With women dominating management positions at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club, this month they honoured their hospitality manager, Candice Duval.
Duval oversees Graceland’s non-gaming departments such as the hotel, housekeeping, food and beverage, conferencing, maintenance and the country club.
Q: What type of leader do you see yourself as?
A: “I believe that I am a fair-minded transformational leader. I do know what I am looking for, but will also listen to other opinions. As long as the same end goal is reached, I am happy to consider all options.”
Q: Who is your inspiration and why?
A: “As a Christian first and foremost, my inspiration would come from the bible and Christian-based leaders like John Maxwell and Tom Monaghan. I also really enjoy Simon Sinek and Zig Ziglar, who are leaders who inspire a continuous growth mindset and put our people first.
Q: Why a career as a hospitality manager in the hospitality and entertainment industry?
A: “I have been in hospitality for 30 years. Hospitality runs in my family. I began waitressing at a restaurant that my dad managed. I originally wanted to study law after school but the hospitality bug bit me. I studied hotel management instead. Once the hospitality bug bites you, it is difficult to see yourself doing anything else.”
Q: What has been the most significant part of your career?
A: “The best part of my career has been the achievement of being the general manager of the Hotel of the Year at a renowned hotel group in 2010 and 2011. Also, my career has allowed me to travel and get to see most of South Africa and other countries as well. Travelling opens your eyes and gives you a different perspective on life.”
Q: Have you been in a leadership position where you were treated differently being a woman?
A: “No, I think that is in the past. I was the fourth female and the first woman of colour to be a general manager at renowned hotel group and that was back in 2003.”
Q: Have you ever experienced resistance from a man being a woman leader?
A: “Yes, there is still that resistance. We live in Africa and some of the cultures are still very patriarchal. I don’t mind being submissive at home, but in the workplace, I have built up my own set of skills and expertise, which I expect to get the respect and recognition for. I did not get here by accident. And I do not allow anybody else to shape my reality”
Q: Have you ever been discouraged that you wanted to quit?
A: “We have all been there, but I have never given in to that discouragement. We all have responsibilities and I don’t believe in giving up. I believe that God has a purpose for my life and there is a reason why He has put me here.”
Q: How would you encourage women not to give up?
A: “As women, we are a lot stronger than we think and believe. Women have the resilience to bounce back faster than a man. Whatever setbacks we have should not deter us from our end goal. The world is set out to discourage us. My advice would be to choose a mentor who can guide, support and encourage you.”
Q: What do you think would be the biggest issue women in business or a career still face today?
A: “Opportunities and salaries. There are a limited number of top management positions. The spots are limited as most people in these positions stay for many years. There is also still the “pay gap” difference that exists in many industries, regardless of what your qualifications or experience are.”
Q: Is gender equality important to you and why?
A: “It is important. Everybody needs to be treated equally, male or female. Women should not have more rights than men or men more than women. I would like to see women progress and flourish, but I also want the best person for the job to progress and flourish”
Q: Your family life and balancing a career.
A: “My husband and two sons live in Cape Town. I get to see them every two to three months. My husband is my hero and my biggest supporter, he does everything.
He plays a big role in the upbringing and parenting of our children. Ever since having children I have been at senior-level management and worked long hours and often, away from home. But we share similar life values and that guides our decisions as parents and as a couple.
