QUICK TAKES WITH
just the beginning of our vision . Jo ’ burg is a melting pot and we want to reflect this in every aspect , from our staff complement to our responsible business initiatives .
H : How do you think hospitality could better support women in the industry ? CdJ : For many years , the opportunities in hospitality for women were only within a select few departments . I believe the real way in which the industry could better support women and promote inclusivity is by removing the gender expectations that accompany certain roles . Encouraging skills development in departments such as kitchen and engineering would significantly increase job opportunities for women .
H : What does authenticity mean to you ? CdJ : To me , being authentic is being true to yourself and your morals ; it ’ s being honest and humble while still taking up space in the environment that you find yourself .
H : How do you plan to bring the surrounding neighborhood ’ s energy into the hotel ? CdJ : Rosebank represents a bustling cosmopolitan hub , filled with art , music , business and lifestyle . We look forward to welcoming our neighbors into the space to work and play . One partnership that we are especially excited about is our friendship with SONY South Africa , whose studio is next door in the Oxford Parks Precinct . If we close our eyes and picture the way we ’ d like to welcome the community , we see pop-up fashion shows , rooftop album launches and multimedia art exhibitions .
H : What did your experience working with the team of deaf and hard-of-hearing members at Park Inn by Radisson Newlands teach you ? CdJ : I learned that people are more open and accommodating than we give them credit for ; this is equally true for both staff and guests . Many of the perceived challenges that I believed we would encounter never materialized . The deaf members of my team truly brought around a more caring and inclusive culture . Through the experience of working with the team , I learned to communicate with intent — something that I try to practice and instill in all my staff members .
H : What ’ s a trend you ’ re watching ? CdJ : It ’ s been inspiring to see hotels shift their perspectives from offering a service to an experience . The pandemic highlighted the need for connection , helping us realize that it was never really about the product , but rather about the people . Radisson Red is paving the way for this trend with hotels that reflect and celebrate the areas and cultures around them . We ’ re thrilled to be creating a place for locals to connect and interact in new ways , whether enjoying after work drinks , a family staycation or Sunday brunch after the Rosebank Market .
QUICK TAKES WITH
Carly de Jong
What ’ s your favorite book ? The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
What would you do if you weren ’ t in hotels ? I ’ d work in public relations
Do you have a hidden talent ? I make a mean chicken tikka masala curry
Is there a historical figure you ’ d like to host ? Nelson Mandela
What do you wish you had more time for ? Reading
Do you have a favorite spot in Johannesburg ? The lookout point over Johannesburg on Munro Drive
How do you recharge ? I run through the beautiful avenues under the jacarandas