Meet Leonie Häsler

At Apaleo, we believe that great companies are built by people with unique stories and perspectives. Our team inspires us every day, and we want to share some of these personal journeys with you.

Today, we are excited to introduce Leonie Häsler, Director of People & Culture at Apaleo. Her journey took her from the world of hospitality to the tech industry. For Leonie, this transition was an opportunity to bring together what matters most to her: humanity, trust, and personal growth. Her story shows how diverse careers can be when you stay open to new opportunities and how courage and genuine interest in others can open new doors.

How did you first get into hospitality?

When I was 15, I started working in restaurants and hotels, at first simply to earn some money. But I quickly realized how much I enjoyed creating great experiences for people and how rewarding it felt to receive immediate feedback, whether it was a smile, a tip, or kind words. After finishing school, I started studying law and psychology, but it felt too theoretical for me. Then I heard about the École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), a university that combines theory and practice, and I was immediately convinced. Thanks to a loan from friends, I was able to study International Hospitality Management, which motivated me even more. I loved working in the kitchen and in service, but in my final year I took a course that sparked my passion for entrepreneurship, tech, and innovation.

What made you move from hospitality to People & Culture?

Honestly, the opportunity just came up. I had the chance to start as the first employee in the People & Operations department and develop it from scratch. It was a unique experience, almost like being part of the founding team. I found it incredibly exciting to help shape a company from the very beginning, try out new things, create structures, be creative, and take on responsibility. For me, People & Culture isn’t that far from hospitality. In both fields, it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable and have a great experience. In this case, the guests are the employees. My goal is to ensure they feel connected, enjoy coming to work, and have opportunities to grow, while also helping the company as a whole thrive. What those worlds also share is a strong focus on humanity. You need to approach others with openness, show understanding, and handle criticism or difficult situations constructively. I believe that’s something I’ve truly carried with me from my time in hospitality.

What role does networking play in your professional life?

For me, having a strong network is essential. It provides exchange, support, and inspiration, especially when you take on responsibility and can’t possibly know everything yourself. I learned early on that it is not only okay but necessary to seek help, whether from colleagues, coaches, or mentors. Today, networking for me is like maintaining friendships. It is not just about taking something for yourself, but about building relationships over the long term, supporting each other, and learning from one another. A good network develops naturally over time, rather than through forced LinkedIn connections. This way, connections are formed that are valuable both personally and professionally.

What role does financial investment play in your life?

I think it’s important to actively invest my money, especially since women have historically often not been the ones to do so consciously. I started early, first investing in ETFs and later in startups founded by friends I trust and whose vision I believe in. I’ve also lost money along the way, but it helped me gain experience and build knowledge. Today, I try to encourage my friends to start small and develop their own sense for investing.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love good food and don’t mind spending a bit more on special culinary experiences, for example, in a Michelin-starred restaurant. I’m passionate about cooking and baking, not quite at fine-dining level, but it always tastes great. My partner and I also host regular dinners with friends, and our “Friendsmas” dinner around Christmas has become a little tradition over the years. Music also plays a big role in my life, and I love to travel and explore new places.