Interview: Evelyne and Chillon – a happy coincidence!

Have you met our dazzling, daring Chillon Castle Foundation team?

Her story began in 2008, after a big trip to the USA. That’s when – then new mum – Evelyne bumped into an old colleague from the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, who pointed her towards the castle to rival all castles… Here, she was proud to become assistant to Jean Pierre Pastori (former Director of the Chillon Castle Foundation, a position currently occupied by Marta Sofia dos Santos).

“The discipline and organisational skills I developed working with demanding clientele in the luxury hotel business and the legal field. That and a strong sense of team spirit built mainly during said time in the hotel industry (where time really flies!). Chillon brings together these initial work experiences in the nicest way: I can produce thorough, high-quality work in a prestigious tourist environment, of course. But Chillon is also synonymous with inspiration and tradition for children and grown-ups.

I like having a laugh, taking care of others and bringing it all together by organising staff outings. I always try to find ideas that will appeal to as many people as possible and find a fun way to bring them to life. It’s always good to have fun, even at work!”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“The chapel – its architecture and acoustics make it so unique. Its spiritual side, away from the hustle and bustle, makes you feel like time is standing still. One of the greatest privileges I’ve had was attending a violin and vocals concert in there.”

• Developing the internal customer relations training programme for Chillon and Café Byron: “I’ve attended previous training sessions and I took inspiration from that for this ‘refresher’. I put my own spin on it, so to speak. For someone like me, who sits at their desk for most of the day, it was a real challenge to train hosts and serving staff working on the ground.”
• Sales training in the Castle Shop: “I loved working face-to-face with customers. I usually only interact with them over the phone or by email – at a safe distance, you might say. It was invigorating. It almost reminded me of falling in love for the first time!”

“For over 13 years, the castle has felt like home to me: its tranquil strength inspires and motivates me to strive for greatness, so that Chillon can live on. ‘To infinity and beyond’, in the words of Buzz Lightyear.

The castle, the team and my colleagues are all a part of my life. It’s not just something to pay the bills. It is such a privilege for us to be able to share a little piece of its history. I’m so proud! Chillon is also ‘mum or dad’s castle’ to those teammates who, like me, are parents.

Yes, Chillon is my castle. A jewel that shines bright from within me, from within us. What about you?”