Woman’s Month: The Woman of The Forum
It is widely acknowledged that women possess a unique advantage in the business world, as they are socialized to be more collaborative and place immense value on forming meaningful relationships. In hospitality, where collaboration is they key to excellence, The Forum is led by exceptional women who prioritize delivering high-quality experiences and service. Our senior management team is predominantly female – this was not a calculated design, every individual was chosen for their exceptional talent and commitment to our clients.
Recently, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with some of these incredible women who lead The Forum and this is what they had to say:
“My best advice to other women comes from a man—an incredible man, Albert Schweitzer: ‘Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.’ If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Glynis Hyslop, Managing Director
“I believe that women need to embrace their perspective and contributions to a team. Hospitality is about finding the best solutions for our clients, and our team’s approach is to solve problems rather than dwell on them and by embracing our unique roles and working as a team we can achieve the best solution and greatness for each event and client” – Kim Roberts, Operations
“As a young Black woman in a corporate environment, I find inspiration in the words of American playwright and poet Ntozake Shange: ‘Where there is a woman, there is magic.’ This quote resonates deeply with me, highlighting that being a woman is not merely an asset but a profound source of power and potential. I believe our magic lies in our ability to infuse the workplace with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unwavering resilience. Being part of a team of women is especially empowering, as we uplift and motivate each other daily, striving together to be our best selves and achieve extraordinary things.” – Liziwe Ndlumbini, Marketing Manager
“I believe women bring unique strengths to problem-solving in the corporate world. Our empathetic nature and emotional intelligence allow us to understand diverse perspectives, which are essential in crafting comprehensive solutions. However, I don’t think these qualities are exclusive to us as women, nor do I believe they are all we have to offer. Being part of a predominantly female team in an industry with many women in senior roles, I find being a woman in this environment quite straightforward. The only times I get underestimated are on cliché issues like plumbing or physical strength. But once you’re up on that ladder with the plumbing expert or carrying more stacked chairs than the guys in a ‘all hands on deck’ situation, those assumptions quickly fade.” – Nicola Kruger, GM Embassy Hill
Among the pearls of wisdom they shared, one resounding message emerged: in the pursuit of success, never underestimate the strength of collaboration and the power of nurturing relationships. They affirmed that women have the remarkable ability to uplift one another, to celebrate each other’s victories, and to create exceptional teams that surpass all expectations.
As The Forum Company continues to curate memorable moments and exceed the highest standards of hospitality, we raise a toast to our exceptional female leaders. They embody the essence of elegance, innovation, and warmth that resonates through every facet of The Forum.
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