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.

Over 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 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 am pursuing my studies for my selfachievement. Achieving my MBA is part of my journey to complete myself.

Do you have any hobbies?

Travelling, shopping, reading, learning about different cultures.

Do you play any sports?

There is no one sport in particular; I love outdoor adventure like hiking, paragliding, zip-lining.

What do you do for leisure?

Shop, travel, gym, walks on the beach, socialising with friends and spending quality time with my family.

What is your secret to success?

Integrity, hard work and perseverance.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Covid-19, the disruption of business and more especially the hospitality industry on a global level. The scary thought of waiting for not only the hospitality industry, but whole world, to return to normality, instead of planning on how to solve the crisis. I feel like I am “handcuffed”.

What is your pet hate?

My pet hate is when people only see you based on your designation. I hate it when the first question I get asked by a new acquaintance is “what do you do?” or “what is your position?” I am a strong believer in building the relationship first and business will follow. People buy based on trust, no matter how recognised your brand or product is.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Dubai. I am mesmerised by the development of Dubai from a desert into the glittering cosmopolitan city it is today. I love that it is relatively crime-free and a melting pot of business and tourism.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Holidaying in the house of friends, family, or colleagues. I love my independence and my personal space.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Oprah Winfrey. I love her hustle and how she grew from poverty to riches by overcoming every obstacle in her life. Oprah is an example of inspiration and evidence of faith.

I quote, “Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” She didn’t just give away cars and produce many talk shows, she gave minorities and ordinary people, worldwide, a voice and an outlet, which provided them with the opportunity to observe others who weren’t like them, acknowledging that they were human beings too, similar to them.

What is your favourite city?

Cape Town. I love the coming together of cultures, cuisines, landscapes and the multitude of completely different activities.

I believe in the phrase "I am, because you are". Every person that crosses our path has an impact on us, be it a positive or negative experience; this in turn moulds us to be who we are.

What is your favourite movie and book?

Movie: My favourite movie would be “Pay it Forward”. I find this movie incredibly inspiring as it shows how a small gesture of kindness can produce a great effect and the importance of humanity without the “brag”.

Book: It’s your time by Joel Oesteen. I love how true short stories are incorporated into messages of faith, each story with a different message and lesson. This book has helped me declare my faith in God. I seek God’s favour in everything that I do and I give control of life to him.

How do you relax?

Watching a good movie or shopping, yes shopping!

What is your favourite food?

Lamb or chicken breyani.

What is your favourite movie star?

Idris Elba.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Getting a tattoo at the age of 49. This has been on my bucket list for the past eight years.

Who is your role model?

My late mum and dad. They did not have formal schooling education, but they were the wisest and most learned people I know. My mum, a housewife, would never miss the daily “6 pm news”, which she would share with us. My dad was unemployed in my matric year. However, he insisted that I continue with tertiary education post matric. He was a carpenter by trade, and made wooden crosses that he supplied to funeral parlours for Christian funerals. He would commute by bus to the funeral parlours to deliver them. Sometimes he would do three loads by bus as they were too heavy to take in one load. He used this money to pay for my tertiary education and run the household.

I strongly believe that for every bit of formal teaching there is a percentage of learning by those who are taught. They taught me the value of love, humility, sacrifice, respect, integrity… the list goes on. My mum was the ‘milk of human kindness’ and my dad was the ‘epitome of sacrificial love’. They have been my personal coaches at every stage of my life journey.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Success is not about greatness. It is about faith, hard work, dedication, integrity and consistency– greatness will follow. Have faith in yourself, and plant that seed of faith in the kingdom of God. When you do what you love and love what you do, the ladder of success is climbed as a result of your actions and not your words. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. Be inclusive, no job title is too big to disallow you to respect and serve people. I believe in the phrase “I am, because you are”. Every person that crosses our path has an impact on us, be it a positive or negative experience. This in turn moulds us to be who we are.”

What is your dream for the future?

My decision to pursue my studies is underscored by my desire to be a director or chief executive officer of an organisation. My short-term goal is to be a director at a hospitality institution. My long-term goal is a chief executive officer of an organisation.