Future Game Changers | Emily Lisnychy

Emily Lisnychy

Hello, my name is Emily Lisnychy, I’m 22 years old and currently in my final year,
completing my Management Consultancy Project. I’m half German and half Ukrainian
and grew up in Cyprus before moving to Hamburg at the age of twelve. I started my
studies at HMSM in September 2022, and it’s been an incredible journey so far; from
completing my internship in Dubai, to going on exchange in Vienna, and returning
to Maastricht for my final semester.

Emily's Experience

On the 2nd of October, I had the great honor of accompanying Her Majesty Queen
Máxima, an opportunity I was offered by Luc Houben and our director Bas Vogelsangs. I
was deeply honored and, of course, immediately accepted. When the day finally arrived,
I felt both excited and proud. The entire team around us was exceptionally well
prepared, and we were all eager to welcome Her Majesty. The afternoon turned out to be
truly memorable as Queen Máxima’s warmth and inspiring presence put everyone at
ease and created a wonderful atmosphere. I was also incredibly impressed by all the
students and teachers involved in the tour because their enthusiasm and
professionalism made the visit such a success. Without their dedication, the day would
not have been half as special.

Two years ago, I decided to join the Excellence Programme for various reasons. I felt that I
wanted to go beyond the regular curriculum and push myself further to explore the
hospitality and business world on a deeper level. The programme seemed like the perfect
opportunity to broaden my perspective, learn more about strategy and innovation, and
surround myself with equally driven students. I wanted to make the most of my studies by taking part in extra challenges, such as the Sustainability Challenge this year. Looking back, joining the Excellence Programme was one of the best decisions I’ve made as it’s, amongst others, helped me to step out of my comfort zone, trust myself, and aim higher.

Through this programme, I’ve developed skills and insights that I might not have gained
anywhere else. I’ve learned how to manage stress and stay calm under high pressure,
even when things don’t go as planned. My critical and analytical thinking has grown
stronger, helping me approach challenges with a more strategic and open mindset.
Working closely with my teammates in fast-paced situations taught me the importance
of teamwork, clear communication, and trust. I’ve also learned that nothing great can be
achieved alone, you need the right people around you who share the same vision and
drive to truly succeed. The experience has also strengthened my entrepreneurial
mindset, teaching me to take initiative, adapt quickly, and handle setbacks without
losing motivation. Above all, it has taught me resilience: to keep going, stay positive, and
always find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Emily's Wings

To me, “Wings” symbolizes freedom, opportunity, and responsibility. It reminds me how
fortunate we are to be young and to live in a time and place that allow us to dream
without limits. In times like today, we are free, free from war, from hunger, from fear,
and from many of the barriers that others face. This freedom is a privilege, and I believe it
comes with the responsibility to use it meaningfully. My dream is to make the most of
the opportunities I’ve been given. Not only for myself, but for those who don’t have the
same chances. I want to use my talents, education, and energy to create something that
has a positive impact. My ambition is to live a life of purpose. To work hard, give my best,
and find fulfillment in what I do every day. “Wings” to me means flying with intention,
soaring toward success, but always staying grounded in gratitude and empathy.

Throughout my journey so far, I’ve found inspiration in many different places. My
parents have been my biggest role models as they’ve always encouraged me to aim
higher, to keep building toward the future I want, and to never settle for less than my
best. They’ve also taught me the importance of living without regrets and staying true to
my values.

At the same time, many of our lecturers have deeply influenced my development. Their passion, knowledge, and constant encouragement have pushed me to think critically, challenge myself, and grow both personally and professionally.
Another major source of inspiration was my internship in Dubai, which was one of the
most intense yet unforgettable experiences I’ve had. It showed me what genuine
hospitality really means as well as the power of human connection, teamwork, and
resilience. It taught me how much can be achieved when dedication and passion come
together, and it truly shaped the way I see my future in the industry.

I believe that, in the end, each of us is responsible for spreading our own wings, but
school definitely gives us the foundation and the confidence to do so. At HMSM, I’ve had
the chance to really discover my strengths and weaknesses through various situations
and experiences, and to figure out what I’m passionate about (and what I’m not). The
network we build here with lecturers, professionals, and other students is such a
valuable part of that journey. The opportunities to go abroad, take part in extracurricular
projects, and learn directly from experienced professionals have also helped me grow
both personally and professionally. Above all, the supportive environment at HMSM
encourages us to step outside our comfort zones. More than anything, though, school
doesn’t just teach us how to fly, it helps us understand what kind of wings we have and
where they might take us.

In five to ten years, I see myself happy, healthy, and fulfilled, both in my personal life and
in my career. I hope to be working abroad, building a career that challenges and excites
me, ideally in the luxury hospitality or business industry. I want to keep learning,
growing, and doing work that inspires me and that I believe in. Most of all, I hope to
be surrounded by the right people so those who motivate me, support me, and share
similar values and ambitions. For me, success isn’t just about professional
achievements; it’s about finding balance, doing something meaningful, and feeling
proud of the person I’m becoming. In the end, I just want to be doing what I love, in a
place that feels right, and with people who make the journey worthwhile.

 

Emily's Tips

My biggest advice to other students who want to spread their wings is to believe in
themselves, even when things feel uncertain. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the
answers, it means trusting that you can figure them out along the way. Don’t
underestimate your abilities or compare your path to others because everyone’s journey
unfolds differently.

Work hard for what you want and stay consistent, because true growth comes from
persistence, not perfection. There will be times when you take one step forward and two
steps back, but that’s part of the process. Every setback teaches you something
valuable, and every challenge build resilience. Most importantly, see opportunities
where others see obstacles. Keep a positive mindset, stay curious, and be open to new
experiences. You can’t truly fail as long as you keep learning, evolving, and moving
forward because every experience, good or bad, shapes the person you are becoming.