Sun’s Herman marks Boss’s Day as Maslow’s inspiring leader
01 October 2022

When Herman Swart left the army for a job in the casino industry, he was told by his commanding officer that it would never become a career. Thirty-three years later, the security officer has turned into a respected General Manager and is still committed to serving and improving whatever he is working at. Swart now spends his free time on the road, coaching executive teams on how to lead for innovation.

“My voyage with Sun International has helped me grow into a person that I enjoy being. I have had many opportunities for experimentation and exposure to a diverse range of disciplines. I never once thought of leaving because the blue and gold of Sun International always offers something crisp and fresh,” said Swart, today The Maslow’s General Manager.

Despite his extended stretch in the casino and hospitality game, Swart says nothing has changed. “Our customers still expect the same things from us – value for money and a memorable experience. Management and staff still complain about the same issues and have the same fears.

Success, to Swart, is leaving something in a better state than what he found it in. “It’s a Free State farm boy thing. We enjoy fixing things. I have somehow always inherited businesses that needed my help, where my passion and disruptive nature could help drive change. I also measure my success on the quality of the people in my inner circle.”

Anyone who has worked with Swart will testify to his commitment to his staff. “I like to work with soulful people because they make the world a better place, simply by showing up. Soul is not something you learn or attain. It is something that finds you and rewards you for all those times you managed to get back up after a tumble.

“My team needs to be accountable as leaders, innovate constantly and grow from their failures. But to always remain mindful and kind. The world has become a tough lonely place and people need to be kinder to one another.”
By easily admitting his weaknesses, Swart is able to reach out to those who have skills he does not have. “This is how strong synergies are built. My impatient and creative character can be problematic; hence I automatically revolve to people who bring structure to my life.”

Swart is happiest when his pace of life slows down on his farm in the Outeniqua, outside George with his partner, or spending time with his grandchildren, who he says keep him young. “I recently lost my parents as well as my canine companion Happy. The reminder that everything is finite drives a new awareness to slow down and embrace this beautiful state of being human.”

When he is not working, Swart is constantly reading and learning. “I spend a large portion of my spare time creating context and guiding people on how to innovate a life of meaning.” Spending time in nature rejuvenates him, and he dreams of the days when he can live permanently in his “ultimate happy place, that piece of heaven in the Southern Cape”.

But first – he has more work to do on keeping the Sun International flag flying as an inspiration to fellow South Africans.