It is difficult to comprehend that the Choppies Group Marketing Manager is only 23. She is taking the cliché Go Getter to another level…

Otsile Marole does not want to be known as Blackie Marole, former Debswana Managing Director’s daughter. In this interview the humble and down to earth Otsile who might be mistaken for a snob because of who she is and what she has achieved so far talks about how she wants to make a name for herself instead of basking in the fame of her family name. She also shares her dreams and hopes for the future.

NO BASKING IN THE GLORY OF FAMILY NAME

Please introduce yourself

I am Otsile Sethunya Marole, young and down to earth girl from Semolale village in Bobirwa. I am the current Choppies Group Marketing Manager.

I thought you were going to mention that you are Blackie Marole’s daughter.

Why should I do that, yes I am his daughter but do I have to mention that. I am grateful to have such a wonderful man as my father but I am an individual in my own right. I want to be known for my work and not as the daughter of Rre Marole.

Talking of work, you hold such a powerful position at Choppies yet you seem to be such a young girl, what do you attribute that to and how old are you by the way?

I am 23 and by the way I joined Choppies in 2010 as a marketing executive and was appointed manager this year.

Wow, so young and already up there in the corporate ladder, back to our main question.

I am a very hard working person and I think my position is a question of hard work and dedication to duty paying off. I work so hard and my parents are always telling me to take a break and relax cause ever since I joined Choppies I have never been on leave.

Funny how the perception out there is that you are in this position because of your dad’s influence. And by the way are you also in charge of Choppies South Africa?

What influence. I am a hard working person and proud to say it. Yes I am a lucky girl but what I am and what I have is all through sweat. Oh and yes I am also in charge of SA but they will soon be recruiting a marketing manager for Choppies South Africa.

What do you mean you are a lucky girl?

I don’t want to say I was born with a golden spoon in my mouth but I was born by well to do yet humble people. My parents had good careers so they managed to give me and my brother the best education and opportunities.

And what’s up with our accent, you sound more like an English person?

I moved to the UK with my parents when I was 11 and only came back in 2010 after completing my studies maybe that’s why I have some bit of English accent.

What are you by profession?

I have a degree in Psychology from the University of Glasgow and currently doing my post graduate diploma at the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

When do you study since you seem to have a hectic job?

I wake up at 5am everyday to study before preparing for work.

But why did you study psychology then venture into marketing, there is no link between the two  

Actually there is because both fields deal with human thinking. I knew that I wanted to do marketing but I had to do psychology as a foundation for my ultimate career. And besides I love interacting with people so it’s

THE HAND THAT GIVETH: Otsile happiest when making a difference

also idea to know how they think and react to things.

What is your passion?

I am passionate about giving and sharing. This is something that was inculcated in me from a very early age. For us to grow as individuals and as a nation we need to help one another. I am happy that Choppies has a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme where we assist members of the community in various aspects.

I have been touched by the plight faced by the underprivileged in our country. Nothing makes me happy that changing lives for the better. As a family we also hold a Christmas party every year in our home village where we host children and seeing their happy faces during the event is so fulfilling.

What does Choppies do in that regard?

For instance we have a policy to employ people with disabilities in our shops. Choppies currently has over 71 disabled employees nationwide. The group occasionally give food hampers to the needy as part of our CSR. Last year, among loads of other activities, we handed over 100 food hampers in support of the Voice Publisher’s quest to share her 50th birthday with the senior citizens and orphans of Rasesa village. To see the smile on the recipients and the effort made by friends by donating to the under privileged left me humble.

And what are some of the things that you never get enough of?

Sport, I am a sporty person especially athletics but I never have enough time for it because I am at work six days a week. When the weather is good I also jog in the mornings. I also never seem to get enough of the gym, I gym everyday both for health reasons and to distress after a hard day at work.

So tell me, what’s happening socially, is there a man in your life?

(Blushes with a smile and doesn’t say a word)

Will take that to mean yes, so who is the guy and are we going to be hearing any wedding bells soon?

(Still blushing and smiling) No comment.

Ok, let’s leave the subject since you don’t want to divulge information. Tell me how do you spend your money?

I am paying my car loan, sometimes I give my brother who is still at school pocket money, also do some shopping as I love fashion and of course saving.

Saving to buy something?

Oh yah, want to buy a house soon before my parents kick me out (laughs).

How is your relationship with your parents especially your father, are you daddy’s girl since you are the only daughter?

We are a very closely knit family and yes I think I am more like a daddy’s girl. When I was nine months my mother left for the US to pursue her studies so I remained with my dad for almost a year. But that doesn’t mean I can get away with anything, my parents have taught me the value of hard work and being independent hence have plans to get a place of my own.

And your other future plans and dreams?

My dream is to be happily married one day and to have kids, in as much as I don’t have control over these things I do hope they will come to pass. I also wish to start my own business because I don’t want to work forever.

What line of business?

I want to venture into farming with more emphasis on piggery. It’s something that I have always wanted to do with my mother. Eventually want to expand into retail.

Three words that best describe you

Kind, sophisticated and lively.

If you were to spend one month in an island with one person, who would that be?
My best friend Basadi Magashule

Lastly how do you spend your weekends?

I work Saturdays half day and thereafter if there are no events to attend I spend the remainder of the day at home. On Sundays I study a bit then visit friends and the weekend will be over.

Fact file

Full names: Otsile Sethunya Marole
Date of birth: 16 March 1989
Car driving: Audi A3
Holiday destination: China and Vietnam
Book currently reading: Nice girls don’t get the corner office by Lois Frankel
Favourite color: Red
Three words that best describe her: Kind, sophisticated and lively
Favourite food(s): Steak, chicken liver
Favourite drink: Cream Soda

Otsile Marole_9841