Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Stéphane Jayet, the driving force behind the remarkable revitalization of the Skal Club of Lausanne. Once on the brink of closure, the club has transformed into a thriving and vibrant community under Stéphane’s leadership. As Vice President of the Swiss Travel Association and an active political figure, Stéphane brought his vision, innovative ideas, and extensive network to breathe new life into Skal Lausanne. In this interview, Stéphane shares his journey of rebuilding the club and the strategies that made it one of the most dynamic Skal clubs in the region.
Skal Europe: Stéphane, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us about the situation you faced when you first took on the role of President of Skal Club Lausanne?
Stéphane Jayet: Thank you for having me! When I took over the presidency, Skal Lausanne was in a very challenging position. The club had very few active members, and there was a real risk of it being closed down. It was clear that we needed to act quickly to turn things around. I saw this as an opportunity to inject fresh energy and new ideas into the club, and I was determined to not only save it but make it thrive again.
Skal Europe: What was your vision for the club, and how did you start implementing changes to bring that vision to life?
Stéphane Jayet: My vision was to make Skal Lausanne a club that people genuinely wanted to be part of—a place where tourism professionals could connect, share ideas, and enjoy themselves. I began by organizing more engaging events, from simple dinners to larger-scale gatherings like the SKAL-COSTA cruise on the Mediterranean. The goal was to create opportunities for members to network and experience something special together. I also focused on making Skal more visible in the region by leveraging my role as Vice President of the Swiss Travel Association and my connections in the tourism and political sectors. This helped raise the club’s profile and attracted the attention of potential new members.
Skal Europe: You mentioned increasing the club’s visibility. How did you manage to make Skal Lausanne more attractive and well-known in the local community?
Stéphane Jayet: It was all about showing the value of being part of Skal. I reached out to local politicians, tourism organizations, and business leaders, emphasizing the benefits of our network and the unique opportunities Skal offers. I also made sure our events were well-publicized and partnered with other organizations to expand our reach. By making our activities more dynamic and diverse, we attracted attention, and soon, people started seeing Skal as an essential platform for tourism professionals in the region.
Skal Europe: One of your achievements has been bringing in new members almost every month. How did you manage to grow the club so effectively?
Stéphane Jayet: Growing the club required a proactive approach. I didn’t wait for people to come to us—I reached out to them. I invited potential members to our events, where they could experience the Skal spirit firsthand. I made sure to follow up with everyone who attended, making them feel welcome and valued. Additionally, I focused on creating a sense of community within the club, ensuring that new members felt like they were joining a family rather than just another networking group. This sense of belonging made it easy for them to commit and stay involved.
Skal Europe: It sounds like your leadership has truly transformed the club. What role do you believe Skal Lausanne plays in the larger Skal community now?
Stéphane Jayet: I believe Skal Lausanne has become a shining example of what’s possible when you combine vision, dedication, and community engagement. We’ve shown that even a club on the brink of closure can be reborn and flourish with the right approach. Our success demonstrates the strength of the Skal network and the incredible potential that lies within it. I hope our journey can inspire other clubs facing similar challenges to keep pushing forward and finding ways to grow.
Skal Europe: Finally, what advice would you give to other Skal clubs looking to revitalize and grow their membership?
Stéphane Jayet: My advice would be to stay committed, be creative, and never be afraid to reach out to new people. It’s important to show the value of Skal, not just as a professional network but as a community where members can grow, learn, and have fun. Engage with your local community, partner with other organizations, and most importantly, make every event and interaction count. People are more likely to join and stay involved when they feel they are part of something meaningful and dynamic.
Skal Europe: Stéphane, thank you for sharing your insights and for your incredible work in revitalizing Skal Club Lausanne. Your dedication and leadership are truly inspiring.
Stéphane Jayet: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my experience, and I hope it encourages others to take bold steps in building and growing their own clubs.
