school. It is so emotional to see how every day she discovers new things, and this step marks an important milestone in her life so far. More to come…

Raffaella: “I’m happy at work anytime I can close a deal, build trust and long relationships, and even meet a partner offline.”

— How do people in your country celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Any traditions that surprise others?

Fernanda: Here in Brazil, we celebrate both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at midnight. Families gather, wait for the clock to strike twelve, hug, eat, exchange gifts (for Christmas), and often stay up talking until late. The next day, we meet again for lunch and enjoy the leftovers.

Most traditions are similar to other countries — decorations, Santa Claus, family meals — but because it’s summer here, we wear lighter clothes like shorts and dresses (and no, our Santa does not wear beach clothes, ha-ha). Still, he likely becomes dehydrated due to the heat and the warm costume.

Fernanda: “Many people go to the beach to watch fireworks and “jump seven waves,” making one wish per wave. Another important tradition is distributing toys and food to children and families in need.”

On New Year’s Eve, we wear white or choose specific colors according to what we hope and wish for in the new year. Many people go to the beach to watch fireworks and “jump seven waves,” making one wish per wave. Another important tradition is distributing toys and food to children and families in need. Overall, we spend this time surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones!

Fernanda: “2025 has been one of my best years — professionally and personally — filled with truly priceless moments and achievements.”

Chris: In Germany, Christmas is a special time filled with unique traditions. The season starts with Advent, where many families light candles on an Advent wreath each Sunday and children open the doors of their Advent calendars for a daily treat. 

One highlight is visiting the famous Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) that pop up in city centers across the country. Here, people enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and the festive atmosphere. 

Families usually decorate their Christmas tree just a day or two before Christmas Eve (Heiligabend), when they gather for a special meal and exchange gifts. This last-minute decorating often surprises people from other countries, who are used to putting up their trees much earlier.

Chris: “People…enjoy eating Berliner (jam-filled doughnuts) and sometimes take part in Bleigießen, a fortune-telling game in which molten lead is poured into cold water to predict the future.”

New Year’s Eve, or “Silvester,” is celebrated with fireworks and lively parties. A quirky tradition that often surprises others is the nationwide viewing of the British comedy sketch “Dinner for One,” which has become a cult classic in Germany. People also enjoy eating Berliner (jam-filled doughnuts) and sometimes take part in Bleigießen, a fortune-telling game in which molten lead is poured into cold water to predict the future. These customs make the holidays in Germany both festive and memorable, blending joyful public celebrations with cherished family rituals. 

Chris: “One [Christmas] highlight is visiting the famous Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) that pop up in city centers across the country. Here, people enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and the festive atmosphere.”

Raffaella: In my region, near Naples in Southern Italy, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with a strong focus on family, food, and joyful traditions. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a big dinner. At midnight, it’s traditional to attend La Messa di Mezzanotte (Midnight Mass) for Jesus’ birth, and Santa Claus comes too, with people exchanging small gifts.

A unique tradition in our area is the creation of intricate nativity scenes, called presepe napoletano, often including not just the Holy Family but also representations of Neapolitan life, complete with tiny figurines of bakers, fishermen, and even contemporary celebrities!

On New Year’s Eve, the celebration is lively, with a big dinner followed by fireworks at midnight. One custom that often surprises others is the tradition of wearing red underwear for good luck in the new year. In some older traditions, people even used to throw old objects out of the window at midnight, symbolizing letting go of the old year.

Raffaella: “A unique tradition in our area is the creation of intricate nativity scenes, called presepe napoletano, often including not just the Holy Family but also representations of Neapolitan life…”

— After all this work wins, how do you personally recharge?

Fernanda: I love trying something new — a hobby, a new sport, or a different experience. But what truly recharges me is taking 1–2 days just for myself, with no plans and no schedule: reading, watching movies, doing skincare, simply relaxing.  

At the beginning of the year, I usually take a short beach trip to disconnect. Sun, sand, warm weather, the sea, coconut water, a cold beer, or our famous caipirinha. That’s my perfect reset before the year officially starts!

Fernanfa: “From being invited to the first group of mentors and ambassadors in the company, to the birthday surprise my colleagues prepared, it meant so much to me.”

Chris: After a particularly intense year, my go-to way to relax is to escape the winter chill and head back to my homeland, Australia, in January. There’s nothing quite like unwinding by the warm waters, enjoying the sunshine, and catching up with family and old friends on the beach. Spending time outdoors, swimming, and soaking up nature always helps me reset, recharge, and return to work with fresh energy and a clear mind.

Raffaella: I have two important moments during the year when I recharge. The first is in August, when most companies in Italy close, and I usually go on vacation. The second is in late December, when I look forward to my brother coming from Barcelona and to spending joyful moments together. During these times, I also make sure to sleep a lot, take things slowly, and enjoy quality time with friends and family.

Raffaella: “… my wish is that every team works together with so much empathy and communication that clients feel like we actually can.”

— To wrap up, please share one wish for corporate teams around the world for 2026!

Fernanda: 2025 has been one of my best years — professionally and personally — filled with truly priceless moments and achievements. I’m grateful to feel welcomed, recognized, and truly part of an incredible, caring, and supportive team and company.

With that in mind, I hope everyone can feel the same, and I’m wishing you all the very best. May your year be filled with meaningful experiences, learning, and success — both personal and professional. May we lead and work with empathy, trust one another, and always remember that success comes through collaboration by truly working together as a team!

Fernanda: “I’m grateful to feel welcomed, recognized, and truly part of an incredible, caring, and supportive team and company.”

Chris: If I could make one wish, it would be for every team to cultivate a culture of genuine trust and open communication. When people feel safe sharing their ideas, giving honest feedback, and supporting each other, not only does collaboration improve, but innovation and job satisfaction also reach new heights. I believe that trust is the foundation on which the most successful and resilient teams are built.

Chris: ” If I could make one wish, it would be for every team to cultivate a culture of genuine trust and open communication.”

Chris: “When people feel safe sharing their ideas, giving honest feedback, and supporting each other, not only does collaboration improve, but innovation and job satisfaction also reach new heights.”

Raffaella: I’d wish to let everyone read their clients’ minds — just imagine how much easier life (and emails!) would be! But since we can’t do that, my wish is that every team works together with so much empathy and communication that clients feel like we actually can.

Looking ahead, together

The stories from Chris, Fernanda, and Raffaella bring ETG’s culture to life — from creative problem-solving and cross-team collaboration, to the human moments that build trust in a remote-first environment.

Together, they reflect how we think outside the box, combine data with personal connection, and support one another across borders. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re confident these shared values will continue fueling our momentum and collective success.

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