Divine Hospitality: How Faith Guided Thabang Rapotu from Hotel Intern to Industry Entrepreneur
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EPISODE SUMMARY
This episode features an inspiring conversation with Thabang Rapotu, who shares her remarkable journey in the hospitality industry and how her faith guided her career path. From her early internship at the Saxon Boutique Hotel to founding her own company, Poise Solutions, Tabang's story demonstrates how divine guidance and human connection can create professional success.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Thabang's Background and Education
Family upbringing that valued hospitality
Decision to study hospitality management rather than attending University of Pretoria
Appreciation for the diverse skill set required in hospitality management
Career Progression
Saxon Boutique Hotel - Started as an intern, worked in reservations and assisted the sales team
One and Only Cape Town - Relocated to help with the grand opening, working incredibly long hours
Twelve Apostles Hotel - First managerial position at just 23-24 years old
Additional roles at Cape Grace, Marriott, Minor Hotels, and Hilton Seychelles
Founding Poise Solutions
Company registered in 2021 during COVID while in Seychelles
Officially launched in June 2022
Name "Poise" represents God's grace
Logo features a butterfly symbolizing transformation, resilience, and hope
Poise Solutions Services ("Four Wings")
Sales representation for hotels
Mystery shopper services
Administrative support
Luxury travel consultation
Spiritual Elements
Scripture reference: Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"
Recurring theme of divine guidance in career decisions
Reliance on "God's wisdom" when managing teams at a young age
Faith-based approach to business development
Business Philosophy
Views hospitality as "an art and a form of worship to God"
Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
People-centric approach: "I generally love people"
Non-competitive mindset: "We all have a piece of pie available for us. It's just a matter of us learning how to share"
NOTABLE QUOTES
"The heart that goes behind everything that is served in hospitality is really an art and a form of worship to God."
"It's all about connecting to the human that's next to you."
"Without any of the team members, we wouldn't be where we were."
"Being a salesperson, you are naturally an entrepreneur."
"I don't see people as competition. I see people as friends that can help each other."
PRODUCTION NOTES
Episode reflects on the spiritual dimensions of hospitality work
Highlights the importance of valuing team members
Guest provides practical insights into the hospitality industry
Demonstrates how faith can guide professional development
Website mention: www.poisedsolutions.online
Social presence: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
TARGET AUDIENCE
Christians in business/professional settings
Hospitality industry professionals
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Those interested in faith-based approaches to work
This episode features an inspiring conversation with Thabang Rapotu, who shares her remarkable journey in the hospitality industry and how her faith guided her career path. From her early internship at the Saxon Boutique Hotel to founding her own company, Poise Solutions, Tabang's story demonstrates how divine guidance and human connection can create professional success.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Thabang's Background and Education
Family upbringing that valued hospitality
Decision to study hospitality management rather than attending University of Pretoria
Appreciation for the diverse skill set required in hospitality management
Career Progression
Saxon Boutique Hotel - Started as an intern, worked in reservations and assisted the sales team
One and Only Cape Town - Relocated to help with the grand opening, working incredibly long hours
Twelve Apostles Hotel - First managerial position at just 23-24 years old
Additional roles at Cape Grace, Marriott, Minor Hotels, and Hilton Seychelles
Founding Poise Solutions
Company registered in 2021 during COVID while in Seychelles
Officially launched in June 2022
Name "Poise" represents God's grace
Logo features a butterfly symbolizing transformation, resilience, and hope
Poise Solutions Services ("Four Wings")
Sales representation for hotels
Mystery shopper services
Administrative support
Luxury travel consultation
Spiritual Elements
Scripture reference: Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"
Recurring theme of divine guidance in career decisions
Reliance on "God's wisdom" when managing teams at a young age
Faith-based approach to business development
Business Philosophy
Views hospitality as "an art and a form of worship to God"
Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
People-centric approach: "I generally love people"
Non-competitive mindset: "We all have a piece of pie available for us. It's just a matter of us learning how to share"
NOTABLE QUOTES
"The heart that goes behind everything that is served in hospitality is really an art and a form of worship to God."
"It's all about connecting to the human that's next to you."
"Without any of the team members, we wouldn't be where we were."
"Being a salesperson, you are naturally an entrepreneur."
"I don't see people as competition. I see people as friends that can help each other."
PRODUCTION NOTES
Episode reflects on the spiritual dimensions of hospitality work
Highlights the importance of valuing team members
Guest provides practical insights into the hospitality industry
Demonstrates how faith can guide professional development
Website mention: www.poisedsolutions.online
Social presence: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
TARGET AUDIENCE
Christians in business/professional settings
Hospitality industry professionals
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Those interested in faith-based approaches to work
