Merécia Kruger — has big plans for her future

Merécia Kruger, sales and marketing manager of Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika, Sandton, began her career as a trainee at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch, while completing her studies at The School of Tourism & Hospitality. She was then employed permanently at the hotel as a marketing assistant.

Over the next 10 years she was promoted to marketing plan coordinator and then to sales and marketing manager, always representing the Protea Hotel’s brand.

Merécia said that one of her career highlights has been mentoring women in the industry. “Growing women into leadership roles has offered such a rewarding satisfaction to my life.”

She added: “Personally, finding new areas of growth development and succeeding in those areas. The company has provided great training that has shaped my leadership role and has given me a sense of value.”

“As human beings, we all have a dream we want to achieve, and we tend to plan our lives around these dreams. Planning is a key to success, both personally and professionally.”

Merécia said it is difficult to keep a work/life balance. “I try to maintain this balance by disconnecting from the workspace when I’m not at work and focus on my personal goals during this time. I also attempt to have some form of ‘me-time’ to focus on my wellbeing and understand and accomplish the things I need in life. As mentioned, I am a planner and time management is key in both my personal and professional life.”

She said: “I have worked with strong and hardworking woman leaders and continuously see women growing into leadership roles.”

Merécia added: “The next generation of female leaders are very different to the current generation and the current traditional workplace could be challenging to this generation. There will be a lot of pressure on companies to remodel their traditional ethics to achieve efficiency from these future female leaders.”

“I encourage women to always persevere and strive for what they want! Never give up! To be strong and fearless leaders, regardless of what they are presented with. I have a saying that keeps me going always: ‘Throw me with the wolves and I will come back leading the pack’.”

Her advice to women starting in this sector, is understand the sector first, and align your dreams for the next five to 10 years so that you understand the roadmap you are aiming to follow. “Be honest with your partner from the start, on what the industry requires and the potential strain it might add to the relationship.”

Lastly, Merécia said: “There is always space for improvement and that proper planning prevents poor performance. To be a good leader we need to listen, to understand, and not listen to speak. Give credit to others and assist people to grow. Coaching is a key part of my role to ensure my purpose and the purpose of my team is clear.”

Merécia admires her current leader, the general manager of the hotel, Natalie Botha. “She is strong and fearless and always finds a way to make things happen.”

“There are endless opportunities that await me if I keep focused and work hard to achieve anything I set my mind to.”

Merécia hopes to immigrate in the next few years, within the Marriott International brands to Canada or USA.