Christine Ndlovu says the hospitality industry has been in her blood ever since she began waitressing after completing her matric.
“Since then I have never looked back and don’t intend to,” says the Director of Operations at Hilton Durban, a position she has held since February 2017.
Ndlovu oversees the smooth running of the entire hotel operations at Hilton Durban as well as ensuring the wellbeing of her fellow colleagues and team members.
“I am basically the ‘go-to’ person for guests and colleagues,” Says Ndlovu.
Turning potentially negative experiences into memorable positive ones for visitors and seeing them happy, provides joy and a sense of achievement to the bubbly Director of Operations.
“There’s never a dull moment in our industry and one learns something new every day, especially as our clientele are from a diverse international community! I love being part of a team that provides exceptional and memorable experiences for our guests, that is what makes me jump out of bed every morning and ask myself, ‘what’s new for me today?”
Ndlovu believes there are certain characteristics one should have to be a successful department leader. “Leading by example, being a team player and being able to collaborate with others, having a vision and the ability to share the vision to all stakeholders are just some of the attributes needed. Successful leaders need to be capable embracing other cultures, beliefs and backgrounds, while remaining humble, positive, ethical, committed, empathetic, passionate and flexible, it’s a tall order!”
Ndlovu also finds time in her day to keep up with current industry trends and the latest news regarding the country and the economy.
While balancing her busy career, Ndlovu remains focused on her husband, family, her spirituality as well as polishing her culinary skills while entertaining family and friends on the weekends. “I am very blessed with a stable, warm and loving family environment.”
There are two very important goals still to be accomplished, says Ndlovu: “I would like the title of General Manager to be mine one day and would also love to be called ‘Mom’!” Learning to play golf, a musical instrument like piano or violin and go mountain hiking are other items right at the top of her bucket list.
