PERSONALITY PROFILE
Irene Vallihu - “Success isn’t about greatness” Humble Irene Vallihu, 49, general manager: marketing, sales and events, Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has 29 years of experience in hospitality.
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ver the past few years, I’ve grown in leaps and bounds as a person. I’ve challenged myself to try new experiences and meet new people, doing things that previously I probably would have avoided. I used to be a very “by the book person”, but I have since “eased” as I have realised that the world is more beautiful when we think “win-win”.” “I love the adrenalin rush and diversity of hospitality; no two days are the same. Most of all, I love serving people and accomplishing organisational and personal goals. Self-satisfaction challenges me to be better each day. I do what I love and I love what I do,” she said. She said: “My career growth started at the Durban ICC in 2005. I began my career at the Durban ICC as a wedding coordinator. I have held six positions during my 15-year tenure at the Durban ICC. I have done it all, from coordinating and executing fairy tale weddings to international conferences to leading a winning team. My management experience includes marketing, sales and events, thus contributing positively to a comprehensive event lead management strategy. I am adept at planning and executing aggressive strategies to achieving organisational and departmental goals.” “In addition to my role at the Durban ICC, I serve as a board trustee on the DUT (Durban University of Technology) Board Foundation of Trustees. DUT Foundation promotes and supports the development and advancement of the activities of DUT as an institution of higher learning and serves as a fund to provide scholarships, bursaries, awards and loans for the promotion of study, research, teaching and all learning that is undertaken by DUT. “I also serve as Chairperson for the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) KZN.” Where did you grow up? I grew up in Woodhurst, a small
community in Chatsworth, which is a large township on the South Basin of Durban. Growing up in this close-knit haven had both its perks and drawbacks. The drawback was “your business is everyone’s business”. The perk was “our community was like a giant family”. Everyone knew each other and most of us liked each other, people supported each other during hard times and people were proud of and celebrated each other’s achievements. I am the youngest of seven children. I was raised by God-fearing, humble and the world’s “best parents” who not only instilled, but also practiced values like respect, integrity, can-do attitude and service to people. I matriculated from Apollo Secondary. My qualifications include hotel management via ML Sultan Technikon; project management via Varsity College; management development via University of Witwatersrand and business management via MANCOSA. I am currently pursuing my honours degree in business management with the intention of doing a master’s degree thereafter. Where did you start your career? I started my career as a receptionist at the Marine Sands Hotel. How long have you been in the sector? I have over 29 years progressive experience in the hospitality industry, a year at Marine Sands,14 years at the Maharani Hotel and 15 years at the Durban International Convention Centre. I have held several positions during my career journey. What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector? The outbreak of Covid-19. It is having a catastrophic impact on the business events industry, especially the hospitality sector. In
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my opinion, for the events industry, it is unlikely that business will return to normal, or even partially normal, any time soon. Social distancing and limitations on gatherings will continue for the foreseeable future as well as restrictions on international flights. This directly impacts our economy, jobs and tourism. What role does your family play in your life? I have been married to Colin for 29 years. My family plays an integral role in my life, they have made me a better human being. They are incredibly supportive of my career, goals and aspirations. Colin and I are like “yin and yang”, but with balanced energies, but we are still here 29 years later. Our blessings borne out of our marriage are our two children, Marcellino (26) and Danielle (21). My children are my “heartbeat”. They are my source of strength, joy, wisdom, inspiration and encouragement. As parents, we encourage independent thinking whilst also teaching our children to be Godfearing, respectful and think through the consequences before they speak or act. Marcellino and Danielle are “critical, non-biased thinkers” and sometimes teach me about myself or remind me of my values. Indirectly, they are my thought leaders. What would you change in your life, if you could, when looking back? I would have picked up on continuing with my studies in my 30s and not in my 40s. I know, it may sound ridiculous to be studying close to my retirement age, but I www.businesseventsafrica.com
