Team Member Spotlight: Sara Isotalo

You already know how The Guestbook can transform your direct booking engine and boost your revenue, but how well do you know the talent behind our technology? This month we’re proud to introduce you to Sara Isotalo, UX/UI Designer.

What do you do at The Guestbook?

I’m in charge of different aspects of digital design, from user research to prototyping, UI design to user testing. My role is very collaborative – I work with people from all of the company’s different departments, including our marketing department. I’m happy that I get to work with such a variety of people because it allows me to participate in the bigger picture discussions and to learn about developing tech products from a business perspective.

How did you get started in the hospitality industry?

The Guestbook is my first job in the hospitality industry, as my background is from tech & design consulting. I’ve always been a big traveler and love boutique hotels, so once I heard from The Guestbook’s mission, I was sold!

How did you get started at The Guestbook?

I’m originally from Helsinki, Finland. At the university where I earned my master’s degree, there was a program called “Startuplifers” that sent Nordic talent to work in tech companies in California. I did my first interview with James & Michael over the phone in spring 2019, and a few weeks later I was having lunch with the team in West Hollywood.

What do you like about working at The Guestbook?

I immediately felt welcomed and part of the team. I appreciate that everyone is so friendly, supportive, and hardworking! The Guestbook is kind of like an energetic tech company but has the spirit of hospitality. It’s a fun atmosphere. I also got a lot of responsibility from day one, which allowed me to grow a lot as a professional.

What future innovations and/or challenges do you see coming up for hotel loyalty programs?

I see that unique and authentic experiences will become more and more important to travelers, and that opens a lot of opportunities for innovation. Whereas the current COVID situation has caused a lot of limitations to travel itself, it has created room for the industry to reflect on the ways of how things have always been done and shake things up a little.

What hobbies/activities do you do outside of work?

I like to stay active, so I enjoy all kinds of sports indoors and outdoor activities, from yoga to tennis & skiing. Even though a part of my work is drawing, I also enjoy doing that in my free time.

Lightning round questions

Favorite city?

Copenhagen, Denmark

Favorite food or cuisine?

Italian

Favorite airline?

Finnair

Favorite movie?

Spirited Away. I love anime, and Japan is definitely next on my travel list. Their culture is so inspiring design and art-wise, and has a similar kind of appreciation for calmness, simplicity, and space than we have in Finland.

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

My friends! I wouldn’t like to be alone on that island! But that’s not a thing, haha. I guess this would be an opportunity to focus on developing skills and interests, so I’d say a surfboard, books, and painting supplies.