Carly de Jong arrived at Radisson Red Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa, ready for the daunting task of opening a hotel during a global pandemic, armed with creativity, a fierce dedication to inclusion and trust in her gut instincts.
De Jong, who originally joined Radisson in 2003 as service manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, was drawn back to the property in 2014 by the group’s efforts to advance and support female employees. As general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands, she worked with a team comprised of 19% deaf and hard-of-hearing members — an experience that deepened her understanding of communication. As Radisson Red Rosebank, Johannesburg debuts, de Jong plans to celebrate the area’s culture, opening the doors not just to the property, but to the community of local talent, staff and guests.
HOTELS spoke to De Jong about the why the Red brand is well suited for the post-pandemic world, her thoughts on inclusion and authenticity, and about hospitality’s future.
HOTELS: What’s it been like preparing to open a hotel during the pandemic?
Carly de Jong: It’s been a unique experience with the restrictions on economy and market outlook being relatively unknown. Safety and hygiene have been at the front of everyone’s minds as we launch the second Radisson Red in Africa. Red is all about lifestyle, connecting and being flexible, so we have been working overtime to ensure that these values are upheld while offering a safe experience for our guests. We’re currently preparing for an SGS audit in which our protocols will be strictly tested to maintain the highest level of compliance. Radisson Hotel Group has been at the forefront of innovation during the pandemic, opening hotels and developing new systems like Hybrid Meetings that use technology as a solution to the new circumstances we all face.
H: How do you plan to focus on inclusion in your new post?
CdJ: Inclusion is something that I as a female general manager feel extremely strongly about. The beautiful installation in front of the hotel by South African artist Usha Seejarim is a statement about the role of women in contemporary society and it really sets the tone for our team. A strong female footprint throughout the team and management is just the beginning of our vision. Jo’burg is a melting pot and we want to reflect this in every aspect, from our staff complement to our responsible business initiatives.
H: How do you think hospitality could better support women in the industry?
CdJ: For many years, the opportunities in hospitality for women were only within a select few departments. I believe the real way in which the industry could better support women and promote inclusivity is by removing the gender expectations that accompany certain roles. Encouraging skills development in departments such as kitchen and engineering would significantly increase job opportunities for women.
H: What does authenticity mean to you?
CdJ: To me, being authentic is being true to yourself and your morals; it’s being honest and humble while still taking up space in the environment that you find yourself.
H: How do you plan to bring the surrounding neighborhood’s energy into the hotel?
CdJ: Rosebank represents a bustling cosmopolitan hub, filled with art, music, business and lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors into the space to work and play. One partnership that we are especially excited about is our friendship with Sony South Africa, whose studio is next door in the Oxford Parks Precinct. If we close our eyes and picture the way we’d like to welcome the community, we see pop-up fashion shows, rooftop album launches and multimedia art exhibitions.
H: What did your experience working with the team of deaf and hard-of-hearing members at Park Inn by Radisson Newlands teach you?
CdJ: I learned that people are more open and accommodating than we give them credit for; this is equally true for both staff and guests. Many of the perceived challenges that I believed we would encounter never materialized. The deaf members of my team truly brought around a more caring and inclusive culture. Through the experience of working with the team, I learned to communicate with intent — something that I try to practice and instill in all my staff members.
H: What’s a trend you’re watching?
CdJ: It’s been inspiring to see hotels shift their perspectives from offering a service to an experience. The pandemic highlighted the need for connection, helping us realize that it was never really about the product, but rather about the people. Radisson Red is paving the way for this trend with hotels that reflect and celebrate the areas and cultures around them. We’re thrilled to be creating a place for locals to connect and interact in new ways, whether enjoying after work drinks, a family staycation or Sunday brunch after the Rosebank Market.
Quick takes with Carly de Jong
What’s your favorite book?
The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
What would you do if you weren’t in hotels?
I’d work in public relations
Do you have a hidden talent?
I make a mean chicken tikka masala curry
Is there a historical figure you’d like to host?
Nelson Mandela
What do you wish you had more time for?
Reading
Do you have a favorite spot in Johannesburg?
The lookout point over Johannesburg on Munro Drive
How do you recharge?
I run through the beautiful avenues under the jacarandas