Ballito Umhl - NOV 2020

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Adam says he has had many high and low moments in his life, but his biggest
highs have been proposing to and marrying his wife, Olivia, as well as the day their
daughter, Lily-Rose, was born. The almost three-year-old is her father’s delight and
makes him smile every day. “We love the coastal life and I don’t mind getting my toes
wet in the sea every now and again. Lily-Rose loves the beach and the sea, and is
absolutely in her element with smiles that just keep on coming.” Adam says his career
journey since joining Tsogo Sun is also a definite high, and that all the low points in
his life have added to who he is, and who he and Olivia are as a couple.
While working and still trying to find a home, Adam is trying to get back into running,
and thinks the beachfront’s Golden Mile is the perfect route to get him on track
again. A lover of bush and wildlife, places like Botswana and Zimbabwe are some of
his preferred holiday destinations, and the Kruger National Park was his second home
while living in the Lowveld. ”KZN has great wildlife opportunities, and it’s been a
while since we visited Umfolozi-Hluhluwe. Walking safaris and camping have always
been a favourite pastime, and being able to have some quiet time just listening to the
wind through the veld can sometimes make all the difference.”
Uncovering his bliss for the bush, it is easy to understand why Adam prefers being
quiet and observing from the sidelines, as opposed to being the centre of attention.
“I try and remain calm and keep my sense of humour, with the stress that comes with
all types of work, along with the obvious stresses that are out there at the moment
as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a real need to keep an even keel, and
keeping my sense of humour does that for me.”
What does it take for an
operations director to function
in this fast-paced environment?
To continue the success of this
incredible property, I need a
passionate and dedicated team
around me. I am lucky to have exactly
that here at Suncoast.
What are the demands of
working in the business of
entertainment?
We need to offer an experience that
leaves each and every guest coming
back for more.
What qualities do you need to
work at Suncoast?
As we work in the ‘people’ industry,
common courtesy and decency
cost nothing, so we have to treat
each other with respect always, be
it a fellow team member or a guest
visiting our property. Sometimes
the thing we do in our lives, or the
way we treat someone, may appear
unimportant to us, but can have a
massive impact on those around us.
It’s kind of like the ‘pay it forward’
principle - doing good things for
people, when there is nothing in it for
you, is a reward all on its own. Maybe
we should all be doing that just a little
bit more.
What are your goals for
Suncoast?
To keep pushing and building the
Suncoast brand. We all have to
weather a storm at the moment, both
personally and in the business world,
as a result of Covid-19, but this storm
will end at some point and we are
ready and eager to get back to full
capacity and do what we do best, and
that is entertain in true Suncoast style,
with thrilling gaming, exciting events
and the full entertainment offering for
the entire family.
Adam and Olivia MacIntyre and daughter Lily–Rose.
November 2020 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 17