What is the most exciting part of your job? Finding opportunities in our spaces where my guests and staff are happy.
What does your job as General Manager entail? The job as a General Manager entails wearing many caps, but in summary being responsible and accountable for the hotel’s business plan, strategising budgets and the marketing plan, to name a few.
Why did you decide to venture into this career? It started as a means to support my studies in the early days, I worked initially through restaurants and hotels that supported majority international clients. And in my 20s the money was good, with tips reaching up to R2 000 to R3 000 in a day. Apart from that, I enjoyed all the interactions and sharing the beauty of our country with them.
Where did everything start to get where you are today, any studies? I studied and did an Advance Diploma in International Hospitality Studies, accredited through the American Hotel and Motel Association, alongside CETA studies, and courses facilitated through the various hotels I had the opportunity to work through.
In your opinion what does it take to be a great general manager? Fundamentally, apart from all the various roles one is responsible for, one has to be a people’s person through and through.
What do you think is one of the misconceptions people have when it comes to general managers? That one sits in an office and orders coffee all day. Well, actually I do order coffee, but two cups a day.
What advice do you have for people who want to become general managers? Really have a love and a joy for hospitality it can be a very rewarding career with benefits, however it comes with lots of sacrifices, and the climb does not come overnight.
