Together with Maison Moderne CEO Geraldine Knudson, Melanie Delannoy takes stock of the activity of the largest business club in Luxembourg and to outline the profile of its future director.

Let’s start at the beginning Melanie, can we go back to your arrival at Paperjam + Delano Club?

Melanie Delannoy: The Paperjam + Delano Club is the reference for business clubs in Luxembourg. The members who make it up, the contacts that are created or the events and training that it offers are the best proof. I have been in Luxembourg for 15 years and I have witnessed its constant evolution, as well as that of Maison Moderne. On a more personal note, my participation as a speaker at one of the 10x6 events last year was a very positive memory and an important step. That’s why when the offer to take over the management of the Paperjam + Delano Club came up, I didn't hesitate for a second.

Geraldine Knudson: Melanie's name came up almost immediately when we were considering who should run the Paperjam + Delano Club. Her reputation, experience, openness and network made her the perfect candidate. But we also knew that she was already running her own business and that she had a particular interest in this activity. That’s why we agreed together that her appointment would be temporary, as she would not be able to devote herself fully to it in the long term. We therefore agreed on the status of ‘interim director’ during this period.

A period that will end this summer...

Melanie Delannoy: Indeed, for almost nine years I have had my own company and many clients that I could not leave. I value this independence and the diversity of my clientele, which is the spice of my professional life. It's a busy job, just like being the director of the Paperjam + Delano Club, and I couldn't hold both jobs simultaneously. That’s why I'm now returning to this independent activity.

Geraldine Knudson: Everything has always been transparent between us on this subject. I remember Melanie telling me that the quickest way to lose her was to put her in a box. As a woman running a business I have a different view, but I also fully understand this desire to be a free spirit. This is what attracted us to Melanie and made her successful during her time with the Paperjam + Delano Club.

What memories will you take from this experience?

Melanie Delannoy: First of all, I would like to emphasise the fact that, despite the health crisis, the Paperjam + Delano Club’s activity has not stopped. Its offer has been completely rethought, starting with 100% digital and then hybrid formats. It was an honour for me to be part of this unprecedented period alongside the team in place. I would also like to pay tribute to their dynamism and their work, which enabled the club to remain fully operational. Having the resources of a united group such as Maison Moderne, to which the Paperjam + Delano Club belongs, was also a considerable asset to get through this more than difficult period. It is this cohesion that stands out for me, it is what allowed us to lift the mountains we faced.

Geraldine Knudson: As CEO of Maison Moderne, I can only agree with what Melanie just said. The support that exists between all the entities that make up the group, the Brand Studio, Publishing and the Paperjam + Delano Club, has enabled the company to ensure the continuity of our business. The ecosystem we have created is an undeniable strength in these turbulent times.

Today, that cohesion remains as we begin the recruitment of a new director for the Paperjam + Delano Club. Melanie, with her experience in this position, but also all the managers of the company and myself, will be part of this change phase. Maison Moderne is always particularly attentive and concerned about ensuring the transition within its teams in the best possible conditions.

What is, according to your respective points of view, the profile of the future Director of Paperjam + Delano Club?

Geraldine Knudson: Obviously someone with very strong leadership skills, who knows the Luxembourg market perfectly and of course the events sector. But to be able to respond to the needs of member companies, you also need to know how companies work, their culture, especially those of the local economic fabric. A great deal of flexibility and open-mindedness are obviously required.

Melanie Delannoy: Geraldine has already mentioned the main skills, I would perhaps add that having an excellent network will be a great help on a daily basis. Putting yourself in the shoes of our companies, of our members, to understand them better is a skill that will guarantee the success of the Paperjam + Delano Club. The crisis that we have just gone through has profoundly changed the issues and expectations of all the players in the market, so we will have to remain particularly attentive to them.

A final word?

Melanie Delannoy: I would like to warmly thank Geraldine for the confidence she has shown in me at Maison Moderne during these few months at the head of the Paperjam + Delano Club.

Geraldine Knudson: On behalf of everyone at Maison Moderne, we thank you for your commitment to us and wish you all the best for the future!

The job posting, in French, can be found here.