#WomensMonth: The woman behind Table Mountain

Wahida Parker, Table Mountain Cableway’s Managing Director

Tell us about your time at Table Mountain Cableway so far. What were your goals and highlights for the first year?

My primary goal was to understand the operation and to fully appreciate the significance of being at the helm of an experience of such great magnitude.

The year had its challenges and its triumphs but I was supported by an incredible team at Table Mountain Cableway and together we paved the way to one of the most phenomenal years the Cableway has ever experienced.

A highlight for me was that we continued to experience growth in visitor numbers despite the current economic climate.

What does a day in your life look like?

So, for me, it’s a balance between planned activities and being flexible enough to handle any urgent matter that may arise. The day starts early as I am a morning person, and the tone is set by morning prayers which greatly help to focus and rebalance me. In the shower I run a myriad things through my head, and the first thing I do after greeting everyone is write down my to-do list.

En-route to the office I normally return calls from the previous day and touch base with my family, my grandson, in particular. Needless to say, he is the apple of my eye. I pay special attention to visitor numbers and any complaints which may have arisen, which I consider an absolute priority.

sharonang via pixabay

Looking at our Facebook page is invaluable in understanding how the world views us on a particular day. My PA would have planned my meetings and before she leaves we do a quick check-in on confirmed meetings and anything that needs to change.

Living the values through my behaviour is a critical component of what I strive to do on a daily basis. I always have time for a staff member who would like to pop in and those engagements are the ones I value the most - spontaneous and from the heart.

I love reading something inspirational towards the end of the day. When I look at my to-do list and see how much I have accomplished it fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection.

Tell us what it means to you to be, at least in part, a custodian of our own world wonder.

It is a dream come true but it comes with huge responsibility: To protect and preserve this world wonder. The mountain is a beacon of hope and the accolade of being selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature bears testimony to all the natural beauty we are surrounded by and often take for granted. For me, the mountain is majestic and serves as a metaphor to guide us when we are lost.

©Nolre Lourens via 123RF

What have been the biggest challenges you faced in the industry in general and your time at Table Mountain Cableway?

The biggest challenge has been gaining acceptance and building trust with stakeholders – as a new entrant to both the industry and the role, it was critical for me to accept that this is not going to be easy and it was not going to be quick. Not easy for someone like me, who likes to see things fall into place quickly.

I have had to temper my expectations and build slowly and carefully – winning the hearts and minds of people is a goal and a challenge which I pursue with all my energy.

What is your recipe for success?

To have faith, be optimistic and soldier on!

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in the tourism industry?

You’re in the right place at the right time – hoist your sails, smile and be fearless.

What is your Women’s Month message?

Let go of striving for perfection – your life and your person is, and will be, a work in progress. Allow yourself to be bent by the wind, broken by the storms, and believe that you have the strength and the fortitude to rise from whatever it is that you see as your ashes.