Tenielle Pienaar’s foray into hospitality unfolded serendipitously. Initially planning to au pair in the USA after completing high school, Tenielle’s course changed after a 10-minute conversation with her mother.
The discussion revealed she was a year too young to look after herself, and her mom rejected the option of a ‘do-nothing’ year. In those 10 minutes, she decided on International Hospitality Management at Varsity College as her mom encouraged her to choose any course from the brochure she presented to her. Little did she know that this impromptu decision would not only make her year at Varsity College enjoyable but also mark the beginning of her ongoing career in hospitality.
Her career took a turn when she moved to America to become an au pair but only to return and manage one of the largest safari companies in Hluhluwe. After the unfortunate passing of her uncle, Tenielle joined Premier Hotels & Resorts at the time, starting as a receptionist and eventually becoming the General Manager of Splendid Inn Bayshore.
Her dedication saw her quadruple the revenue of the property within months! She later transitioned to a regional role with Premier Hotels & Resorts before being enticed in 2017 by ANEW Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Clinton Armour, to join the group. Since joining in 2018, she has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth from only two properties in 2018 to a current whopping 19 properties a mere six years later.
Tenielle’s blueprint for success
Tenielle takes pride in being a trusted industry figure, where clients follow her rather than just a brand. She highlights her accomplishment in transforming an underperforming property into one that quadrupled its revenue, emphasising the importance of focus and effort in achieving the impossible. Tenielle’s leadership style revolves around building a team of strong individuals, allowing her to step back from a drill sergeant role. She values open communication and ensures her team feels comfortable addressing personal issues. Her leadership is defined by fairness, resulting in a stress-free work environment for herself and her team.
The power of connection
Openness and honesty are the pillars of the positive team culture Tenielle fosters. She establishes personal connections with each team member, demonstrating genuine care and interest in their lives. Regular communication sessions on a weekly basis provide a platform for mutual understanding and a sense of value for all the sales team members.
Tenielle stays abreast of industry trends through her extensive network, tourism market follow-ups, and participation in international exhibitions. Her team’s relationships and her presence on various platforms keep her well-informed. She particularly delves into the international market, leveraging her team’s insights into the local market.
Tenielle currently resides with her family in Centurion, Gauteng, and she loves to explore her local neighbourhood over the weekend. After spending her whole professional career in hospitality, she still enjoys travelling and absolutely adores discovering new and exciting cuisines. You will rarely find her in front of the TV, and will instead find her tackling the biggest, largest and most intricate puzzles, especially during her downtime. When faced with a challenging day, retail therapy and a pedicure are her go-to remedies!
