Catch-up with Sarah Maripe

In 2022 we had the opportunity to chat with Sarah Maripe as she took us through her journey with Retail Group from being a Cashier to where she was at the time as a Branch Manager, leading her own restaurant.

This week we catch up with her as she updates us on where she is on her journey with the Company.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Retail Group.

I am Sarah Maripe. I started with Retail Group in the year 2000 as a cashier. The funny story of how I started is that I was randomly in Main Mall and a white man called Alan (Turp) approached me and asked me if I know anything about pizzas, he went on to tell me that he was looking for cashiers. He continued to tell me about pizzas and that is how he won me over. I went on to serve notice at my then-employer to join his team, and years later I am in a new role working as a Training Manager. My new role is to empower, engage, educate, motivate, inspire, and coach the Retail Group employees.

2. Last time we spoke, you were “on the bench” for a Training Manager role. Congratulations on landing the role! How are you feeling about this new development in your work life?

I am so happy and excited about this opportunity and appreciate Retail Group for the development. When I was on the bench Retail Group started me off with a course called Trainer of Trainees, this helped my academic background as it was low. Me being loyal they saw it fit to develop me and trusted me to represent the company well. I am not the only one happy my husband is also happy.

3. A little birdie tells us you’ve also recently graduated. Tell us about that.

Yes, the little birdie is correct. I did very well in my academics, and I am soon to graduate on the 28 April 2023 at Baisago University. My academic journey has somewhat felt like a challenge. You know you meet different people with different backgrounds such as those with bachelor degrees and so on. There was an academic gap between me and some of them. I worked hard to represent the Retail Group.

4. How has Retail Group supported you to achieve these two monumental career goals?

Retail Group gave me the opportunity to take on the Trainer of Trainees and Assessor of Trainees Course at Sand Sledge Business Services. They also allowed me to take on the Certificate of Business Management Course at Baisago University.

5. What motivates you?

My ambition is to develop my skills and Retail Groups’ belief in me motivates me. God is also a contributing factor to my success. God sees me through others, I see myself through others. I am basically a helper to someone. For me to be who I am is because of the Retail Group team members themselves, whom I groom. In my new role as a Training Manager, it’s a greater chance for me to give back to team members by sharing my experience in production and the systems.  I believe I am the best to be taking up this role.

6. Who is Sarah outside of being a Training Manager?

Outside work, I am a wife, a mother of two kids, and a Christian. My husband is my best friend. We are always home or at church as a family. As a family, we live for God.

7. What advice would you give to young people out there who are looking at joining the hospitality industry and are unsure whether there is longevity and career growth in the industry?

They should have patience and work with diligence. They should also work well together (teamwork) and support each other for them to achieve.  It is always good to challenge yourself and know that there is no red carpet on the road to success. No pain, no gain. Every company has its highs and lows. Follow company procedures and aim to go beyond set standards. When you are in a leadership role, know that there is a difference between a leader and a manager, be hands-on sometimes you need to show the team how it is done, even if it means grabbing that mop to clean. And lastly have love and a passion for your job.

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