PASSION AT WORK

The passion at work feature showcases hardworking women who lead at the workplace.

An intimate encounter with one of the women who lead at the award-winning hotel; Radisson Blu. We caught up with Ms. Martie Nell who is the Regional Finance Director at Radisson Blu while she was visiting their Sierra Leone office to talk about her journey as female leader in the workplace. Be inspired.

Ariana Diaries: What two to three words have defined your career as it’s progressed, highlight your journey to leadership within Radisson Blu.

Martie:  Embrace Change • Support your team • Adapt Quickly

Ariana Diaries: What do you value most in life, achievement or purpose? How do you see that at play in your decision making?

Martie: Purpose – with purpose comes achievement.  Achievement means nothing without a purpose in doing what needs to be done!

Ariana Diaries: As a major game player in your organization what new ideas would you suggest /implement to deter gender stereotyping and discrimination against women?

Martie: Treat people with respect, regardless of the position. One should respect the person, regardless of position.

Ariana Diaries:  What is the one behaviour or trait that you have seen derail more female executives? How do you discourage that behaviour among women working in your team?

Martie:  Emotion derails decision making.  I discourage emotional behaviour.  Whenever one feels emotional, take a step back or move away from the situation.Wait for the emotion to settle and then give a response. Remember to be prepared to think on your feet all the time without giving an emotional response.  

Ariana Diaries: Name two women leading in the business world that inspire you, what lessons have you learnt from them?

Martie: Brene Brown – The power of vulnerability – Stay true to yourself, understand your own vulnerability because then it will not affect your behaviour. Just 2 quotes come to mind:

1. Oh “Strength has no gender!”
2. “You are in control of your own destiny”

Ariana Diaries: How would you describe a passionate executive or business leader?

Martie:  The one who knows that your employees are your MOST valuable asset!

Ariana Diaries: The world is information driven, could you share your favourite resources that guide you in terms of professional development and growth?

Martie: Networking , Communication  and Respect!

Ariana Diaries: What are your thoughts on the need for mentoring women in business?

Martie: My thoughts align with this;It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.

• You only have one life, use it wisely
• Listen more
• The way to make the biggest difference is to change behaviour
• Learn from everybody around you, but never compete
• Always be humble
• Knowledge is power – empower yourself