For Spier’s Conferencing Coordinator, Kimberly Muller, positive client feedback makes all the hard work worthwhile. Having been with Spier for almost three years, Kimberly moved last year into our conferencing division after extensive experience in front-of-house management.
How did you get into line of work – and tell us about your career trajectory thus far?
I started off studying Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northlink College where I received my City & Guilds Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2009. In that same year I then secured my first job opening Taj Cape Town in the CBD as a receptionist. Over the next few years I grew within the company and eventually found myself as assistant front office manager. After seven years at Taj I moved to the position of front office manager at Spier. Last year I again decided to make a change in my career having been in the front office for the past nine years, and took on a position as conference co-ordinator where I am today.
What’s the best thing about Spier?
The absolute beauty of the property and the wide variety of activities it has to offer. You can stay here for a week and never have to leave the farm.
What makes conferences at Spier different?
The uniqueness of our offerings – I especially love our new “UNCONFERENCE CONFERENCE” option that includes things like smoothie cycling and silent discos. This is a great selling point to our clients and is not something most places offer.
What do you love most about your job?
Getting positive client feedback. It makes all the hard work completely worth it.
What is your greatest strength?
I have a very strong work ethic.
How do you make a positive difference to your community?
Once every few months we do a cupboard clear out of my son’s old clothing and toys and donate it to people in need. It is very important for him to also appreciate what he has and understand that some are not as fortunate as he is.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Have a clear path, but always be flexible.
What inspires you?
Believe it or not, it’s Facebook – our lives revolve around social media these days and Facebook has become one of the greatest platforms to share inspirational stories about everyday people truly making a difference. Whether it be to animals, the environment or absolute strangers, reading these remarkable stories people have shared inspires me to try and do something similar in my own life or community.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
My kids keep me extremely busy during my time at home – we always try and do at least one family outdoor activity every weekend, whether it be riding our bicycles, going for a walk or playing at the park.
Where is your favourite part of the farm?
I love the walk along the Spine, the walkway which connects the entire farm, from the Hotel to Eagle Encounters. When ever I am feeling a little stressed or just need a break – taking a quick stroll always makes me feel better.
What’s the key to being happy in life?
Happiness is a choice – you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go.
What are you proudest of having achieved
Working hard to get promoted to a management position after only three years in the industry.
What advice do you have for someone trying to get into your line of work?
The industry is not as glamorous as people think it is. If you are willing to work hard and have the right attitude you can go very far.