My time with City Lodge Hotels began as a General Manager candidate in the Accelerated Development and Deployment Programme (ADDP). It was quite challenging at first, but not without its benefits. This was one of the best experiences of my career in the hospitality industry. The hardworking staff members in all the roles I have trained in have truly humbled me. Training within the group is exceptional – you can pick things up quickly, largely due to the Standard Operating Procedures that have been put in place. I appreciate the various coaching styles too, which have allowed me to get the most out of all the hotels I have trained in. Within three years with the company, I reached my goal of becoming a General Manager at the age of 28. I was appointed General Manager at Road Lodge Kimberley on 1 September 2018, and later General Manager at Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg. What a journey! This has been possible largely due to everyone’s belief in me and their ongoing support. I feel truly privileged to have this opportunity and look forward to the many years ahead with CLH, facing the challenges and the great times to come. 'The secret is to blossom – every opportunity in life is there only for you to blossom.' Sirshree

Growing up in Bloemfontein, I studied N.Dip Food Services Management at the Free State Technicon in 1995. My career with CLH began in August 1996, joining the front office team at City Lodge Hotel Bloemfontein as Receptionist/Night Auditor, and later Food and Beverage Supervisor, and Front Office Coordinator. In 2000, I was appointed General Manager of Road Lodge N1 City, where I spent three years learning business ownership, resource management, and accountability. In March 2003, I was promoted to General Manager of City Lodge Hotel GrandWest. My 12 years there began with managing a low-occupancy unit for the Chinese market, then overseeing a 56-room expansion, and finally recovering from a life-changing bicycle accident. The later years were especially rewarding, as we formed close relationships with many guests, embodying our 'People caring for people' ethos. I learned that trust and respect among colleagues directly influence guest satisfaction, with openness, honesty, and leading by example key leadership principles. In March 2015, I was part of a General Manager swap at City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, where I completed a Certified Hotel Administrator course. Managing a larger team allowed me to grow my leadership skills and positive impact. In late 2018, I became General Manager of Fairview Hotel and Town Lodge Upper Hill in Nairobi, Kenya. These two fulfilling years offered growth opportunities through managing diverse cultures, international travellers, and political delegates. I also oversaw operations at City Lodge Hotel Two Rivers Mall, part of CLH’s expansion outside South Africa, and mentored two local staff who became General Managers. In December 2020, I was promoted to General Manager: Operations at support office, where I now share my experience with current and new General Managers. I enjoy my role as a coach, guiding staff through complex challenges and fostering a can-do attitude.

City Lodge Hotels has great values, like our ethos of ‘People caring for people.’ I have always felt cared for and part of a bigger family. The group invests in its people and allows you to be yourself, while providing a platform that ensures career growth. The company has always provided me with great leadership and that has been the cornerstone of my career development. They have created a platform that allows you to make decisions freely with a good balance of accountability. In July 2013, I was appointed Receptionist/Relief Night Auditor at City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood. It was always explained to me that you need to start at the bottom and work your way up. I held this position for 10 months and was then promoted to Front Office Coordinator, and later promoted to Junior Assistant General Manager at City Lodge Hotel Hatfield. A year later I was promoted to Assistant General Manager at City Lodge Hotel Fourways, where I worked for two years. I was selected to move to Kenya to take up the position of Assistant General Manager at Fairview Hotel and Town Lodge Upper Hill in Nairobi and assist with implementing the group’s ‘DNA’, our culture and operating systems. Two years later I returned to South Africa as my first son was born, taking up the position of Assistant General Manager at City Lodge Hotel Fourways before being promoted to General Manager at Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport. After three years in Cape Town, I was promoted to General Manager of Road Lodge Sandton. I truly feel appreciated working for this company and look forward to seeing how we grow even larger and more successful.

My journey with the group started in 2009; I was fresh from college when I was appointed Receptionist/Night Auditor at City Lodge Hotel Sandton, Katherine Street. In early February 2010, I applied to be part of the opening team of City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. I was excited about the 2010 FIFA World Cup and in awe of the team and management’s professional paths and personal stories that were valuable and significant in contributing to the opening of the largest hotel within the group. I pride myself on belonging to an organisation that is passionate about identifying, growing, and encouraging leadership and dedicated to making a difference at every level. I joined the ADDP and had the opportunity to experience great leadership by moving across 11 hotels within the Gauteng region, holding different management positions, including Front Office Coordinator, Junior Assistant General Manager and Assistant General Manager. In 2017, I was part of the General Manager succession pool. I was appointed General Manager at Road Lodge Durban in February 2023 and it has been a very interesting and humbling journey. There are days when things are great, and there are days that are challenging, just as with any other job. I am glad I chose a company that always gives support and helps us overcome obstacles. I have grown and advanced within the company’s diverse culture. Having integrity, being loyal and trustworthy became even more important to me as these are my personal values. There isn’t a reason for me to look elsewhere when I can look within, especially with plenty of support and opportunities around me. I hope to continue learning, leading, and absorbing new skills, moving ahead and climbing to the highest rung of my professional ladder.