1. Can you please tell us more about yourself?
My name is Shaun Swartz. I was born and raised in Windhoek. One of three children from a single mother. I have completed my studies in Hospitality Management at the then Polytechnic of Namibia.
I am currently employed as an Assistant Sales Consultant at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). I am also a partner in a catering company, namely L&A Catering, Events and Décor (check out FB and Instagram).
On my down time, I enjoy watching and playing soccer, cooking and making memories with friends and family.
2. What is your job all about?
Firstly, the hospitality and tourism industry is not my job but my passion. None the less, in a nutshell, I sell hospitality products to clients. These include accommodation, activities and meals.
I also provide information to all my clients on any enquiry related to the hospitality and tourism industry of Namibia to the best of my knowledge and experience.
3. What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments in your career so far?
One of the most significant challenges and accomplishments was completing my studies as I was raised by a single parent (thank you, mom).
However, all that is worth it, as it has paved the way to being voted the “Top Achiever in Front Office and Call Centre 2017/2018” and “Top Achiever in Service Excellence 2017/2018” in my first year at NWR!
This is feedback I look to maintain and excel in, now and in similarly in future.
4. What does your typical day in office look like?
A typical day for me starts with a cup of coffee/tea and breakfast in the office.
From this point forward I look to maintaining creating new customer relations through bookings and enquiries, whether it be via telephone or email.
Additionally, I also assist in processing our NWR Namleisure membership cards.
Finally, I also assist my superiors and colleagues in any difficulties and enquiries that they might have.
Overall I consider myself a jack of all trades.
5. What separates you from every other colleague in your department?
I believe this will be my “excellence in service” attitude, regardless of the challenges that I come across.
Another motto I live by is “There are many ways to kill a cat”. My Mathematics teachers in high school taught me this.
Sounds brutal, but the moral is that there is more than one way to achieve “X” in life.
6. What are your loves, the things that inspire you?
My greatest love is God, sounds kind of cliché but it’s true. Other loves include cooking and baking.
What inspires me is when customers/colleagues/friends walk away satisfied and happy.
The list of people that inspires me is quite extensive, but my number one inspiration is my mom.
She has resilience and persistence in life, which is never to quit, no matter the challenge.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young people out there?
Firstly, have a solid foundation on which to build. Mine is the Word of God.
Secondly, see every obstacle as a building block to a better future. Never sell yourself short no matter the challenges you face.
Often the difference between success and failure is your approach to the challenges you face. Note that problems are signs of growth.
Moreover, finally, when you are tired do not quit, rest. Remember that progress is progress, no matter how small the step you take.
8. What are your plans?
Professionally my plans include but is not limited to, obtaining my Doctorate in Tourism and growing my catering business.
I would want to continue to live a life, pursuing a living legacy that seeks to inspire a oneness amongst future generations.
Final Thought: “Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune, but great minds rise above them”. – Washington Irving
