Sun International's sales team challenging the status quo

Sun Internation - Facebook.

According to Terrell-Kramvis, group general manager for sales at Sun International, being successful takes finesse and balance, especially in a perceived male dominated space. Terrell-Kramvis has been with Sun International for nearly 19 years, starting off in the contact centre as a call centre agent, and moving up the ranks to sales.

“I find it very rewarding and fulfilling to work with women. They understand how to balance their time between work and family. I think attention to detail is required in this kind of role, which is something that women really excel in. The empathy that women show for their clients really comes through with the team. We have a culture of solidarity, we stick together, work together and everybody has each other’s backs,” says Terrell-Kramvis.

Karen Terrell-Kramvis

For women who want to join the fast-paced hospitality industry, Terrell-Kramvis says it is important for women to maintain their individuality.

“Don’t lose the flavour of who you are to the corporate world or the culture, and if the morals and values of the company where you are employed don’t match your own, it is best to move to a company that matches yours so that you can give the best of yourself to the company,” concludes Terrel-Kramvis.

The Sun International sales team share their thoughts on success, dreams and being female:

Marna van Blerk, group manager: International sales

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

It’s a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done, while celebrating the many inspiring women leaders around us and their success stories.

Tasha Seegobin, sales manager: International inbound

Who is your favourite female icon and why?

Mother Theresa for her compassion and idealism.

Lorraine Nyawose, international sales and marketing coordinator: Africa

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

Celebrating women’s strength and their contribution to society.

Marnie Tait, sales manager: National groups

You work in an all-female sales team. What’s the most positive thing about it?

We understand when to give each other space and when to jump in and assist without making each other feel inferior. We are also each other's sounding boards professionally and personally.

Olga Molebale, key accounts manager: Government

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

It means that I am phenomenal, I am unique, beautifully and amazingly created.

Candy Reid, sales coordinator: Port Elizabeth

Who is your favourite female icon and why?

Audrey Hepburn. She devoted much of her time to children’s aid organisation Unicef and worked in some of the poorest communities in Africa, South America and Asia.

Beverley Huet, quotes and contracts administrator – Distribution sales

Who is your favourite female icon and why?

Maya Angelou – she always conveyed that no matter what hardships you endure, love conquers all.

Nana Matshona, operations manager – Sun Touch contact centre

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

It is a time when women in the community get together to remember our common interests and our common struggles in the past. It’s also a time, I think, to celebrate the fun women have when they get together.

Prashna Kalian, reservations call centre manager – Sun Touch

You work in an all-female sales team. What’s the most positive thing about it?

I don’t know of any other company with an all-female sales team. I’m so proud that within Sun International, we have proved what we as women are capable of. We encourage and support each other, as we know that our success lies in the success of each of our teammates.

Tumelo Mosidi, quality assessor – Sun Touch contact centre

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

It recognises women for the role they play in society and celebrates them as mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, mentors, the glue that sticks broken bits together. With the evolution of women in business, more women are exploring their abilities and talents. There has never been a better time to encourage women to strive for their dreams.

Debbie Molefe, consultant – Sun Touch contact centre

Do you have a bucket list and if so, what's right at the top?

Being on top of the corporate ladder or owning my own big corporate business.

Vanessa Naidoo, key account supervisor: Continental Europe

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

For me, it’s a time to celebrate all the brave and bold women who challenge the status quo.