Ilze working her way up

MORTON: HAD TO LEARN THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT PERFECT

‘I would rather spend all my time barefoot in nature than anywhere else.’

Knowing exactly which path she wanted to follow, Ilze Morton matriculated from Hoërskool Noordheuwel in 2000 and headed to Damelin to acquire a diploma in hotel management.

She then studied human resource management at the University of Johannesburg.

Passionate about what she studied, she worked in HR for a while and then joined Silverstar Casino in 2009.

She was appointed compliance manager in 2015. Today Morton is the HOD for compliance, a job she says she is extremely happy to finally have.

Work ... HOD Compliance Describe your day-to-day role?

I oversee all compliance related matters, to ensure the protection of our consumers and personnel.

In short, I believe that prevention is better than cure, and with this in mind I ensure that no boundaries are crossed, which could potentially put the company at risk.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?

Anticipating possible areas of non-compliance, and implementing new or adapting existing standard operating procedures to comply with new and/or changing legislation.

Finding the balance between compliance serving as a tool, to protect people, and compliance becoming a barrier to growth and innovation can be tricky.

How do you strive for the elusive work-life balance?

By understanding that being truly efficient at work is a result of having a balanced wheel of life, comprising of various aspects such as family life, social life, religion, career and financial well-being.

I have a sound support structure that compliments all aspects of my life.

Most memorable moment during your time working at Silverstar?

Opening the Beach Festival for the first time at Silverstar, and knowing that not many people enjoy the opportunity to go away on holiday in December or ever visiting the beach, and we were re-creating that for them.

This initiative offers a valuable contribution to the nearby community.

Who would you say has been most influential during your career?

Starting out in the casino industry as an administrator, Edwin Palmer taught me everything I know and was my mentor throughout most of my career.

My parents taught me the necessary ethics

As you look back on your career what was the most painful lesson you were required to learn?

I had to learn that people are not perfect. Dealing with my own and others’ imperfections was and remains one of my greatest challenges.

About Morton Share the moments of life-defining change that shaped you into the person you are today?

The birth of my little girl. In that moment I learned that life is about what you can contribute to someone else’s life, and that it is not about yourself.

Will you share your life philosophy? How did you develop your philosophy? Where does it come from?

The answer’s simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, and avoid evil amusements.

If you could give young people considering a career in the casino industry one piece of advice, what would it be?

Always go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.

The fun stuff Can’t live without item?

Cats … actually, animals in general.

Pet hate?

Unreasonable people.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I would rather spend all my time barefoot in nature than anywhere else. There is nowhere else I can think I'd prefer being.

Books or movies?

Books.