For our Director of People & Culture in Africa,Corinne Samuel, hospitality began at just 18 years old when she joined the airline industry. It was there that a passion for travel and tourism first took flight, inspiring a move abroad and a role in Guest Services at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas at the age of 22.

“One thing hospitality taught me early on is that you only really have one opportunity to create a memorable guest experience. While technical skills and operational excellence are important, hospitality is ultimately emotional. Guests may forget the details, but they will always remember how you made them feel: welcomed, valued, comfortable and at home.”

That people-first mindset has remained at the heart of Corinne’s career ever since.

Lessons in leadership

Having worked across the Middle East and Africa, Corinne’s experiences have shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy. “My journey exposed me to incredible diversity, different cultures and the complexities that come with people leadership. Africa, in particular, taught me adaptability and gave me a much deeper understanding of both the struggles and the incredible richness of its people. It reinforced that leadership is ultimately about people, connection and creating meaningful impact.”

Two cities continue to hold aspecial place in Corinne’s heart. Abu Dhabi, where she spent six years, became a second home and a place of significant personal growth. Johannesburg, meanwhile, remains home in every sense of the word - a place of belonging, roots and identity.

Inspired by Zanzibar

One place that left a lasting impression on Corinne is Zanzibar, Tanzania. “What stands out most is the spirit of its people, their warmth, resilience and genuine hospitality. Despite challenges and limited resources, there is an incredible sense of community and pride. The smiles are genuine, the welcome feels effortless, and there is a focus on living with dignity rather than hardship.”

It is a place she says continues to influence both her perspective on life and her approach to leadership.

A Whole World of Local

For Corinne, Valor’s A Whole World of Local ethos reflects the spirit of Ubuntu, the belief that we become who we are through our connection to others. “It’s about community, love, commitment and care. Some of the most meaningful hospitality experiences don’t come from the extraordinary, but from authentic local connections and making people feel seen and valued.”

When asked to describe Valor in three words, Corinne answers: family, passion and care.

Creating opportunity through people

One of the best pieces of advice Corinne has received is simple: “Treat your employees the way you want your guests to be treated.” For her, hospitality culture starts from within. When employees feel respected, valued and cared for, that same standard naturally flows through to the guest experience.

Some of Corinne’s most memorable hospitality moments have come not from a single event, but from seeing the impact of creating opportunities for others through her work. “What stays with me most is hearing ‘thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance’. That simple statement reflects the true essence of hospitality; creating opportunity, dignity and hope through people.”

Hospitality in one word

When walking into a hotel,the first thing Corinne notices is not the design or décor. “It’s the smile, the aura and the energy of the welcome. Long before the facilities or surroundings, that first interaction tells you everything about the culture of a property. Hospitality begins with people.”

And if hospitality could be summed up in one word? “Connection.”

Because at its heart,hospitality is about building relationships, creating opportunities and makinga positive difference in people’s lives, one interaction at a time.