BATHOBILE GULE: CELEBRATING SWAZI WOMEN SHAPING THE CONTINENT AND BEYOND
From a small town up-bringing in eSwatini to a high-powered executive role in the United States, Bathobile Gule's journey is one of resilience, ambition, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Currently serving as the Global Vice President at Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), a $6 billion hospitality giant with over 6,000 hotels in more than 100 countries, Gule has built an impressive career spanning multiple industries and continents.
Born in Mbabane and raised in Ntondozi, Gule spent her early years living with her grandparents before moving to Siteki and later completing her high school education at Hermann Gmeiner (SOS) in Mbabane. It was during her time at SOS that she discovered her passion for law, inspired by a career fair encounter with renowned attorney Musa Sibandze. Determined to pursue a career in employment and labor law, she enrolled at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), where she studied law for six years. But her path would soon take an unexpected turn, leading her from legal practice to a distinguished career in human capital management.
Gule’s professional journey began at Sipho Nkosi and Attorneys, followed by a role at the Conciliation Mediation & Arbitration Commission (CMAC). She later transitioned to Business Eswatini as Director of Industrial Relations and Social Policy before landing a career-defining opportunity with Coca-Cola in 2007. At Coca-Cola, she rose through the ranks, working across various markets in Africa and later taking on global roles.
As an Employee Relations Africa Consultant, she gained a deep understanding of employment and labor laws across the continent. This experience set the stage for her next challenge—HR Business Partner for 39 countries, a role that solidified her reputation as a strategic leader.
Her move to the United States marked a new chapter. At Coca-Cola’s headquarters, she spearheaded HR initiatives for executives and worked closely with top leadership, including the Chief Technical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer. These roles exposed her to global business strategy, influencing innovation, and managing high-level corporate dynamics. Gule eventually left Coca-Cola in 2021 to explore new industries, and her passion for travel led her to the hospitality sector.
Today, she holds a top position at IHG, overseeing a company with more than 325,000 employees worldwide. Gule attributes her success to taking calculated risks and embracing discomfort. “There’s a quote that says, ‘Winners are comfortable being uncomfortable.’
That speaks to being a risk-taker,” she says. “I have made decisions not knowing what they would lead to, but I trusted my inner spirit and God’s guidance.” Her time in corporate America has reinforced the idea that dreams are limitless. “The USA has taught me that no dream is too big and no challenge is insurmountable when fueled by passion and determination,” she says.
The Role of HR in Business Success As a seasoned human capital executive, Gule believes that HR should not operate in isolation but be deeply embedded in business strategy. “HR is not just a department; it’s the heartbeat of the organization, aligning people with the company’s vision and growth,” she explains. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive work culture. “A vibrant and happy workforce is a key driver of success. Open communication, recognition, and appreciation create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated,” she notes.
Gule’s rise from eSwatini to a top executive role in the U.S. is a testament to the power of ambition, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story serves as an inspiration to young professionals in Eswatini and beyond, proving that with the right mindset and opportunities, one can thrive on the global stage.
NB: Qoutes and picture sourced from her interview with Inside Biz eSwatini.