Building a Winning Team: What the Hospitality Industry Can Learn from Camilla Herrem

Iryna Bila
Jul 4
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

The buzz in Norway is all about Camilla Herrem. Her incredible talent, speed on the court, and leadership for Sola Handball and the national team inspire thousands. But what does a world-class handball player truly have in common with a bustling restaurant, a busy hotel, or a vibrant café? More than you might think.

The qualities that make Camilla Herrem an ace on the court are precisely the same characteristics that define success in the hospitality industry. For both employers seeking star personnel and job seekers aiming to build a career, the lessons from Herrem's playing style are invaluable.

World-Class Teamwork

In handball, teamwork is everything. A perfectly timed pass from a backcourt player to Camilla on the wing can be the difference between a win and a loss. She relies on her teammates to do their job so she can do hers.

This is a perfect analogy for the hospitality industry. Think of a busy kitchen on a Saturday night. The chefs, dishwashers, and servers must function as a well-oiled machine. The server depends on the kitchen to deliver food quickly and correctly, and the kitchen depends on the server to communicate orders clearly. Without seamless teamwork, everything grinds to a halt. The best teams – whether on the court or in the restaurant – communicate, trust each other, and work towards a common goal: delivering an outstanding experience.

Performance Under Pressure

Camilla Herrem is known for performing best when it matters most. In the final, decisive minutes of a close game, it's stars like her who keep a cool head and deliver.

This is a daily reality in the hospitality industry. A fully booked restaurant, an unexpected busload of tourists, or a large conference at the hotel – these are the industry's "championship finals." The ability to remain calm, focused, and effective when pressure is at its highest distinguishes the good from the best. Employers look for candidates who not only handle stress but thrive and perform their best when things are most hectic.

Leadership and a Winning Mentality

As an experienced player and captain, Camilla Herrem brings more than just technical skills. She brings an attitude, a winning instinct, and a positive energy that infects the entire team. Her leadership lifts everyone around her.

In a restaurant or hotel, this type of leadership is priceless. A restaurant manager, a head waiter, or a shift leader with the right attitude sets the standard for the entire team. Their energy and professionalism directly impact both employee morale and guest experience. Having a "captain" on the floor who inspires the team to perform their best is crucial for long-term success.

How Do You Find Your "Camilla Herrem"?

For employers in the hotel and restaurant industry, the challenge is clear: How do you build your own winning team? You need people with technical skills, yes, but even more importantly, you need people with the right mindset: team players who perform under pressure and demonstrate leadership.

For job seekers, the message is just as clear: These are the qualities that make you attractive. Highlight your ability to work in a team, your experience in busy environments, and your positive, solution-oriented attitude.

Whether you are an employer looking for the next star talent for your team, or a job seeker ready to take the next step in your career, the goal is the same: to create winning moments. In the hospitality industry, these moments happen every single day.