34
Editor’s
The Easy Wrongs will Always Outnumber the Hard Right
AsaCEO,yourhardestdecisionsarerarelyabout
strategyorfinance.Moreoften,theytestyour fortitude—yourwillingnesstowalkthemore difficultpathwhentheeasyonescall.Inthesedefining moments,couragebecomesaCEO'sgreatestasset.
Everyleaderfacesforkswhereonerouteistemptingbut wrong,andtheotherisarduousyetright.Doyoumakethe popularchoicetoappeaseinvestorsthisquarter?Ordoyou standfirmontheethical,long-termplay?Doyougreenlight theopportunisticacquisitiondespiteculturalmisalignment? Orupholdyourprinciplesatthecostof"missed"growth?
Witheachcourageouscall,youbuildorganizationalgrit. Eachcompromiseslowlycorrodesit.Thetoughchoices compoundintoacourageouscompanyculturethatlivesto fightanotherday—oracowardlyonefatedtoshrinkfrom everyfuturechallenge.
Prudenceistheclosecousinofcowardice,whisperingthat youcannotaffordtotakethechance.It'stoorisky,tooearly, toobold,andtoocontroversial.Prudenceprotectsthestatus quoandushersincontinualdecay.Couragecatapultsyou forwardevenamiduncertainty
Theeasywrongswillalwaysoutnumberthehardright. Massescheeredforthepopulistwrongateveryturnof history,fromTsaristcrowd-pleasersabandoningreformto score-obsessedCEOsdistortingnumberstopoliticians skewingfactstowinvotestodayinsteadofarguingfor harderrealities.
Whilethecrowdclingstodelusion,trulycourageous leadersmustroutinelystandapartanddefendunvarnished truths.Thismeansmakingseeminglyunpopularor incomprehensibledecisionsthatforesightprovestobe correctandprescientovertime.AsCEO,youmusthavethe audacitytoactonimperfectdatatochartawiserpath. You'llconstantlygrapplewithunfairrealitygaps: unattainableexpectations,unsubstantiatedrumors,and intangiblereservesofmoraleandtrust.Courageallowsyou tobridgethesechasms.
RunawaysuccesseslikeNetflixdisruptingBlockbusteror AppleoutmaneuveringMicrosoftwereonlymadepossible byrelentlesscourage.EachpivotrequiredCEOstoturn theirbacksonsirencallsofeasygrowthanddoggedly transformtheircoremodelsduringperiodsofintense resistance.Everythrivingcompanytodayarosefrom countlesscourageousdecisionsitsleadersshoulderedover decades.Everybusinessindecaydeclinedafterenough cowardlycompromisescompounded.Leadcourageously andleavealegacy,ortakethecowardlypathandbe forgotten.
AtInsightsSuccess,wehonorCEOsfromalloverthe worldwhohavehelpedtheirfirmsstandoutina competitivebusinessenvironment.Inthisedition,entitled "SouthAfrica'sInspiringCEOsMakinganImpactin 2024," wehighlighttheirjourneys.TheseCEOsexhibitthe attributesrequiredforeffectivecorporateleadership: inventiveness,versatility,andacommitmenttogreatness. Theyserveassourcesofinspirationforbothaspiringand experiencedleaders.
Have an enlightening read ahead!
Business
SOUTH AFRICA'S INSPIRING CEOS MAKING AN IMPACT IN 2024
Featuring
David Oliphant Co-founder and CEO
Hedley Lewis CEO
Japie van Niekerk Entrepreneur
Teach the Na on www.teachthena on.org Company Name
CHOC Childhood Cancer Founda on www.choc.org.za
Cheetah Plains www.cheetahplains.com
Julia So rianakos CEO
Wasfi Kaso Group CEO
Reach for A Dream www.reachforadream. org.za
Emirates Food Industries (EFI) www.emiratesfood industries.ae.com
Descrip on
David Oliphant is a passionate advocate for educa on, dedicated to empowering communi es through innova ve teaching ini a ves that inspire and upli learners across the na on.
Hedley Lewis is a compassionate leader commi ed to improving the lives of children affected by cancer, fostering support and hope for families naviga ng difficult journeys together.
Japie van Niekerk is a visionary who champions sustainable ecotourism, crea ng unique experiences that blend luxury with environmental conserva on in South Africa's pris ne wilderness.
Julia So rianakos is a determined individual focused on making dreams come true for children facing serious illnesses, working relessly to bring joy and hope into their lives.
Wasfi Kaso is a strategic thinker who drives growth and innova on in the food industry, emphasizing sustainability and quality to enhance community well-being and health.
Van Niekerk
Redening Ecotourism Superiority
Japie
DAVID OLIPHANT
Educating for Equality
JULIA SOTIRIANAKOS HEDLEY LEWIS
A Career of Care
Championing Childhood Cancer Support and Global Health Initiatives
I
24
Balancing Act: How CEOs Navigate Short-Term Pressures and Long-Term Sustainability
Cultivating an Innovation Mindset: The CEO's Role in Redening Leadership for the Digital Era
Securing Your Ideas: Why Using a VPN is a Must for CEOs?
Cheetah Rede ning Ecotourism
Story
ah Plains
cotourism Superiorit
Nurturing Extraordinary Guest Experiences in Harmony with Nature!
Hospitalityisaboutcreating unforgettableexperiences thatupliftpeople'slives.But ourhighercallingmustbetouplift humanityitselfthroughsustainable innovation.
Withthisbelief,JapieVanNiekerk, thevisionaryEntrepreneurbehind CheetahPlainsandtrailblazing medicalresearchventures,articulates hisholisticphilosophyofbusinessasa forceforpositivetransformation.Inthe worldofhigh-endecotourism,hehas raisedthebarthroughhisdedicationto personalizedluxurywhileprioritizing environmentalstewardshipandsocial impact.
Attheaward-winningCheetahPlains privategamereserve,guestsaretreated tobest-in-classsafariexperiencesthat seamlesslyblendoutstandingservice withconservationprinciples.Under Japie’sleadership,thepropertyhas implementedcomprehensive sustainabilityinitiativeslikesolar energy,waterrecycling,andelectric safarivehicles,reducingitsecological footprintwhileprovidinganimmersive connectionwithSouthAfrica's breathtakingnaturalsplendor
"Hospitalityisourpassion,butwe're alsocaretakersoftheseprecious environmentsthatareirreplaceable," heaffirms."Everyaspectoftheguest experiencemustbeextraordinarywhile upholdingareverenceforthenatural worldwe'reprivilegedtooperate within.”
However,Japie’sambitionsextendfar beyondtheboundariesofthetourism sector.Heisleveraginghis entrepreneurialsuccess,strategic mindset,andpenchantfor technologicalsolutionstoadvance
progressivemedicalresearchinitiatives withprofoundhumanitarian implications.
Mostnotably,hisinvestmentin pioneeringspinalcordregeneration therapieshasyieldedgroundbreaking results.Histeamsuccessfully developedandimplantedaninnovative biomaterialspinalcordimplantintoa quadriplegicpatient,markingapivotal milestoneinthequesttohelp individualsregainautonomyand mobilityaftercatastrophicinjuries.
"Wehaveanopportunitytopush scientificfrontiersandinventnew waystohealandenhancehuman potential,"Japiestates."Ourworkin regenerativemedicineisjustthe beginningofstrategicallydeploying resourcesinserviceofaudacious breakthroughs.”
Lookingahead,heaimstocombinehis commercialsuccesswithscalable philanthropicventuresinunderserved communitiesacrossAfrica.From providingqualityeducationand economicdevelopmentprogramsto bringingnext-generationmedical treatmentstothosemostinneed,he hopestocatalyzeanenduringcycleof empowerment.
Withanethosrootedintheresponsible stewardshipofpeopleandtheplanet, Japiepersonifiesthepowerofethical leadershipchanneledtowardsociety's greatestchallenges.Hiswork demonstratesthatenlightened entrepreneurshipcancreateboth luxuryexperiencesandrevolutionary humanitarianprogress. Let us explore his journey
TheEntrepreneurialOdysseyof
Intheearlystagesofhis entrepreneurialjourney,
Japie
South Africa's Inspiring CEOs Making an Impact in 2024
CHEETAH PLAINS EXEMPLIFIES PERSEVERANCE IN SUSTAINABILITY, METICULOUSLY MEASURING THE EFFICACY OF ITS ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES THROUGH ONGOING ASSESSMENT AND REFINEMENT.
JAPIE METICULOUSLY OVERSEES EVERY FACET OF A PROJECT, FROM CONCEPTUALIZATION TO CONSTRUCTION, ADHERING TO STRINGENT QUALITY BENCHMARKS.
Japieembarkedonhisjourneyatthe tenderageoffive,engagingintheart ofcommercebytradingitemshe gatheredfromhislocalsurroundings. Withanaturalacumenforthe intricaciesofbuyingandselling,his entrepreneurialspiritblossomedand maturedoverthepassingyears, guidinghimtowardsamyriadof businessendeavors.
Oneofthenotablechaptersinhis entrepreneurialnarrativeunfoldedin 2008withtheinceptionofCheetah Plains.Thisventuresproutedfroma serendipitousopportunitywhenhe seizedthemomenttoacquirea propertyhousingacommerciallodge. Drivenbyavisiontocraftan unparalleled,opulentsafariexperience tailoredforhisinnercircleoffamily andfriends,hesetoutona transformativejourneythatculminated intheexquisitemanifestationof CheetahPlainsasitproudlystands today.
VisionaryDevelopment
NewAfricaDevelopmentsoriginated duringJapie'sformativeyears,driven byavisiontoupliftmarginalized communities.Thecompany'score objectiveistocultivateshopping centersinhistoricallyunderserved regions,catalyzinggrowthand prosperity.Hisaspirationtranscends mereinfrastructuredevelopment;it encompassesaneedtonurture sustainable,inclusiveenvironments.
Throughtheseendeavors,NewAfrica Developmentsendeavorstonotonly delivervitalservicesbutalsotoinstill asenseofpride,elevateliving standards,andenhancetheoverall well-beingoftheindigenousandlocal population.
TheGenesisofCheetahPlains
InthegenesisofCheetahPlains,
theconceptdevelopedfromJapie's yearningforasecludedandopulent holidayescapade.Heaspiredtocrafta sanctuarywherehecouldrelish cherishedmomentswithhiskin, shieldedfromthedisruptionsoffellow guestsandthedetachedambianceof conventionalhotels.
Thisvisionarypursuitculminatedin theinceptionoflavishvillas meticulouslytailoredforfamiliesand cohorts,providingbespokehospitality amidstthetranquilembraceofnature. Theendeavortoestablishshopping centersinruralareaswasfraughtwith numerousobstacles,nottheleastof whichwasthedearthofessential infrastructure.Theabsenceof fundamentalamenitiessuchasa reliablewatersupply,sewagedisposal systems,andstormwaternetworks presentedaformidablehurdle.
Undaunted,Japieandhisteam demonstratedremarkableingenuity, frequentlyresortingtodrilling boreholestoaccesswateranddevising bespokeinfrastructuresolutions tailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeach location.Furthermore,navigatingthe complexitiesoftriballandownership andearningthetrustandcooperation oflocalcommunitiesdemanded patienceandunrelentingperseverance.
OfferingUnparalleledLuxuryand Personalization
CheetahPlainsdistinguishesitselfby providinganintimateandsecluded experience,boastingthreeopulent villasthatarereservedintheirentirety ratherthanindividualrooms.This innovativeapproachisspecifically designedtocatertofamiliesand groupsoffriends,offeringawarmand
invitingatmospherereminiscentofa homeawayfromhome.
Eachvillaisattendedtobyadedicated teamofprofessionals,includingahost, butler,privatechefs,sommelier,and masseuse,aswellasdedicatedguide andtrackerteamwhoworkinharmony toprovideexceptionalservicetailored totheuniqueneedsandpreferencesof eachguest.
Inordertoguaranteethateverydetail iscarefullytakencareofandthatevery expectationisnotjustmetbut surpassed,thestaffatCheetahPlains methodicallyinvestigateseachguest's preferencesandrequirementspriorto theirarrival.Thisdedicationto providingindividualizedcareresultsin agenuinelyuniqueexperiencethatis unmatchedintheluxurytravel industry
TheTransformationof Kamaqhekeza
Oneparticularlyremarkablesuccess storythatexemplifiesthepowerof visionanddeterminationisthe developmentofashoppingcenterin theonce-barrenlandofKamaqhekeza. Thisarea,onceamerespeckonthe map,washometoasmallmarket wherelocalsengagedintheage-old practiceofbarteringgoods.However, Japierecognizedtheuntappedpotential ofthisunassuminglocale,envisioning athrivingcommercialhubthatwould serveasabeaconofprogressand prosperityforthesurrounding community
Undeterredbythechallengesthatlay ahead,Japieembarkedonasix-year journeyofnegotiationswiththetribal chief,meticulouslylayingthe groundworkforhisambitiousproject. Hispledgeandpersuasiveskills eventuallyborefruit,astheshopping centermaterialized,risingfromthe ashesoftheonce-desolatelandscape.
Theimpactofthisdevelopmentwas immediateandprofound.Theshopping centerquicklybecameacornerstoneof thecommunity,providingmuchneededjobs,trainingopportunities,and essentialservicestotheresidents.As theareatransformedintoahurried town,thelivesofitsinhabitantswere foreverchanged,withimprovedaccess toresourcesandanewfoundsenseof economicstability
ExemplifyingSustainablePractices
Japieeloquentlyexpoundeduponthe establishment'svowtosustainability. Thisremarkablesafarilodge,nestled amidsttheuntamedwildernessof Africa,exemplifiesamultifaceted approachtoenvironmental stewardship.Throughthejudicious selectionofeco-consciousmaterialsin construction,theimplementationof energy-efficientpractices,andthe adoptionofwaterconservation strategies,CheetahPlainsstandsasa shiningexampleofresponsible tourism.
Thecommittedemployees,whohave receivedextensivetrainingon upholdingthesecorevalues,guarantee thateveryaspectoftheestablishment's operationsisplannedtohavetheleast negativeimpactontheenvironment. ThecrewatCheetahPlainsis committedtoprotectingthefragile equilibriumofthesurrounding ecology,fromthecarefulmanagement ofresourcestothesmooth incorporationofsustainablepractices.
Thisdevotionnotonlyreducesthe ecologicalfootprintbutalsoenhances theguestexperience,offeringa luxuriousandconscientiousstay VisitorstoCheetahPlainsareinvited toimmersethemselvesinthe breathtakingbeautyoftheAfrican wildernesswhilebeingassuredthat
JAPIE LEADS THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EXCELLENT PROJECTS THAT ARE CUSTOMIZED TO MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.
theirpresencecontributestothe preservationofthisnaturalwonder
TransformativeInfluenceofJapie's DevelopmentsonLocal Communities
Japie'sinitiativeswieldaprofound influenceonthelocalcommunities theytouch,heraldinganeweraof progressandprosperity.Throughthe establishmentofvitalinfrastructure, thegenerationofemployment opportunities,andtheprovisionof trainingandskillsenhancement programs,theseprojectsnotonlyuplift butalsoempowerindividualswithin theseregions.Bybreathinglifeinto onceneglectedareas,theyelevate livingstandards,infusingdignityand vitalityintotheveryfabricofthese communities.
CentraltothesuccessofJapie's endeavorsisasteadfastcommitmentto communityengagementandsupport. Initiativessuchastheprovisionoffree Wi-Fiandthecreationofinviting publicspacesserveascatalystsfor socialandeconomicgrowth,fostering asenseofconnectivityandcohesion amongresidents.Theseeffortsnotonly enrichthelivesofthosedirectly impactedbutalsocontributetothe emergenceofvibranteconomic
centers,whereinnovationand opportunityflourish.
NavigatingtheComplexitiesof TribalLandDevelopment
Japiefacedadauntingchallengewhen itcametoworkingwithtriballandand localcommunities.Undeterred,he embarkedonajourneyoftrustbuildingandmutualunderstanding, engaginginmeticulousnegotiations thatsometimesspannedyears.
Withperseverance,hemeticulously outlinedtheadvantagesofhis proposeddevelopments,emphasizing thepotentialforjobcreationand infrastructureenhancements.Hiszeal andstrategicapproachultimatelypaid off,ashesuccessfullyforged partnershipsandgarneredsupportfrom localleaders,pavingthewayfor groundbreakingprojectsthatwould benefitboththelandanditspeople.
ExemplaryCommitmenttothe Community
OneofthewaysthatNewAfrica Developmentssetsitselfapartisits constantcommitmenttobringinglife topreviouslyneglectedareasand supportinginclusive,sustainable projects.Japieleadsthedesignand
implementationofexcellentprojectsthat arecustomizedtomeettheuniqueneedsof thecommunitiestheyserve.Hisextensive involvementspansfromarchitecturalto operationalnuances.Thefirm'sdedication torestoringdignityandcreating possibilitiesforthelocalpopulation distinguishesitfromcompetitorsthat mightnotplaceasmuchemphasison socialimpact.
Apoignanttestimonialfromaresidentofa recentlytransformedshoppingprecinct standsasatestamenttotheprofound impactofthecompany’sendeavors.The residentexpressedheartfeltgratitudeto Japieforinstigatingtransformativechange intheirlivesandimbuingthemwitha newfoundpurpose.Thisheartfelt acknowledgmentunderscoresthepositive influenceofhisinitiativesandthepivotal rolethesedevelopmentsplayinelevating communitiesandenhancingtheiroverall well-being.
Sustainingelevatedstandardswhile ensuringaccessibilityindevelopments necessitatesmeticulousplanningand
flawlessexecution.Japiemeticulously overseeseveryfacetofaproject,from conceptualizationtoconstruction, adheringtostringentquality benchmarks.Simultaneously,he remainssteadfastinhiscommitmentto affordabilityandinclusivity, guaranteeingthatthedevelopments catertothecommunity'sneedswhile offeringexceptionalvaluefor investment.Thissubtleequilibriumis achievedthroughinnovativestrategies, andthepursuitofsuperiorityisevident ineveryprojectundertakenbyNew AfricaDevelopments.
IncorporatingNewTechnologies
CheetahPlainscontinuouslyupgrades itstechnologiestoenhanceefficiency andreduceitsenvironmentalfootprint. Thecompany'spassionforingenuityis exemplifiedbyitsongoingrevampof electricgameviewingvehicles,which includestheincorporationofnewer batteriesandmoreefficientsystems. Bystayingattheforefrontof technologicaladvancements,Cheetah Plainsensuresthatitssustainability effortsremainatthecuttingedge.
Aspartofitsambitiousexpansion plans,NADhasembarkedona groundbreakingprojectintheKalahari Desert,craftingauniqueexperience thatimmersesvisitorsintheuntouched beautyofnature.Thecompany's successinthisendeavorhasinspired planstoreplicateitsmodelsinother regions,whilesimultaneously investinginthedevelopmentofnew shoppingcenters.
Japie’sdedicationtosustainability extendsbeyonditsoperational practices,asevidencedbyits investmentinpioneeringstemcell research.Thecompanyhasachieveda remarkablemilestonebysuccessfully restoringmovementinaquadriplegic personthroughthedevelopmentofa
newspinalcord.Thisrevolutionary breakthroughispoisedtotransform medicaltreatments,andheiscurrently seekingapprovalforfurther advancementsinthisfield.
Thecompany'sapproachto sustainabilityischaracterizedbya keenunderstandingoftheimportance ofeconomicviability.CheetahPlains investsinprojectsthatnotonlyreduce environmentalimpactbutalso demonstratelong-termfinancial sustainability,evenifthepayback periodisextended.Thisbalanced perspectiveallowsthecompanyto maintainitspositionasaresponsible corporatecitizenwhileensuringits ownfinancialstability
Furthermore,NADhassetitssightson furtherdiversificationoverthenext fiveyears.Thecompanyplansto expanditspresenceinvarioussectors, includingtourism,shoppingcenters,
CHEETAH PLAINS CONTINUOUSLY UPGRADES ITS TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT. THE COMPANY'S PASSION FOR INGENUITY IS EXEMPLIFIED BY ITS ONGOING REVAMP OF ELECTRIC GAME VIEWING VEHICLES, WHICH INCLUDES THE INCORPORATION OF NEWER BATTERIES AND MORE EFFICIENT SYSTEMS.
andmedicalresearch.Thisstrategic moveisunderpinnedbyacommitment tocontinuousimprovementand innovation,ensuringthatNADremains attheforefrontofitsrespectivefields andcreatesnewopportunitiesfor growth.
NAD’sdedicationtoongoing improvementisatestamenttoits visionaryleadership.Thecompany regularlyreviewsandenhancesits systems,suchasbyupgradingelectric vehiclesandincreasingsolarenergy production,demonstratingits obligationtosustainability.This keennessforcontinuousimprovement solidifiesCheetahPlains'positionasa leaderinsustainabilityandcustomer service.
Thefundamentalconvictionthat CheetahPlainsisaguestinnatureis thedrivingforcebehindthecompany's sustainabilityinitiatives.
Thecompany'sstrictadherenceto reducingitsenvironmentaleffects stemsfromthisattitude,which acknowledgesthecloseconnection betweenitsownwelfareandthestate oftheenvironment.Thisconviction actsasacompass,motivatingthe businesstopushtheboundsof sustainableoperationsandestablish newbenchmarksforcorporatesocial responsibility
Handlingwastedisposal
Japiehighlights,CheetahPlains,a renownedeco-tourismdestination,has establisheditselfasaleaderin sustainablewastemanagement practices.Theorganizationplacesa strongemphasisonreducingits environmentalimpactbyimplementing efficientwastedisposalmethods, includingrecyclingandproperdisposal techniques.Thispromiseto environmentalstewardshipensuresthat
thepristinenaturalsurroundingsofthe CheetahPlainsremain uncompromised.
InnovationisattheheartofCheetah Plains'operations.Theorganization continuouslyseeksnovelapproachesto enhanceitsservicesandsustainability initiatives.Whetherit'sdeveloping quieterelectricvehiclesorexploring innovativeenergysources,Cheetah Plains'dedicationtoinnovationallows ittomaintainacompetitiveedgewhile upholdingitsvowtofineness.
CheetahPlainsoffersauniquegame driveexperiencethatsetsitapartfrom traditionalsafariofferings.The organization'selectricvehicles,which arebothquietandenvironmentally friendly,provideguestswithan immersiveandeco-conscious experience.Unlikeconventionaldiesel vehicles,theseelectricalternatives significantlyreducenoisepollutionand
emissions,ensuringamore harmoniouscoexistencewiththe surroundingwildlifeandecosystem.
ClientswhochooseCheetahPlainscan expectalevelofpersonalizedservice thatcaterstotheirindividual preferences.Theorganization's devotiontosustainabilityisevidentin everyaspectoftheguestexperience, fromsourcingspecificitemsto providingeco-friendlyamenities. CheetahPlains'enthusiasmfor exceedingexpectationsensuresthat eachvisitorleaveswithan unforgettablememoryoftheirstayina pristinenaturalenvironment.
SustainabilityinAction
CheetahPlainsexemplifies perseveranceinsustainability, meticulouslymeasuringtheefficacyof itseco-friendlyinitiativesthrough
ongoingassessmentandrefinement. Bycloselytrackingtheirenergy production,wastemanagement,and waterrecyclingendeavors,theymake targetedadjustmentstooptimize efficiencyandminimizetheir ecologicalfootprint.
Theorganization'slong-termvision encompassestheexpansionofits sustainabletourismmodeltodiverse regions,furtheringitsgroundbreaking stemcellresearch,andperpetually refiningitsenvironmentalpractices. Theiraspirationistoemergeasa beaconofsustainabilitywhile deliveringunparalleledserviceand innovativeexperiencestotheir clientele.
CheetahPlainsdemonstratesa profounddesireforthelocal communitybygeneratingemployment opportunities,fosteringpartnerships withlocalenterprises,andactively engaginginenvironmental conservationinitiatives.Theirprojects frequentlyinvolvecollaborativeefforts withlocalstakeholders,ensuringthat theiroperationsyieldtangiblebenefits forthecommunityatlarge.
,, ,,
Successful CEOs are those who have the ability to inspire and motivate others, to build strong teams, and to lead by example.
- Cyril Ramaphosa
Balancing Act: HowCEOs Navigate Short-Term
Pressures and
Long-Term Sustainability
CEOsfaceaconstanttug-of-warbetweenshort-term
demandsandlong-termsustainability.Thepressure todeliverimmediateresults,satisfyshareholders, andmeetquarterlytargetsoftenconflictswiththeneedto investinfuturegrowth,innovation,andsustainable practices.Navigatingthisdelicatebalanceisperhapsoneof themostchallengingaspectsofmoderncorporate leadership.
Short-termpressuresareomnipresentinthecorporate world.Stockmarketsrewardcompaniesthatconsistently meetorexceedquarterlyearningsexpectations,andactivist investorsoftenpushforimmediatereturns.Theseforces canleadtoamyopicfocusonshort-termmetrics, potentiallyattheexpenseoflong-termvaluecreation. CEOsmightbetemptedtocutcostsindiscriminately,delay crucialinvestments,orengageinfinancialengineeringto boostnear-termresults.
However,anexcessivefocusonshort-termgainscanbe detrimentaltoacompany'slong-termhealth.Itcanleadto underinvestmentinresearchanddevelopment,neglectof employeedevelopment,andafailuretoadapttochanging marketconditions.Moreover,itcanresultinunsustainable
businesspracticesthatharmtheenvironmentorexploit stakeholders,ultimatelydamagingthecompany'sreputation andlong-termviability
SuccessfulCEOsrecognizethattrueleadershipliesin strikingabalancebetweenshort-termperformanceand long-termsustainability Thisbalancingactrequiresa multifacetedapproachthatcombinesstrategicvision, stakeholdermanagement,andoperationalexcellence.
Firstandforemost,CEOsmustarticulateaclear, compellinglong-termvisionfortheirorganization.This visionshouldoutlinethecompany'spurpose,values,and strategicgoals,providingaframeworkfordecision-making thatextendsbeyondquarterlyresults.Byconsistently communicatingthisvisiontoemployees,investors,and otherstakeholders,CEOscanbuildsupportforinitiatives thatmaynotyieldimmediatereturnsbutarecrucialfor long-termsuccess.
Effectivestakeholdermanagementisanothercritical componentofbalancingshort-termandlong-term imperatives.CEOsmustengagewithdiversestakeholder groups,includingshareholders,employees,customers, suppliers,andcommunities,tounderstandtheirneedsand concerns.Byfosteringopendialogueandtransparency, leaderscanbuildtrustandgainsupportfortheirlong-term strategies,evenwhenshort-termsacrificesarenecessary
Importantly,CEOsshouldworktoeducateinvestorsabout thevalueoflong-termthinking.Thismightinvolve providingmoredetailedinsightsintothecompany's strategicinitiatives,highlightingleadingindicatorsoffuture performance,anddemonstratinghowinvestmentsin sustainabilityandinnovationcontributetolong-termvalue creation.Somecompanieshaveevenstoppedproviding quarterlyearningsguidance,focusinginsteadonlongertermmetricsandmilestones.
Operationalexcellenceiscrucialinmanagingtheshortterm/long-termbalance.CEOsmustensuretheir organizationscandeliverconsistentshort-termresultswhile simultaneouslyinvestinginthefuture.Thisrequires rigorousfinancialdiscipline,efficientresourceallocation, andacultureofcontinuousimprovement.Byoptimizing currentoperations,companiescangeneratethecashflow neededtofundlong-terminitiativeswithoutsacrificing near-termperformance.
Innovationplaysakeyroleinthisbalancingact.CEOs shouldfosteracultureofinnovationthatallowsthe companytoadapttochangingmarketconditionsand capitalizeonnewopportunities.Thismightinvolvecreating
separateunitsfordisruptiveinnovation,implementingagile methodologies,orpartneringwithstartups.Bymaintaining apipelineofinnovativeprojects,companiescanensure futuregrowthwhilestillmeetingcurrentmarketdemands.
Sustainabilityhasbecomeanincreasinglyimportant considerationinthelong-termstrategyofforward-thinking companies.CEOsmustintegrateenvironmental,social,and governance(ESG)factorsintotheirdecision-making processes.Whilesustainablepracticesmayrequireupfront investments,theycanleadtoimprovedoperational efficiency,enhancedbrandreputation,andnewmarket opportunitiesinthelongrun.
Talentmanagementisanothercriticalareawheretheshortterm/long-termbalancecomesintoplay.CEOsmustinvest inattracting,developing,andretainingtoptalent,even whenfacedwithpressuretocutcosts.Askilledand engagedworkforceisessentialforbothshort-term executionandlong-terminnovationandgrowth.
Finally,CEOsmusthavethecouragetomakedifficult decisionsthatprioritizelong-termsustainabilityovershorttermgainswhennecessary Thismightinvolveforegoinga lucrativebutunsustainablebusinessopportunity,investing incostlybutcrucialinfrastructureupgrades,oreven acceptingatemporarydipinprofitabilitytorepositionthe companyforfuturesuccess.
Inconclusion,navigatingthebalancebetweenshort-term pressuresandlong-termsustainabilityisacomplex challengethatrequiresvision,strategy,andunwavering commitment.SuccessfulCEOsrecognizethattrue leadershipliesnotinchoosingbetweentheshorttermand thelongterm,butinskillfullymanagingboth.By articulatingacompellingvision,engagingstakeholders, fosteringinnovation,andmakingtoughdecisions,CEOs cansteertheirorganizationstowardsustainablesuccessin anincreasinglycomplexanddemandingbusiness landscape.
David Oliphant
Educating for Equality
Empowering South African Youth Leaders to Promote Equal Access to Education!
Accesstoqualityeducation
remainsafundamentalright thatshouldbeaffordedto everychild,regardlessoftheir socioeconomicbackground,ethnicity, orgeographiclocation.Despite progress,qualityeducationstill remainsacriticalchallengeinSouth Africa.Sincetheendofapartheid, manychildrenstilllackopportunities toreachtheirfullpotential.
Addressingthisissueforthenation's futureprosperityandsocialcohesion, David’spassionforeducationand communitydevelopmenthas profoundlydirectedhisvision, followingthephilosophyof‘Teachfor All.’
MeetDavidOliphant,Co-Founder andCEOofTeachtheNation(TTN), whosejourneyfromthechallenging streetsofCapeTowntothehelmofa transformativeorganizationisan exampleofthepowerofeducationand perseverance.
David’supbringinginamarginalized communitywasnotjustachapterin hislife;itbecamethefoundationofhis mission.Thedailystruggleshe witnessedandexperiencedfirsthand gavehimauniqueperspectiveonthe systemicinequalitiesthatplagueSouth Africa'seducationsystem.Insteadof acceptingthesechallengesas
insurmountable,Oliphantsawthemas acalltoaction.
TeachtheNation,underhisleadership, hasdevelopedasanalarmofoptimism intheeducationaldomain.The organization'scorebeliefissimpleyet powerful:everychild,regardlessof theirsocio-economicbackground, deservesaccesstoqualityeducation. Thisisnotjustaloftyidealforhim;it's apersonalmissionrootedinhisown experiences.
WhatsetsTTNapartisitsfocuson developingacommunityofleaders whoshareDavid’svision.Bynurturing anetworkofeducators,mentors,and advocates,TTNiscreatingaripple effectofpositivechangethatextends farbeyondtheclassroom.This approachrecognizesthattrue transformationrequiresmorethanjust resources;italsoneedspassionate individualscommittedtolong-term change.
Hisleadershipstyleisdeeplyinformed byhisbackground.Hebringsalevelof empathyandunderstandingtohisrole thatcanonlycomefromlived experience.Thisauthenticityhas allowedTTNtoconnectwith communitiesinawaythatmanyother organizationsstruggletoachieve.
TheimpactofTeachtheNationunder hisguidancehasbeensignificant. Whilespecificmetricsarenot provided,theorganization'sgrowing influenceinSouthAfricaneducation
circlesspeaksvolumes.TTNisnotjust providingeducation;it'sreshapingthe narrativearoundwhat'spossiblefor childrenfromdisadvantaged backgrounds.
Ashelookstothefuture,hisvisionfor TTNremainsambitiousyetgrounded inreality.Heunderstandsthatbuilding abrighterfutureforallSouthAfricans isamarathon,notasprint.Butwith everychildreached,everycommunity engaged,andeveryleaderdeveloped, TeachtheNationisinchingcloserto realizingOliphant'sdreamof educationalequality.
Below are the interview highlights:
Couldyoupleasegiveabrief introductiontoyourcompanyand itsinceptionstory?
AtTeachtheNation,webelievethat byinvestingintheleadershippotential ofourfellowsandstudents,wecan createarippleeffectofchangethat extendsbeyondtheclassroom.Our alumnibecomepartofaglobal networkofleaderswhoarededicated tobuildingamoreequitableandjust educationsystemforallchildrenin SouthAfrica,regardlessoftheirsocioeconomicbackground.
FromourfirstmeetingattheYoung AfricanLeadersInitiativetothe thrivingnon-profitorganizationweare today,TeachtheNationremains committedtoourfoundingvisionofa
SouthAfricawhereeverychildhas accesstoqualityeducationandthe opportunitytoreachtheirfullpotential.
Howhaveyourpersonalexperiences growingupinalow-income communityinCapeTownshaped yourpassionforeducationand communitydevelopment?
I
firmlybelievethatGoddidnotintend forustoliveinfearortobedeprived oftheopportunitytothrive.Every individualdeservesaccesstoquality education,asafeenvironment,andthe chancetobuildabetterfuturefor themselvesandtheirlovedones.
Education,inmyview,isthemost powerfulleverforchange.By providingyoungpeoplein marginalizedcommunitieswithan educationthatpreparesthemforthe futureworldofworkandequipsthem withtheskillsandresilienceto navigatelife'schallenges,wecanbreak thecycleofpovertyandcreateamore equitablesociety
AsaYoungAfricanLeaders Initiative(YALI)fellow,whatkey insightsorlessonsdidyougainthat inspiredyoutoco-foundTeachthe Nation?
OneofthemostvaluablelessonsI gainedfromYALIwasthepowerof diversityandcollaboration.Working alongside134leadersfromacrossthe SADACregionwasanincredible opportunitytolearnfromawiderange ofperspectivesandexperiences.
Thisdiversityofthoughtallowedusto approachchallengesinuniqueand innovativeways,andtodevelop solutionsthatweretrulygroundedin theneedsoflocalcommunities.
David Oliphant Co-founder & CEO Teach
Fundraising for social impact is also a big adjustment compared to selling a service.
the Nation
Canyoushareanexampleofhow TeachtheNationisworkingtobreak downthewallsofsegregationin communitiescreatedbythe apartheidregime?
TeachtheNationisaddressingthe legacyofapartheidbyworkingin under-resourcedschoolsand communitieswhereovercrowded classrooms,alackofresources,and lowmotivationpersist.
WerecruitlocalleaderswithNQF level7qualificationsfromthese communitiestoserveasrolemodels, showingstudentswhatispossible.Asa childfromabackgroundofdomestic violenceanddrugaddiction,Ishare mystoryofhopeasanexampleof overcomingbarriers.
Ourfellowshavestartedwomen's empowermentprograms,raised academicresults,andimpactedover 40,000learnersinfouryearsby developinglocalleaderstosolvelocal challenges.
Whatroledoyoubelievecommunity andyouthleadershipshouldplayin addressinghistoricalinjusticesand ensuringaccesstoqualityeducation inSouthAfrica?
Whileoutsidesupportisalways welcome,wemustprioritizethe capacity-buildingoflocalcommunities andtheirleaders.Theseindividuals haveadeepunderstandingofthe uniquechallengesandopportunities withintheircontextsandarewellpositionedtodevelopsolutionsthatare relevantandeffective.
Asasociety,wemustprioritizethe developmentofcommunityandyouth leadership,recognizingthevitalrole theyplayinbuildingamorejustand equitableSouthAfrica.Through targetedinvestmentsineducation, capacitybuilding,andleadership development,wecanunlockthefull potentialofourcommunitiesandpave thewayforabrighterfutureforall.
Whatchallengeshaveyoufacedin transitioningfromyourroleatOld MutualInvestmentGroupto becomingafull-timeCEOofTeach theNation,andhowhaveyou overcomethem?
Inafor-profitenvironment,youcan easilyinspiresomeoneandmotivatea partnershipthrougharesearchproject documentthatreflectsapositive financialreturn.Butinthenon-profit space,youneedtoinspireandmotivate forsocialimpactratherthanfinancial return.
Ihavetonowinspireacountryanda groupoffellowsaroundthechangewe wanttoseeatthecountrylevel,and thatlanguageandwayofbeingwere anadjustmentforme.Fundraisingfor socialimpactisalsoabigadjustment comparedtosellingaservice.
Canyoudescribeaparticularly rewardingexperienceorsuccess storythathascomeoutofTeachthe Nation'sprograms?
Itisrewardingthatin2020,people thoughtwewerecrazywhenwe wantedtolaunchTeachtheNation,and theythoughtourgoalsintermsofthe numberofrecruitsweretoobigto recruit100peoplein2021;we achievedrecruiting102recruitsin 2021.
Fastforward:wehavemostlyachieved allofourgoals,andnowprincipalsare comingtousforsupportandwantus torecruitfellowsfortheirschoolsand alsosupportthemwithwhole-school improvement.
Wealsohaveapartnershipwiththe NationalDepartmentofBasic Education,andtheywanttopartner withustoexpandourprogram nationally
Cultivingan Innovation Mindset: The CEO's Role in Rede ning Leadership for the Digital Era
Cultivatinganinnovation
mindsethasbecomeacritical imperativeforCEOsacross industries.Thedigitalerademandsa fundamentalshiftinleadership approach,onethatembracescreativity, agility,andcontinuouslearning.Asthe stewardsoforganizationalcultureand strategy,CEOsplayapivotalrolein nurturinganenvironmentwhere innovationcanthrive.
Atitscore,aninnovationmindsetis aboutchallengingthestatusquo, embracingcalculatedrisks,and viewingfailuresasopportunitiesfor growth.It'saperspectivethatsees changenotasathreat,butasacatalyst forprogress.ForCEOs,instillingthis mindsetthroughouttheirorganization beginswiththeirownattitudesand behaviors.
Firstandforemost,CEOsmustleadby example.Thismeansdemonstratinga willingnesstoexperimentwithnew ideas,technologies,andbusiness models.Byactivelyengagingin innovationinitiativesandshowcasing opennesstonovelapproaches,CEOs sendapowerfulmessagetotheirteams abouttheimportanceofforwardthinking.
Creatingacultureofinnovationrequires morethanjustencouragement;itdemands structuralsupport.CEOsshouldworkto dismantlerigidhierarchiesandsilosthat canstiflecreativity.Instead,theyshould promotecross-functionalcollaborationand opencommunicationchannelsthatallow ideastoflowfreelyacrosstheorganization. Thismightinvolveimplementingplatforms forideasharing,hostingregularinnovation workshops,orcreatingdedicated innovationteams.
Anothercrucialaspectoffosteringan innovationmindsetisredefininghow successandfailureareperceivedwithinthe organization.Traditionalmetricsofsuccess oftenfocusonshort-termgainsandrisk avoidance.However,trueinnovation requiresawillingnesstotakecalculated risksandlearnfromfailures.CEOsshould establishaculturewhere"smartfailures" arecelebratedaslearningopportunities ratherthanpunished.Thisshiftin perspectivecanencourageemployeesto thinkmoreboldlyandpursuepotentially groundbreakingideas.
Inthedigitalera,stayingaheadof technologicaltrendsisparamount.CEOs mustprioritizecontinuouslearning,both forthemselvesandtheirorganizations. Thismightinvolvepartneringwithtech startups,attendingindustryconferences,or implementingongoingdigitalskills trainingprogramsforemployees.By emphasizingtheimportanceofadaptability andlifelonglearning,CEOscanensure theirorganizationsremainagileintheface oftechnologicaldisruption.
Data-drivendecision-makingisanother hallmarkofinnovativeleadershipinthe digitalage.CEOsshouldchampiontheuse ofanalyticsandAItoinformstrategic choicesanddriveinnovation.Thisinvolves notonlyinvestingintherighttechnologies butalsofosteringadata-literateworkforce capableofleveragingthesetools effectively
However,whileembracingdigital transformationiscrucial,CEOsmustalso
Adap ng to Change
rememberthehumanelementof innovation.Cultivatinganinnovation mindsetmeanscreatinganenvironment wherediverseperspectivesarevaluedand whereemployeesfeelpsychologically safetovoiceunconventionalideas.This requiresaleadershipstylethatis empathetic,inclusive,andfocusedon empoweringindividualsatalllevelsofthe organization.
Sustainabilityandsocialresponsibilityare increasinglyimportantconsiderationsin theinnovationlandscape.ForwardthinkingCEOsrecognizethattrue innovationmustaddressnotonlybusiness challengesbutalsobroadersocietaland environmentalissues.Byaligning innovationeffortswithsustainability goals,CEOscandrivemeaningfulchange whilealsotappingintonewmarket opportunities.
Lastly,CEOsmustbepreparedto challengetheirownassumptionsand businessmodels.Thedigitalerahas shownthatevenwell-established industriescanbedisruptedvirtually overnight.Leaderswhocultivatean innovationmindsetarethosewho constantlyquestionthestatusquo,even whentheircurrentstrategiesare successful.Thismightinvolveexploring newrevenuestreams,reimagining customerexperiences,oreven cannibalizingexistingproductlinesin favorofmoreinnovativesolutions.
Inconclusion,cultivatinganinnovation mindsetisnotaone-timeeffortbutan ongoingjourney.ItrequiresCEOsto redefinetheirroleasleaders,becoming facilitatorsofcreativityandcatalystsfor change.Byembracingrisk,fostering collaboration,prioritizinglearning,and aligninginnovationwithbroadersocietal goals,CEOscanpositiontheir organizationsattheforefrontofthedigital revolution.Indoingso,theynotonly ensurethelong-termsuccessoftheir businessesbutalsocontributetoshapinga moreinnovativeandsustainablefuturefor all.
CEO
HedleyLewis
CHOCChildhoodCancer FoundationSA.
Leadershipstyleemphasizesopenness,active listening,andteamwork,ensuringthatCHOC continuestomakeasignificantdifferenceinthe livesofcountlessfamiliesacrossSouthAfrica.
HedleyLewisservesastheCEOofCHOC,theChildhood CancerFoundationSouthAfrica.Withaprofoundcommitmenttotransforminglives,Hedleyleadsadedicatedteam providingcomprehensivesupporttochildrenandteenagers diagnosedwithcancerorlife-threateningblooddisorders.
Drawingfromhisextensiveexperienceinthecorporate world,particularlyhisimpactfultenureatVodacom,Hedley ispassionateaboutfosteringcollaborationandaligning CHOC'smissionwithglobalhealthinitiatives. Let us learn more about his journey:
InceptionStoryoftheBrand
In1977,SisterSadieCutlandandherhusbandJulian experiencedalife-alteringmomentwhentheirfirstborn, Hillary,wasdiagnosedwithaplasticanemiaatthetender ageofseven.Aftertwoyearsofnavigatingthischallenging journey,Sadiefoundherselfleavingthehospitalwardone dayfeelingparticularlyisolated.Despitethepassageof timesinceHillary'sdiagnosis,shehasyettoencounter anotherparentfacingsimilarcircumstances.
ItwasduringthismomentofreflectionthatProfessor MacDougalplantedtheseedofanideainSadie'smind:the notionofformingasupportgroupforparentsinJohannesburgwhoweregrapplingwithsimilarsituations.Encouragedbythisidea,Sadieralliedagroupofvolunteersand parentsin1979toestablishwhatwouldbecomeknownas CHOC,asupportnetworkaimedatsharingexperiencesand providingmuch-neededsupporttooneanother
TheethosofCHOCwasdeeplyrootedinthepersonal experiencesofitsfounders,whohadtraversedvarious
emotionaljourneysalongsidetheirchildrenbattlingcancer orlife-threateningblooddisorders.Thisspiritofcaringand sharingwasfosteredwithinthegroup,whereindividuals openlysharedtheirexperienceswithoutreservationand withanabundanceoflove.
Fromthesehumblebeginnings,CHOCemergedasthe preeminentchildhoodcancerorganizationinSouthAfrica, extendingcomprehensivesupporttothousandsoffamilies affectedbychildhoodcancer Today,CHOCstandsasa registerednon-profitorganizationcomprisedofdedicated individualswhoarecommittedtochampioningthewellbeingofchildrenandteenagersdiagnosedwithcanceror life-threateningblooddisorders,aswellastheirfamilies.
Recognizedinternationallyforitsefforts,CHOCendeavors toprovidearangeoflife-changingsupportprogramsto boththeaffectedchildrenandtheirfamiliesfromthe momentofdiagnosisonward.Byofferingpsychosocial, emotional,andpracticalsupport,CHOCcomplementsthe effortsofthemedicalcommunity,ensuringthatfamilies receiveholisticcareduringtheirchallengingjourney.
Whatinitiallybeganasasimpledesireforsupporthassince blossomedintoalifelineformanyinneed,underscoring CHOC'svitalroleinthelivesofcountlessfamiliesfacing childhoodcancer
LeadershipinCHOC'sCollaborativeEfforts
Hedleyisproudtoleadadiverseanddedicatedteamof seasonedprofessionalswhocollectivelystrivetomakea profoundimpactonthelivesofpatientsandfostermeaningfulcollaborationswithawiderangeofstakeholders. Thisinclusiveapproachensuresthatpatientsreceive comprehensivesupportfromtheSouthAfricanNational DepartmentofHealth,localhealthdepartments,hospital administrators,medicalprofessionals,volunteers,donors, andpartnernon-governmentalorganizations(NGOs).
Theteam'sconcertedeffortsarefocusedonproviding holisticsupporttochildrenandteenagersdiagnosedwith cancerorlife-threateningblooddisorders,aswellastheir families,throughouttheirjourneys.Byworkingclosely withstakeholders,CHOCaimstowalkalongsidethese individuals,offeringguidance,assistance,andcomfort everystepoftheway
Moreover,HedleyiscommittedtosupportingCHOC's alignmentwiththeWorldHealthOrganization,particularly instrivingtoachievetheWHO-GICC's60%Goalfor Africaby2030.ThisdedicationunderscoresCHOC's commitmenttoadvancingglobalhealthinitiativesand ensuringthatnochildorfamilyfacesthechallengesof canceralone.
EmpoweringSocialImpact
Hedley'sdedicationtoservingonvariousboardsand fosteringstakeholderengagementinpursuitofsharedgoals forsocialchangeisdeeplyrootedinhisformativeexperienceatVodacom.Itwasduringhistenureatthecompany thathewitnessedthetransformativepowerofcorporate socialpartnerships,anexperiencethatprofoundlyinfluencedhisfutureendeavors.
AsamemberoftheVodacomFoundation,Hedleyhadthe privilegeofdirectlyobservinghowstrategicpartnerships couldpositivelyimpactlives.Thisfirsthandexposurehada profoundimpactonhim,solidifyinghisresolvetoleadan organizationcapableofprovidingvital,life-changing supporttothoseinneed.
CollaborationFacilitatedBetweenCHOCandDepartmentofHealth
CHOC'slongstandingandfruitfulpartnershipwithThe NationalDepartmentofHealth,unitedbytheshared missionofsupportingpatientsandfamiliesthrough challengingtimes,fostershopeforeverychildtoovercome theirdiagnosis.
OneofHedley'scorepassionsliesinbuildingconnections acrossdiversesectors,includingthemedicalcommunity andcivilsociety.HisaimistoalignCHOC'sobjectives withthoseofotherorganizations,ensuringthatchildren benefitfromthesecollaborativeefforts.Aprimeexampleof thissuccessistheongoingpartnershipwiththeSouth AfricanAssociationofPaediatricHaematologyOncology (SAAPHO).
Hedley is grateful for his supportive family, which helps make this balance possible. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of taking care of his health through regular exercise and adequate sleep, which are essential for his overall well-being.
Hedley'sroleextendsbeyondCHOCasheservesasthe ChairofChildhoodCancerInternationalAfricaandaSIOP AfricaBoardmember–COleadPatientUserNetwork. Thesepositionsaffordhimtheopportunitytosharethe valuableinsightsgainedfromCHOCwithAfricancountries thatmayhavelessdevelopedinfrastructure,thereby enhancingsupportforchildhoodcanceracrossthecontinent.
Hefirmlybelievesintranscendingbordersandoceans, viewingthemnotasbarriersbutasgatewaystoimproved survivalratesforchildrenandteenagerswithcancer Hedley'svisionunderscorestheimportanceofglobal collaborationinachievingthesharedgoaloftransforming livesaffectedbycancer
MotivationandResilienceWhileLeadingOrganization
Hedleydrawsmotivationandresiliencefrommultiple sources.Foremostamongtheseiswitnessingthetangible, positiveimpactCHOCcreatesinthelivesofchildren, teenagers,andtheirfamilies.Thisongoingtransformation servesasaprofoundsourceofinspiration,drivinghimto continuehisefforts.
Additionally,thecollaborativepartnershipsforgedwith entitiessuchastheNationalDepartmentofHealthand hospitals,alongsidetheirdedicatedmedicalteams, reinforcethesignificanceofCHOC'smission.Witnessing thededicationandoptimismoftheseprofessionalsintheir tirelesspursuittoassistyoungpatientsfurtherfuelshis determinationforsuccess.
Moreover,personalsatisfactionplaysacrucialrolein sustainingHedley'scommitmentandresilience.Despitethe inevitablechallengesanddifficultrealitiesinherentinthe field,theknowledgethathisworkcontributestoimproving thequalityoflifeforthoseinneedremainsdeeplygratifying.Thissenseofpurposeandtheprivilegeofmakinga meaningfuldifferenceeverydayserveasconstantsources ofstrengthandmotivationforHedley.
KeyLessonsLearned
DuringhistenureatVodacom,hewasguidedbymentors, advisors,andadeepcommitmenttocreatingmeaningful change.Theleadershiplessonshelearnedduringthistime continuetoinformhisdailylifeandprofessionalpractices. Heemphasizesthecriticalroleateamplaysasthefundamentalbuildingblockofanyorganization.Drawingfrom theZulugreeting"Sawubona,"whichmeans"Iseeyou,"
Hedleyunderscorestheimportanceofacknowledgingand validatingindividuals,recognizingtheirrolesasteam members,andappreciatingtheircontributions.
Hedleydescribeshisleadershipstyleasoneofopenness andsharedgoals.Toensurethesuccessoftheorganization, hevaluesactivelisteningtothethoughtsandchallengeshis teammembersface,believingthataleaderwhodoesnot listencanonlyadvancesofar.Thisapproachfostersa collaborativeandinclusiveenvironment,whichisessential fordrivingtheorganizationforward.
MostPressingChallenges
WhileCHOCprovidesvitalsupporttomany,avastnumber ofchildrenandfamiliesstillremaininneed.Hedley continuestohopeforgreaterawarenessoftheEarly WarningSignsofChildhoodCancer,whichwouldleadto timelyinterventionsanddiagnoses.Heacknowledgesthat delaysinearlycancerdetectionandtransportconstraints aresignificantbarriersthatfamiliesface.
Additionally,culturalbeliefsandstigmasurroundingcancer presentchallenges,necessitatingabalancebetweentimely treatmentforthechildorteenagerandsensitivitytothe family'sneedsandbeliefs.
Toaddresstheseissues,CHOC'sATEProgrammetrains nursesandretirednursestopromotecancerawarenessand earlydetectionincommunities,aimingtoincreaseknowledgeandsurvivalrates.Recognizingthatfamilieslivingfar fromtreatmentcenters,particularlyinruralareas,often strugglewithtransportationandfinancialconstraints, CHOCprovidescomprehensivesupporttoallpatients.This supportincludespsychosocialassistance,accommodation, andtransportduringtreatment,ensuringthatfamilies receivethehelptheyneedthroughouttheirjourney
MostVulnerableChildren
CHOC’sAwarenessTrainingandEducation(ATE) Programmeisanationallycoordinatedinitiativedesigned totrainhealthcareprofessionals,healthcareworkers, traditionalhealthpractitioners,andcommunitiesonthe SiluanEarlyWarningSignsofchildhoodcancer This programalsoimpartsessentialdiseaseknowledgeandaims todemystifymythsandbeliefsthatstigmatizechildhood cancer.
OneofthekeycomponentsoftheATEProgrammeisits outreacheffortsinruralareas.Bygoingintothese
The true test of compliance is not just meeting regulatory requirements but exceeding them with ethical excellence.
Securing Your Ideas: Why Using a VPN is a Must for CEOs?
Astechnologyadvancesand
digitalcontentbecomesmore available,it'seasierforpeople tocopyanddistributecreativeworks withoutpermission.Ontopofthatare cybersecuritythreatsloomingatevery corneroftheInternet.
Cyberattackswerethetopthreats amongbusinessesworldwide,leading thelistat34percentin2023.Business leadersknowtheharmanddisruptiona cyberincidentcancauseinthe company
However,manymaynotfullygrasp theextentandlonger-termimpactsof thethreat.Besideslosingcustomer dataanddealingwithrulesand reputationissuesafteracyberincident, companiesalsosufferthelessvisible costsofanattack—intellectual propertytheft.
Withthatinmind,protectingyour valuableideasisimperative.One powerfultoolthatorganizational leadersorchiefexecutiveofficers (CEOs)canuseisaVirtualPrivate Network(VPN).Here,we'lldiscuss VPNs'criticalfunctioninmaximizing onlinesecurityandwhyCEOsmust adoptthissecurityservice.
Butbeforedelvingintothat,let's understandCEOs'crucialroleina company'scybersecurityandthe challengesoftenencountered.
CybersecurityChallengesCEOs CommonlyFace
TheInternetoffersbusinessleaders immenseopportunitiestolaunchand growtheirventures.Whetherthrough socialmediaore-commerceplatforms, thepossibilitiestoconnectwith partners,employees,suppliers,and customersarecountless.
Ascompaniesrelyincreasinglyon digitalinfrastructure,CEOsgrapple withmanycybersecuritychallenges
thatcanharmthebusiness'soperations, bottomline,andreputation.
CEOs'topconcernsforcyberrisks
APwCsurveyrevealedthat58percent ofCEOsviewcyberattacksasa substantialthreattotheirbusinesses. Ofthosesurveyed,62percentare mainlyconcernedwithdisruptionsin thesaleofproductsandservicesto customers.
Salescanbemessedupsignificantly whenyourbusinessgetshitbya ransomwareattackpartiallyoreven completely.Likewise,someone stealingyourideasorinventionscan slowdowninnovationandproduct development.
Thevulnerabilityofexecutivesto cyberattacks
Astheorganization'shighest-ranking executive,CEOsprimarilyhave unrestrictedaccesstocompanydata, makingthemaprimetargetfor hackers.
Generally,executivesarewellprotectedwhileusingthecompany's network.Butthatsecurityoften vanishesoncetheyleavethepremises. There'susuallylittletozeroprotection overtheirhomenetworks,personal devices,andaccounts.
Onesurveyfoundthat58percentof US-basedcybersecurityleadersdidn't covercyberthreatpreventionfor executivesandtheirdigitalassetsin theirstrategiesandbudgets.
Asaresult,cybercriminalsarealtering theirtactics,suchascompletely bypassingthecorporatenetwork. Instead,theyattempttobreacha companybydirectlytargeting executivesathomeandthroughtheir personalonlineaccounts.
Commontacticshackersemployto targetCEOs
Hackershavediscoveredthatmost CEOsareunprotectedwhennotusing theirworkaccountsordevices.They commonlyusethefollowingtacticsto targetexecutiveswithprivileged accesstothecompany'shighly sensitivedataandsuccessfullyexecute abreach:
• Usestolenpasswordsfromthe darkwebtogainunauthorized accesstotheexecutive'spersonal emailandgetholdofthe company'sfiles.
• ImpersonatetheCEOtosendfake emailcommunicationsto employeesrequestinganurgent wiretransferoffunds.
• Utilizesocialengineeringtotrick executivesintogivingaway sensitiveinformationor committingsecuritymistakes.
• Infectoneofthefamilymember's devicestolaunchasecondary attackontheexecutive.
HowVPNsCanHelpExecutives EnhanceCybersecurity?
AsaCEO,havingextensiveaccessto organization-widedataputsyouatrisk forcybersecurityvulnerabilities. Consideringthis,executive cybersecurityprotectionshouldbepart ofthecompany-widesecuritystrategy.
VirtualPrivateNetwork(VPN) solutionsarepowerfultoolsto minimizethecyberrisksyoucould face.AVPNbuildsanencryptedtunnel betweenthedeviceandtheserver. Yourdatagoesthroughthatsecure tunnel,makingitimpossiblefor anyonetoreadwithoutthedecryption key.
IthidesyourInternetProtocol(IP address)andonlineactivitiesfrom externalentities.ThisIPaddress concealmentprotectsyourpersonal
andcompanyinformationfromspecific attacksandunauthorizedaccess attempts.Asaresult,itwillbemore challengingforhackerstosteal personalandcompany-widedata.
Moreover,VPNsallowsecureremote accesstoorganizationnetworks.This allowsyouandothersinthecompany toworkfromanywherewhilekeeping thebusiness'sintellectualproperty privateandsecure.
EssentialVPNStrategiesEveryCEO MustKnow
Arobust,strategicallyplannedVPN willensureyourhomeandcompany networksremainprivateandsecure. Remember,hastilyinstalledVPN solutionscanresultinnumerous securityvulnerabilitiesandrisks. ConsiderthesestrategiestouseVPNs inyourorganizationeffectively:
SelecttherightVPN
solution
DifferentkindsofVPNscaterto specificneedsandsituations.Sincenot everyVPNisthesame,selectingthe rightoneiscrucialtofortifyyour defenses.BeforeinvestinginanyVPN solution,takethetimetodetermine yourspecificrequirements.
Thesecuritylevelandflexibility featuresitoffersareessentialcriteriain theselectionprocess.Since cybersecurityisyourprimaryconcern, chooseaVPNthatemploysrobust securityandencryptionprotocols. AES-256isthestandardforencryption strengthasit'svirtuallyunbreakableby hackers.
TheVPN'scompatibilitywithyour devicesandoperatingsystemsis important,too.Supposeyou're selectingaVPNsolutionforyour NVIDIASHIELDdevice.Usethe appropriateNVIDIAShieldVPNto experiencesmoothandsecure streamingonyourdevice.
EquipemployeesonVPNusage
ThebestVPNwon'tprotectyou enoughifyouandyouremployees don'tknowhowtouseitproperly.
Recognizingthehumanelementin cybersecurityisequallycritical. Clickingonphishingemailsand employingweakpasswordsaresome humanerrorsthatcommonlymakea company'snetworkvulnerable.It's worthnotingthateventop-level executivescanbecomevictimsofsuch attacks.
Employeescanbethemostsusceptible linkincybersecurityiftheyarenot adequatelyequippedwithVPNbest practices.Trainemployeesonthe significanceofVPNs,howtoinstall andconfigurethemontheirdevices, andthesafestwaystoconnecttothe companynetwork.
EnforceVPNsecuritypolicies
Thereshouldbeclearsecuritypolicies ontheacceptableuseofVPNs,from accessingcorporatenetworksremotely totransferringcompanydataand reportingsuspectedcybersecurity incidents.
It'salsocrucialtospecifywhatdata andappscanbeusedandhowto secureVPNlogininfoanddevices. Thepolicymustbedocumented,and everyuserconnectingtothenetwork mustreadandcomplywithit.
Monitor
VPNperformance
RegularmonitoringoftheVPN performanceiscriticalformaintaining thesecurityandefficiencyofthe company'snetworkinfrastructure.It letsyoudetectandaddresspotential issues,ensuringaccesstoessential resourcesanddatawithoutdelaysor interruptions.
Downtimecanslowproductivityand
disruptdailyworkoperations,so immediateresponsetosecuritythreats iscrucial.Forinstance,tools,suchas VPNlogs,reports,andalerts,canhelp youfindvulnerabilitiesinthenetwork andtakeproactivestepstoboost cybersecuritymeasures.
EliminateVPNsecurityrisks
Whenusedcorrectly,VPNsaresecure andreliabletoolsfororganizations. However,poorlyconfiguredor unverifiedVPNservicescanexpose yourcompanytovulnerabilities. Investinginapaidserviceisoneofthe bestwaystominimizeVPNsecurity risks.
UnlikethefreeVPNservices,apaid providerhasadequateinfrastructureto keepupwiththeevolvingcyberthreats facingyouandyourbusiness.You'll alsogetbetterspeedswithunlimited bandwidth,robustsecurityfeatures, anddependablecustomersupport.
AdditionalCybersecurityMeasures CEOsCanTake
InvestinginaVPNisoneoftheeasiest waystomitigatecybersecurityrisks. Yetmoresophisticatedcyberattacksare increasinglytargetingexecutives.
Therefore,additionalsecuritymeasures areessentialtobolsterexecutive cybersecurityprotectionandenhance capabilitiestodefendagainstthemost advancedattacks.
BesidesastrongVPNstrategy, advancedsecurityprotocolsareequally vitaltostrengthenyourhomenetwork andmitigatethecyberriskscommonly posedtoexecutives.
Sincehomenetworksareusuallyless securethancorporatenetworks, cybercriminalsfrequentlytargetthem. Amongthebestpracticesyoucan implementtoboostyourhomenetwork securityinclude:
• Secureaccountswithmultifactor authentication.
• Ensureallyourdevicesonthe networkhavethelatestsecurity updates.
• UtilizesecureWiFiconnections withstrongencryption.
• Restricttheuseofthe administratoraccount.
• Unplugandsafelystoreexternal storagewhenyou'renotusingit.
BoostCyberResilienceAcrossYour Organization
Protectionagainstevolvingthreatsis nolongeroptional.It'samustforsmall businessesandlargecorporationsalike totakeproactivemeasures.
AstheCEO,youhaveanimmense responsibilitytosettheorganization's strategy,fromsecuringintellectual propertyandcybersecurityto distributingresourcesaccordingly. Thatinvolvesmorethanpreventing cyberattacksanddetecting vulnerabilitiesearly.Equallycriticalis reducingtheirimpactsandensuring continuityofoperations.
Beingacyber-resilientcompanyhelps minimizefinanciallossand reputationaldamage.Butit'sessential tonotethateffectivecyberresilienceis acollaborativeapproach,fromthe executivestoalltheorganization's staff,partners,suppliers,andclients.
Julia Sotirianakos CEO
JULIA Sotirianakos ACareerof
Care
Reach For A Dream
How Understanding People Can Change Lives!
Whenwehaveapassionfor helpingothers,wepossess thepowertomakea meaningfuldifferenceintheirlives.By takingaction,wecandemonstratethe tangibleimpactthatoursupportcan haveonthosewhoneeditmost.
Imaginethejoyonsomeone'sface whentheyreceiveawarmmealafter strugglingwithhunger,orthereliefof afamilywhocannowaffordessential medicalcarewiththehelpofyour donation.Thesemomentsofsupport canbelife-changing,providingnot onlyimmediateassistancebutalso hopeforabrighterfuture.
"My passion for caring was put into practice when, at 21 years old, I started working as a rape counselor at Wits Campus," saysJulia Sotirianakos,CEOofReachForA DreamFoundation.Thisearly experiencesetthestageforacareer dedicatedtohelpingothersandmaking apositiveimpactontheirlives.
HerjourneyledhertoSADAG,where sheassistedindividualsstrugglingwith
SouthAfrica'sInspiringCEOsMakinganImpactin2024
depression,showingthemthathelp wasavailable.Herdrivetosupport othersanddemonstratetheprofound impactofsuchassistancehasbeena constantthroughoutherlife.
Studyingpsychologyandobtaininga TraumaDiplomahavebeeninvaluable forJulia,enablinghertobetter understandthepeoplearoundher, includingcolleagues,andapplyher knowledgetoeverydaylife.Her diverseskillset,whichincludes marketingandfundraising coordination,hasallowedhertocreate amotivatedteamatReachForA DreamFoundation.
Thefoundation'smissionistobring hopetochildrenfightinglifethreateningdiseasesbyfulfillingtheir dreams.Juliaandherteamwitness firsthandthereliefandlightthese experiencesbringtothechildrenand theirlovedones,oftenservingasa catalystthatmotivatesthemto continuetheirfight."Inmycareer,I thriveonbuildingrelationshipsand networksthatcreateatippingpointto changesomeone'slife,"sheexplains. Herpassionformakingadifferenceis evidentintheworkshedoesatthe ReachForADreamFoundation.
Theimpactofthefoundation'sworkis far-reaching,notonlyforthechildren whosedreamsarefulfilledbutalsofor theirfamiliesandthewider community.Byprovidingmomentsof joyandhopeduringchallengingtimes, ReachForADreamFoundationhelps toalleviatesomeofthestressand anxietythatcomeswithfacingalifethreateningillness.
Underherleadership,thefoundation continuestogrowandexpandits reach,touchingthelivesofmore childreneachyear.Herdedicationto thecauseandherabilitytoforgestrong relationshipswithdonorsandpartners havebeeninstrumentalinthe organization'ssuccess.Forthose lookingtomakeadifferenceinthe livesofchildrenfightingfataldiseases, sheextendsaninvitation:"Ifyouwant tobeapartofwatchingthisprocess happenasaDonororPartner,please reachoutandconnectwithme."
Let us learn more about her profound journey:
ReachForADreamFoundation's Quest
“We make dreams come true for every child with a life-threatening illness by giving them hope to believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.”
Bydoingso,ReachForADreamseeks tohelpchildrenrediscovertheir laughterandfindthestrengthto overcometheirillnesses.The organization'svisionistoexpandits reachandcontinueprovidinghopeto childrenfightinglife-threatening illnessesbyfulfillingtheirdreamsand makingitsnationalprojectsaccessible toasmanychildrenaspossible.
Growingup,Iwasalwaysfinding myselfinroleswhereIcouldhelp peopleandcarefortheirneeds.
Thefoundationbelievesinthe transformativepowerofdreamsand encourageschildrentoharnesstheir aspirationstocombatlife-threatening illnesses.Bymakingdreamsareality,
ReachForADreamFoundationstrives toempowerchildrentolivebeyond theirillnessesandfindtheresilienceto overcomethechallengestheyface.
JourneyofHopeandHealing
Foroverthreedecades,Reachfora DreamFoundationhasbeensteadfast initscommitmenttoalleviatingthe crushingburdenoflife-threatening illnessesonsickchildrenandtheir families.Byprovidingtheopportunity forchildrentopursuetheirgreatest wishes,thefoundationfostersasense ofhopeandresilienceinthefaceof adversity Attheheartofitsmissionis theempowermentofchildrentouse theirdreamsasacatalystforfighting life-threateningillnessesandinspiring courage.
Wethriveonbringinghopetochildren fightingdeadlydiseasesbyallowingthem toexperiencetheirdreams.ereliefand lightthisbringsthechildren(andthose aroundthem)canbeacatalyst,spurring themotivationtheyneedtocontinue fighting.
Thefoundation'sscopeofimpact extendstochildrenbetweentheagesof 3and18,whohavebravelybattled illnessessuchascancer,cysticfibrosis, musculardystrophy,kidneyfailure, blooddisorders,andheartconditions. Byfulfillingtheirdreams,Reachfora DreamFoundationbringsjoy,laughter, andarenewedsenseofpurposeto theseyoungwarriorsandtheir families.
Theorganization'smultifaceted approachinvolvesempoweringits teamtofacilitatemarketing, networking,andidentifying opportunitiestograntthesechildren
theirdreamwishes.Thisisachieved throughthecoordinationofeffortswith donorsandpartners,directingpledges toenabletherealizationofthese dreams.
Whilefulfillingdreamsremainsthe foundation'scoremandate,italso offersadditionalprogramsdesignedto enhancethelivesofthesechildren. TheseinitiativesincludeDream Fulfillment,DreamRooms,Outings, LaughterHeroes,andVirtualReality experiences,allaimedatbringing comfort,joy,andasenseofnormalcy tothosewhoneeditmost.
FulfillingtheDreamsofChildren
Julia'sroleatReachForADreamis multifaceted,encompassingadiverse rangeoftasksthatcontributetothe fulfillmentofachild'sdream.Her responsibilitiesincludeattendingtothe needsofdreamers,speakingwith donors,forgingnewconnections, collaboratingwithBoardMembers, EXCO,andstakeholders,developing theorganization'sbrand,andmanaging projectsthatbringdreamstolife.The foundation'smissiontomakedreams cometrueisadreamjob.
Witharichhistoryspanning35years, theorganizationhasbeenanalarmof hopeforchildrenacrossthecountry Thesechildrenareunderimmense pressuretocopewiththeirmedical conditionsandareindireneedof encouragement.ReachForADream offersthemamagicalmomentto regaintheirchildhood,whichisoften losttoillness.
OnJuly7,1988,theorganizationmade itsfirstdreamcometrue,treatinglittle JCSteinmantoabirthdaycelebration withponyridesandamotorcycle.This markedthebeginningofthejourneyof dreamfulfillment.Theorganization wasofficiallynamedReachForA Dreamin1991,withitscorepurpose definedas"fulfillingthedreamsof childrenofanyrace,color,andcreed.
Julia'sProjects
EmpoweringChildrenThrough InnovativeCampaigns
Juliaelaboratedonthevariousprojects undertakenbyReachforaDream, highlightingtheorganization's commitmenttosupportingchildrenand adolescentsdiagnosedwithlife-
Ihavethedriveto helppeoplenowand showthemthe impactthissupport canhaveontheir lives.
threateningillnesses.Theseinitiatives notonlybringjoyandcomforttothe childrenbutalsoinspirehopeand resilience.
Campaigns:
● SlipperDay:SlipperDayisa simpleyetimpactfulwaytosupport ReachforaDream.Bypurchasingan R10wristbandandwearingslippers outside,individualscontributetothe organization'smission.Thiscampaign notonlyraisesfundsbutalsoraises awarenessaboutthechallengesfaced bychildrenwithlife-threatening illnesses.
● DreamRiders:TheDream Ridersareadedicatedteamofcyclists whoparticipateintheTelkom94.7 CycleChallengeeachyear.Their tirelesseffortsaremotivatedbythe thoughtoftheReachforaDream children,whosedreamstheyaimto fulfill.Theteam'sperseveranceand determinationserveasatestamentto thepowerofthehumanspirit.
In , opportunities are as vast as SOUTH AFRICA our landscapes. The key is to them UNLOCK with and . INNOVATION PERSEVERANCE
