1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from KwaZulu-Natal and would describe myself as an ambivert in that I can be shy but am also an extrovert who enjoys the excitement and exhilarating energy of events planning and execution. It was never clear from the onset that I wanted to go into this field, as I initially did Financial studies.
However, I realised during my internship that I was just following a career path. Furthermore, I got an opportunity to work at uShaka Marine World Marketing and Events Department, and this is where my love and passion for eventing was ignited. The stress of conceptualising, planning, and executing events made everything worth it, the experience was magical.
I love music but cannot dance to save a life, LOL! With the little time I get to have to myself I enjoy cooking and Netflix (I guess, you can call me a couch potato)!
2. What work do you do?
My work entails implementing business objectives including, inter alia; Conferencing, Events, and Sports as part of the hospitality strategy for the Sun City Resort whilst applying thought leadership and partnering with key stakeholders to create great customer experiences and optimizing efficiencies that contribute to the growth of the Resort.
I get involved in a lot of consultations that consider activities beyond corporate items and include aspects such as entertainment, catering, accommodation, leisure, etc.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
Just over a decade. My career at Sun City started when I was approached by one of their recruitment agencies for the position of Deputy Operations Manager for the events team thereafter, promoted to Operations Manager in December the same year. Currently, I am now the Convention Centre Manager, a role I stepped into last year.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Although it took me a while to find my passion, I have realised that I enjoy being a creative and I flourish in planning and execution. I thrive on a diverse workday, enjoy meeting different people and creating memorable moments.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
The corporate culture is highly competitive, and one must work twice as hard to make their mark. This forces us to excel and juggle roles to maintain a healthy balance between work and home because both can be demanding. Tough as it may be, it has been an amazing journey and it’s rewarding when you get that seat at the table.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
Closure of the Resort due to the COVID19 pandemic resulting in not working for over six months has been the biggest challenge. The industry still hasn’t recovered, and our sector was the hardest hit of all. We experienced a lot of jobs losses, business restructuring, a shift in our trading hours due to the restrictions and that saw us going through financial distress as the people and organisation. We’ve all had to adapt to new ways of working and managing events. Especially when it comes to social events and conferencing, making sure that these do not turn out to be super spreader events/ conferences.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Believe in yourself because no-one else will. Be a woman of your word, so people can trust you. Also, enjoy life. They are great opportunities for growth in the workplace, in the quest for success do not lose the essence of being a woman.
8. Plans for the future?
I would like to further my studies and I am targeting being in a General Management role.
