Family Meal: Employee Spotlight with Kate Lennon

Welcome to Family Meal, our blog series where we shine a spotlight on one of our amazing Roomies. This month, we sat down with Kate Lennon, Director of People Operations, based in the UK.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role.

Kate: Hi, I'm Kate Lennon, Director of People Operations. I'm based in the UK and I've been with SevenRooms since October 2022.

What do you love most about working at SevenRooms?

Kate: I think what I love most about my job is the impact I have on a global scale. Every day I support diverse and dynamic teams across different cultures and time zones. I really love building bridges between our global offices and ensuring our company culture is felt everywhere from New York to Singapore. Seeing our roomies grow personally and professionally really makes every challenge worth it.

Can you share a story of a time that you put one of our Core Values into action within your role?

Kate: I demonstrated our Core Value of “Here to Serve” while helping an employee and their family relocate to the UK. Relocating to a new country can be incredibly daunting, so to ensure a smooth transition, I coordinated with our immigration team to streamline their visa process. Additionally, I took extra steps to help the family settle in by connecting them with online housing agents, sharing insights into various neighbourhoods, and providing guidance on local schooling options and healthcare services. Seeing the relief and gratitude from the family when everything came together was deeply rewarding and reaffirmed my commitment to serving our team members with dedication and care.

What are you most proud of from your time at SevenRooms?

Kate: One thing I'm particularly proud of from my time at SevenRooms is the strong, trusted relationships I've built with stakeholders, managers and colleagues. I've created an approachable space where people feel comfortable reaching out—whether they need to confide in someone, brainstorm new ideas, seek guidance or support with a situation, or connect to say hello. Knowing that I've been a reliable presence and that people feel they can come to me for a range of needs is something I truly value.

Describe for us your favorite dining experience.

Kate: I think one of my most favourite dining experiences was stumbling upon Taverna Kohili in Milatos in Crete. It's this charming family-run spot right on the waterfront, serving up the most incredible Greek home-cooked meals. Food was exceptional, especially the fried zucchini, which was just perfectly crispy, and the beef stifado. Honestly, it's one of the best things I've ever tasted, and just so ridiculously cheap. My mouth is drooling just thinking about it already. If you haven't been, definitely worth a visit.

What is a non-work activity or hobby that you do?

Kate: One of my favourite hobbies is traveling. It all started back in the 80s with a TV show called Wish You Were Here with Judith Chalmers. Seeing all those amazing destinations beyond the usual camping trips in Devon really sparked my curiosity and desire to explore new countries and cultures. Since then, collecting as many passport stamps as possible has become a personal passion of mine.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Kate: Issi from our HK office recommended "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," which I read by the pool during my last holiday. It's not my usual kind of book, but it really surprised me. The story was moving and unexpectedly thought-provoking, exploring time travel in a unique way that makes you reflect on choices, regrets, and the fleeting moments in life.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Kate: So, one fun fact about me is that I'm a big fan of Bat and Trap. Bat and Trap is a traditional pub game that originates from Kent, which is where I'm from, so southeast of the UK. It's the cousin of the cricket, and it's the real local treasure. The best part is that I'm literally 50 yards from my local village pub, so on those rare sunny evenings, I can literally just nip over, grab a drink, and join in the fun.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Interested in working with Kate and our other Roomies? Check out our open roles here!