#MancrushMonday : Ryan Van Zyl

Introducing #MancrushMonday : Ryan Van Zyl

#MancrushMonday is a FABULOUS new series dedicated to showcasing some seriously inspiring men that have crossed my path. Previously on my #jaxpirational series I gave the ladies some props, it’s time the men got a shout out!

I have worked with Ryan Van Zyl in the past and I so appreciate him taking time out to chat with me. So without further adieu let me introduce:

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m known as a 5-star hotel Concierge, but I am also very interested in watches, travel, and sneakers. That’s where (far too much of) my money made goes towards!

When and where were you born?

1 November in South Africa

Where are you living now?

Cape Town

What kind of creative are you?

5* hotel Head Concierge at The Table Bay Hotel & Les Clefs d’Or member (keeper of the golden keys)

Name of your brand?

Head Concierge, and Les Clefs d’Or member (Golden Keys)

The Keeper of the Golden Keys and Knower of the who’s who and what’s what in Cape Town

– @TheJaxBlog

How did you discover your calling?

I was about 12 or so when I knew I wanted to work in hotels in general, and be a hotel Concierge specifically

What do you love most about what you do?

Definitely the fact that every single day is different. Obviously there are core tasks we need to achieve and complete, but it’s a daily hustle of problem solving, and experience matching for our hundreds of guests.

What do you like the least about what you do?

Admin and payroll. That’s tons of fun for no one, ever.

Who or what has been your biggest motivators ?

My very first CEO during my hotel training program. He had over 35 years hospitality experience, was widely respected by everyone, even opposition hotels, and his vision and passion was broadly seen and felt throughout the property.

Have you experienced fear along the way & how did you overcome it?

Absolutely! The only way I know how is learning your strengths and enhancing them, and finding out your weaknesses and fears and embracing them as part of you. The key for me was not to be afraid to show vulnerability or fear, but rather use it to motivate yourself to overcome those feelings because you’re a better person, and employee, once you can.

What are your greatest achievement/s?

Achieving my Les Clefs d’Or membership in 2009. I was the 3rd person in Africa at the time to achieve this. And worldwide there are less than 4500 members, so it’s an achievement I am extremely proud of every single day.

Who do you thank for your success?

All of my managers, good and bad, along the way. The bad ones probably made me a better manager now, because I learned very early on how not to manage or treat people. And how you need to learn to motivate people in different ways based on their abilities and attitudes.

What upcoming projects do you have?

I hope to be able to get back to work in my hotel soon, post COVD-19, and start the long road to recovery. Until then, however, I am learning German, participating in bi-weekly Les Clefs d’Or training webinars, re-writing all of my department’s SOPs and trying to keep positive and motivated.

How are you currently coping with the #Covid19 Crisis?

As above; I am doing my best, as we all are, and trying to remember that I still have a job and at least some portion of a salary, which many don’t. It’s easy to just grumble all the time, but humility is needed at times like these. I have had good, happy days and very some dark and lonely, miserable ones too. It’s been a journey, let’s just say that.

Any words of encouragement for other male creatives out there?

Focus on the changes and growth that you’re able to achieve right now. There’s no blueprint for this crisis, and once it passed we all need to do our best to help the economy, in whatever way, grow and move into some positive mindset where we put the hard times behind us and use it as a springboard to showcase our amazing country and talented people.

Where can we stalk you on social media?

Website: https://www.lesclefsdor.net/

Twitter: @concierge_ryan

LinkedIn: Ryan Van Zyl

Instagram : @concierge_ryan_lcd

Special Thanks to Ryan for his time and sharing a bit more about himself. Stay tuned for another #MancrushMonday next week!