1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Beyond my career, I am a woman of faith, a mother of two, and a partner. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I strive to balance my personal and professional life with grace and purpose. I have a deep love for travel, experiencing new cultures, and discovering unique culinary traditions. Hospitality isn’t just my profession, it’s a reflection of my passion for people, service, and creating meaningful connections.
2. What work do you do?
I am a hotel manager for a boutique hotel situated on a 4,500-hectare game reserve. I lead a dedicated team of 135 people, and my role encompasses multiple functions that challenge me daily to make decisions with the heart of all involved. From operations and guest experience to team leadership and strategy, every aspect of my work requires a balance of precision and empathy.
Hospitality is more than just providing a service; it is about curating experiences that make people feel valued and at home. It’s about storytelling, creating lasting memories, and ensuring that every guest leaves with a sense of connection to the place and the people.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, and my passion for it has only deepened with time. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Switzerland, where I trained, to the UK and the United States, where I worked with prestigious brands such as Hyatt and St. Regis. Despite my international experience, my heart has always belonged to Zimbabwe.
Hospitality is in our bones—we have a natural warmth, a genuine openness, and an innate ability to showcase our culture with authenticity. Returning home in 2010 was a deeply personal decision, driven by a desire to contribute to Zimbabwe’s hospitality landscape and to be part of shaping its future. There is something truly special about welcoming guests to our country and sharing the richness of who we are.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
Yes, hospitality has always been my passion. From an early age, I traveled with my parents and family, and I was always fascinated by the way hotel managers would come to check on us, ensuring we were comfortable and happy. I would watch them move effortlessly from guest to guest, engaging with people from different backgrounds with such ease and warmth.
Their presence made a difference—it wasn’t just about service; it was about connection. By the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to be in hotels. I was drawn to the idea of creating spaces where people felt welcomed, valued, and at home. There is something incredibly rewarding about knowing that a guest’s experience, no matter how brief, has been shaped by the details you’ve put in place. This industry challenges me, inspires me, and has allowed me to continuously learn and grow while doing what I truly love.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
Succeeding in this industry as a woman takes resilience, confidence, and an unwavering belief in your abilities. You often have to prove yourself more than your male counterparts, which means bringing a little extra—more creativity, more innovation, and a unique blend of authenticity and grit. You have to know, without a doubt, that you belong in the room and that you will go the extra mile to make things happen.
It’s about striking the right balance—being assertive yet approachable, strategic yet compassionate. As women, we bring emotional intelligence, intuition, and a deep understanding of human connection—qualities that are invaluable in hospitality. But beyond that, it takes courage to push boundaries, challenge outdated norms, and pave the way for the women coming after us. Success in this industry isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others as we rise, fostering inclusivity, and redefining leadership in our own way. That’s what I strive to do every day.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
One of the biggest challenges in my career has been balancing my personal and professional life. Hospitality knows no boundaries when it comes to time—late nights, holidays, and important milestones don’t pause just because you have personal commitments. Hotels are a 24/7 business, and as a leader, you’re constantly needed. It’s a career that demands immense dedication, and at times, it can feel like there’s little room left for yourself.
As a mother and a leader, I’ve had to learn the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising, and making intentional choices about where I invest my time. It hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments when I’ve missed family events or had to make difficult trade-offs. But over the years, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about giving equal time to everything, it’s about being fully present in the moments that matter, both at work and at home.
I’ve also realized that taking care of myself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and to lead effectively, you have to be intentional about rest and self-care. The journey of finding that balance is ongoing, but it has made me a stronger leader, a better mother, and a more grounded individual.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Own your space with confidence. Hospitality is an industry that thrives on leadership, adaptability, and passion—qualities that women bring in abundance. Never shy away from an opportunity because you think you’re not ready; chances are, you are. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, build a strong support network, and always uplift other women along the way.
Your voice, perspective, and leadership matter—don’t ever dim your light to make others comfortable. And above all, never compromise on your integrity.
8. Who inspires you in your industry?
I am inspired by all the incredible women in hospitality—those who have broken barriers, redefined leadership and created opportunities for others. The leaders who inspire me most are the ones who empower their teams, lead with integrity, and prioritise mentorship and inclusivity. The women who have navigated challenges with resilience, grace, and innovation leave a mark far beyond their roles.
This industry is about people, and those who uplift others while excelling in their own careers are the true changemakers.
9. What’s the best advice/key learnings you have received from your industry peers?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received from industry peers is to stay adaptable, stay relevant, and always be open to learning. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and success comes from our ability to embrace change while staying true to our core values.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of open communication and transparency. When people feel heard and valued, they perform at their best. I also believe that leading with empathy is essential, as every team member brings unique strengths and challenges. In hospitality, no two days are the same, so adaptability is crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape.
Ultimately, I aim to foster an environment where people thrive—where they feel motivated to grow, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully. I firmly believe that a team is only as strong as the support and guidance they receive, and I strive to lead with a focus on both excellence and integrity.
10. What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is empowering, collaborative, and service-driven. I believe in leading by example—setting high standards but also creating a space where my team feels valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work. Hospitality is about people, and that extends beyond guests to the teams that bring the experience to life.
I prioritise open communication and transparency because when people feel heard, they perform at their best. I also lead with empathy and adaptability—understanding that each team member has unique strengths and challenges and that no two days in hospitality are ever the same. Ultimately, I want to create an environment where people thrive—where they feel motivated to grow, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully.
I believe that a team is only as strong as the support and guidance they receive, and I aim to be a leader who fosters both excellence and integrity
11. Have you experienced failure in your career? If so, what lessons did you learn from that?
Absolutely. Failure is part of growth, and I’ve come to see it as a necessary teacher rather than something to fear. The moments that have challenged me the most have also pushed me into deep self-reflection—forcing me to step back, reassess, and realign with my goals and values. Setbacks have taught me resilience, adaptability, and humility.
The key is to own your mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Growth happens in the moments when things don’t go as planned, and I’ve learned that you often emerge stronger, wiser, and more capable because of them.
12. What are your plans for the future?
I’m genuinely excited about the future. While I’m not sure exactly where this journey will take me, I’m open to new opportunities that will not only bring growth and exposure to our industry but also elevate Zimbabwe on the global stage. I’m passionate about continuing to shape Zimbabwe’s hospitality landscape, especially through mentoring young professionals, particularly women, who are the future of this industry.
I also want to further refine my expertise in financial analysis and strategic decision-making to ensure I’m contributing at the highest level. Going back to university is something I’d love to explore, to expand my knowledge even further. At the end of the day, my goal is to leave a legacy of excellence, integrity, and innovation. I want to contribute to an industry that has given me so much and, in doing so, open doors for the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Short bio
Dionne Mutsonziwa joined Minor Hotels in December 2024 as Hotel Manager at Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel. Dionne’s lifelong passion for hospitality has taken her across Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Zimbabwe. Her leadership approach is centered on collaboration and empowering her team to excel. She is a strong advocate for women in hospitality, championing mentorship and ensuring equal opportunities for women to lead in senior operational roles.
