As Womens Month ends, it is fitting to reflect on the journeys that have shaped female leaders in the business world. For many, these paths are marked by resilience, mentorship and commitment to continuous learning.
Dorcas Dlamini Mbele , Area Commercial Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International, embodies these principles throughout her career built on the foundations of hard work and deep respect for knowledge.
Growing up in a large family, which highly valued education, Mbele learned the significance of dedication and lifelong learning at an early age. With both parents as educators, she was raised with commitment to excellence that has guided her throughout her career. This early influence set the stage for her professional journey, which began at 19 when she joined Protea Hotels by Marriott as a junior sales coordinator.
Entering the hospitality industry with little prior knowledge, Mbele quickly embraced the challenges and opportunities that came her way. Her curiosity and determination to learn enabled her to advance rapidly into leadership roles.
However, she notes, her success was not achieved in isolation. Mentorship played a pivotal role in her development, providing guidance, broadening her perspective and fostering a sense of belonging. The impact of strong mentorship, Mbele believes, extends beyond individual growth to strengthening teams and, by extension, entire organisations.
