Eswee Vorster Execu ve Manager & CIO FlySafair
Eswee Vorster
The CIO Whose Journey Took Flight with FlySafair
C O N T E N T S Eswee rsterVo
The CIO Whose Journey Took Flight with FlySafair
JESSICA DEWHURST
GUR GEVA STUART KENT
Forging a Cutting-Edge Digital Identity for an Enhanced Financial Prospect
A Champion for Justice in South Africa A R T I C L E S
Building Dreams, Leading Change
GROWING AS A LEADER!
Leadership is a Skill to Cultivate, Not Just a Job Responsibility
LEADERSHIP 2.0!
Rethinking Traditional Notions of Authority and Titles
Global Change Agents
Makingadifferenceintheworldisnota pieceofcake;itrequirescuriosity,goals, passion,and,ofcourse,hardwork. Reflectingonthepast,wecanimaginethehardships ourancestorsenduredwithouttheconvenienceof telephones,theluxuryofelectricity,ortheavailability ofsanitarynapkinsforwomen.Itisindeeda distressingthought.
However,inthetwenty-firstcentury,wehaveaccess tonearlyeverything,includingtheabilitytoconnect withsomeonelivingthousandsofkilometersawayon adifferentcontinent,allowingustoseethem, conversewiththem,andsharelaughter.Itisdefinitely aprivilegetobeborninthisera,butwhenwe considertheoriginsofthesedevelopments,itbecomes evidentthattheywereformedfromsomeone'sdream, notion,drivetosolveaproblem,orpassion.And why?Tomakeadifference!
Thedreams,passions,desirestosolveproblems,and ideasofindividualsarenowmakingasignificant impact,andourlatesteditionofTheCIOWorld, "Leading the Way: 10 South African Business Leaders Making a Difference," strivestospotlightthese amazingindividualswhoarechangingtheworld. Theyarenotonlyachievingtheirpersonalgoals,but theyarealsofavorablyinfluencingsociety
Aswedelveintothebiographiesandnarrativesof theseexceptionalleaders,itbecomesevidentthatthey arenotjustshapingthefutureoftheirrespective businessesbutalsocontributingtotheoverall socioeconomicdevelopmentofSouthAfrica.Their unrelentingcommitmenttoinnovation,ethical businesspractices,andcommunityengagementserves asaninspirationtousall.
Theseleadersareshiningexamplesofwhatcanbe accomplishedwhenone'sgoalsandpassionsare channeledtowardscreatingabrighterandmore promisingfutureforeveryone.Inaworldwhere effectingchangemayseemlikeaninsurmountable task,theyshowusthatitispossible.
Haveagreatreadahead! CIO
Managing Editor
CoverStory
Eswee Vorster
The CIO Whose Journey Took Flight with FlySafair
Leading the Way: 10 South African Business Leaders Making a Difference
Lifeisamagnificentadventure,anditsbeautyliesin theunpredictablemomentsthatshapeourdestinies. Justlikeawindingriver,ourjourneyisfilledwith unexpectedtwistsandturnsthatleadustoplaceswenever imagined.Thesesurprisesaretheessenceoflife,makingit athrillingandfulfillingride.
ForEswee,theworldofaviationchosehim,andhiscareer tookaturntowardtheskies.Withapassionforadventure andadeep-rootedfascinationforflight,hisaviationjourney hasbeennothingshortofextraordinary.
EsweeVorster,theChiefInformationOfficer(CIO)of FlySafair,whoseserendipitousjourneyfrome-commerce toaviationtechnologyhastransformedtheairline’sdigital landscapeandenrichedthecustomerexperience.
Eswee’scareerpathtookafascinatingturntowardsaviation whenFlySafairrecognisedhisexceptionale-commerceand productdevelopmentexpertise.Beforejoiningtheairline, hehadexploredvariousindustries,fromERPand telecommunicationstoe-commerce,which,intheearly 2000swasstillinitsinfancy.Itwasduringthistimethathe discoveredhispassionfortechnologyandinnovation, particularlyintherealmofproductdevelopmentandecommerce.
In2015,FlySafairsoughtEswee’stalentstoenhancetheir e-commerceplatformsandcreatearobustwebsitethat wouldsetthestagefortheairline’sgrowth.Asitwasstillin itsearlystages,Esweefoundanidealenvironmenttowork hismagicandmakealastingimpact.Hisjourneywiththe airlinebeganwithafocusonbuildingitsdigitalpresence, andoverthepastnineyears,hisrolehasevolved,leading himtohiscurrentpositionastheinnovativeCIOof FlySafair.
Throughouthiscareer,Eswee’saffinityfortechnologyand innovationhasbeenthedrivingforcebehindhissuccess. Hisexpertisehasplayedapivotalroleintransforming FlySafair’sdigitallandscape,curatingaseamlessand enjoyablecustomerexperience.Byleveragingcutting-edge technologies,hehashelpedtopositiontheairlineasa leadingplayerintheaviationindustry,settingnew standardsforinnovationandcustomerengagement.
Let us delve deeper into his magnificent journey!
FlySafair’sJourney: Redefining Aviation Excellence
FlySafairembarkedonitsjourneyinOctober2014,likeany smallstart-up,withafocusonlayingastrongfoundation. Althoughtheairlinehasexperiencedtremendousgrowth sinceitsinception,itscoreprinciplesremainunwavering. Esweeandtheteamemphasisedataavailabilityasacrucial elementinbuildingtheairline,usingitasaguidetoensure theymakeinformeddecisions.
Fromtheverybeginning,FlySafairdistinguisheditself throughitsfocusonon-timeperformanceandhassle-free customerservice,principlesthathaveremainedcentralto theairline’sethos.Esweeattributesthedisciplined approachinstilledearlyonasasignificantfactorin achievingthislevelofconsistencyovertheyears.The company’sdedicationtoinnovationhasalsobeenapparent fromdayone,pushingtheboundariesandredefiningthe normsofgeneralairlineoperations.
Beyonditsfocusonexcellenceandinnovation,FlySafair hascultivatedavibrantanddynamicworkenvironment. Theteamconsistsofyoung,intelligent,andenergetic individualswhohavebeeninstrumentalinbuildingthe organisationandfosteringitsgrowth.Asharedsenseof responsibilityandawillingnesstorolluptheirsleeveshave beenkeycomponentstotheteam’sethos,whichhas enduredevenasFlySafairhasexpanded.
PioneeringConsumerAirlineBusinesswith TechnologicalIntegration
FlySafair,adivisionoftheesteemedSafair,hasundergone astrategicshifttowardsfocusingonitsconsumerairline business.WhileSafairhasarichhistoryprimarilycentred aroundcargoandleasing,FlySafairhasemergedasa vibrantforceintheconsumerairlinemarket.Sinceits inception,thebrandhasexperiencedremarkablegrowth, eveninthefaceofchallengingcircumstances.
OneofthekeyfactorscontributingtoFlySafair’ssuccessis itslow-costmodel,whichhasresonatedwithcustomers seekingaffordableandefficientairtravel.Additionally,the airlineplacesastrongemphasisonintegratingtechnology intoitsofferingstoenhancethecustomerexperience.By leveragingtechnology,FlySafairensuresthatitspassengers haveaccesstoseamlessanduser-friendlyservices,settingit apartinthecompetitiveaviationlandscape.
BridgingGapsandSpreadingtheLoveforFlying
Withalegacydatingbackto1965,Safairhaslongbeena prominentplayerinthecargoandleasingsector The wealthofknowledgeandexpertiseheldbytheSafairteam playedapivotalroleinpropellingFlySafairtosuccess. Overthepastnineyearsthelow-costpassengerpartofthe businesshasallbuteclipsedtheSafairbusinessof yesteryear.
Whatsetsitapartisthepassionforflyingthatthebrandhas infusedintotheaviationspace,inadditiontoitspioneering low-costmodel,whichisstillrelativelynewand misunderstoodinSouthAfrica.Beingthefirsttointroduce thiscustomisableticketconcepttotheSouthAfrican market,FlySafairhasmadeairtravelmoreaccessibleand affordableforanewaudience.
Theairline’sdedicationtoachievingaccessibilityand affordabilityhasbeenrealisedthroughinitiativeslikeits renownedbirthdaysales,whichhavegarnerednationwide attention.Theseeffortshavetouchedthelivesofcustomers whohadneverexperiencedflyingbefore,nowexcitedto shareinFlySafair’sloveforaviation.
Moreover,FlySafairhasrisentothechallengepresentedby theCovidpandemic,endeavouringtoclosethemarketgap leftbyindustryclosures.Byincreasingflightfrequencies andexpandingdestinations,theairlinehasmadesignificant stridesinmakingairtravelmorefeasibleandconvenient fortravellers,evenextendingitsreachtoneighbouring countries.
DeliveringExcellencetoCustomers
AstheCIOatFlySafair,Esweeoverseestwocritical componentsthatareinstrumentalindrivingtheairline’s success.
Cover
TheITteamfocusesoninternaloperations,managing essentialITservicessuchasnetworkinfrastructure,hosting, anddesktopsupport.Theyensurethesmoothrunningofthe business’sinternalsystems,allowingtheorganisationto functionefficiently
Ontheotherhand,theInnovationteamholdsasignificant emphasiswithinthecompany.Thisteamisresponsiblefor everytouchpointwheresystems,applications,orprocesses arelinkedtotheairline.Fromticketbookingtoboarding systemsatairports,technicalmaintenancesystems,flight operations,andpilot-facingapplications—theInnovation teamplaysacrucialroleinmanagingandoptimisingthese processes.Moreover,theyanalyseandleveragedatato informmajorbusinessdecisions,influencingtheairline’s strategicdirection.
Esweeandhisteam’sdiverseportfolioincludesimproving internalprocessesandsystems,aimingforenhanced organisationalefficiency Theirfocusextendstodesigning technologyandsystemsthatcatertobothinternaland externalcustomers,ensuringthebestpossibleexperience forpassengersandinternalstakeholdersalike.
SafetyandSimplicity
AtFlySafair,safetyisparamount,anditgovernsevery decisionmadewithintheairline.Adheringtotherulesset outbytheCivilAviationAuthorityensuresthatsafety standardsareconsistentlymet,bothforcustomersand withintheorganisation.Safetyisanelementthatisnever compromised,reflectingtheairline’sunwavering commitmenttothewell-beingofallstakeholders.
FlySafairdistinguishesitselfinAfricathroughitsemphasis onsimplicity Withaclearfocusonfivekey pillars—managingcosts,customersatisfaction,hassle-free travel,on-timeperformance,andprioritisingits people—everydecisionalignswithatleastoneofthese pillars.Thisdisciplinedapproachensuresthattheairline staystruetoitsmissionandvalueswhilemaintaininga customer-centricapproach.
Regardingtechnology,FlySafairembracesdisruptive innovation.Thismeansthateverytechnologicalinitiativeis designedtodelightcustomersandsurprisecompetitors, keepingtheairlineonestepaheadintheindustry.Thespeed andurgencyoftechnologydeliveryarecriticalelementsof FlySafair’ssuccess,allowingthecompanytoseizeexciting opportunitiesandstayagileinarapidlyevolvingmarket.
Hefurtherstates, “Beyond that, our strategy is quite clear, no frills, no fuss, just great products which we always look to improve on. Our focus on future technology is of equal importance; with the current buzz around AI and Machine learning, we are keen to see how we can explore those principles to even further better the airline. My goal is to be a world-class technology company that just happens to fly!”
TechnologicalInnovationsElevating
FlySafair’sSuccess
FlySafairhasgarnerednumerousawards,andfroma technologicalperspective,oneofitsmostsignificantrecent achievementsisthesuccessfulimplementationofthe WhatsAppfeature—afirstforanyairlineglobally This additionhassignificantlyimprovedthehassle-freetravel pillar,especiallyconsideringtheextensiveusageof WhatsAppamongthedigitalpopulationinSouthAfrica.
TheWhatsAppchannel’sseamlessintegration automaticallyidentifiescustomersbasedontheircellphone numbers,retrievingtheirbookinginformationwithoutthe needforrepetitivedataentry.Furthermore,therecent updateallowingcustomerstopurchasebagsviathe platformisanotherglobalfirst.Thechannelhasprovento beanengagingandcomfortablewayforcustomersto interactwiththeairline.
Additionally,FlySafair’smobileapplicationandwebsite havebeenmajorsuccessesfromane-commercestandpoint. Theairlinehasmadecontinuousimprovementstothese platforms,settingacommendableinternalKPIof52 websitereleasesperyearandpushingforongoing optimisation.Notably,FlySafair’sfrauddepartmenthas achievedremarkableresults,maintainingimpressivelylow fraudnumbersdespiteofferingawiderangeofpayment methods.
Embracingacultureofconstantimprovement,FlySafair’s changeagentsremainfocusedonexploringnewavenues andstayinghungryforprogress.Theyprioritisegrowthand innovationtoelevatetheirservicescontinuously.
Finally,FlySafair’srenownedbirthdaysales,which garneredenormousattentioninthemarket,havebeena testamenttotheairline’stechnologicalprowess.
Successfullymanagingthehightrafficandensuringsmooth operationsduringtheseeventshasbeenacommendable feat,showcasingFlySafair’sabilitytohandlesignificant challengeswithefficiencyandexcellence.
Understandthe complexity of an airline opera on, manage your cost andunderstand the factors you need but are reliant on externalpar es. Start small and simple. Frillsaresimplydistrac ons that detract fromcustomer experience. The basics are veryimportant; focus on those. Fromatechnology perspec ve, do not overextend yourself, especially inthebeginning.
KeyInsightsforSuccess
Whileadvisingaspiringentrepreneurs, Esweesaid, “Understand the complexity of an airline operation, manage your cost and understand the factors you need but are reliant on external parties. Start small and simple. Frills are simply distractions that detract from customer experience. The basics are very important; focus on those. From a technology perspective, do not overextend yourself, especially in the beginning. Look at the absolute essentials and scale up as you grow. Once you have invested in some of the bigger technologies, it is extremely hard to get out of them.”
AccordingtoEswee,thekeytosuccessin thetechnologyspaceliesinbuildinga strongteamcomprisingoflike-minded andpassionateindividualswhofullyalign withthecompany’sstrategyandgoals. Empoweringtheseteammembersto excel,encouragingthemtotakerisksand learnfromfailures,andembarkingonthe journeytogetherareessentialelements forsuccess.
Esweestronglybelievesthatthepeople componentinthetechnologyindustryis oftenunderestimated.Havingateamof dedicatedandenthusiasticindividuals whowholeheartedlybuyintothe company’svisioncandriveinnovation andpropeltheorganisationtonew heights.
Inthechallengingaviationindustry, wheremarginsarenotoriouslylow, precisedecision-makingbecomes paramount.Esweeemphasisesthe importanceofbeingcriticalofthe resourcesandinvestmentsneeded, ensuringthateverydecisionmadeis strategicallyalignedwiththecompany’s objectives.
Leading the Way: 10 South African Business Leaders Making a Difference
GurGeva
Forging a Cu ng-Edge Digital Iden ty for an Enhanced Financial Prospect
A Chartered Accountant’s Technological Vision for Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Security!
Technologyisalwayschangingandcaptivatingthe mindsofthosewhoarecreativelyinclined.Every day,newadvancementsandinnovationsare reshapingthewaywelive,work,andinteractwiththe world.Fromthelatestgadgetstogroundbreakingsoftware andcutting-edgeresearch,technologyneverceasesto amazeus.Amidstthecharismaticprospectoftechnology andinnovation,whereadvancementsoccurswiftly,there emergeremarkableindividualsdistinguishedbytheir passion,vision,anddetermination.
GurGeva,theFounder,andCEOofiiDENTIFii,is undeniablyoneoftheseremarkableindividuals.Armed withaCharteredAccountant’sbackgroundandan unrelentingcommitmenttoleveragingAIandintelligent technologiesforsocietalbetterment,GurGevaisona missiontoredefinedigitalidentityinAfrica.
Hisjourneybeganinthefieldoffinance,wherehehoned hisskillsasaCharteredAccountant.Yet,hisfascination withtechnologyanditspotentialtoreshapetheworldwas anever-presentdrivingforce. “I consider myself a technologist,” GurGevasayswithatwinkleinhiseye. “I’ve always believed that technology can be harnessed to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.”
ThisbeliefledhimtoestablishiiDENTIFii,acutting-edge technologycompanythatspecializesindigitalidentity solutions.GurGeva’svisionwasclearfromthestart:to makedigitalidentitymoreaccessible,inclusive,andsecure acrosstheAfricancontinent.
HisjourneyfromCharteredAccountanttodigitalidentity trailblazerisnothingshortofremarkable.Hiscareerhas alwaysbeenmarkedbyadeepinterestinleading
innovationswithinthefinancialsector.However,Gur doesn’tmerelyviewhimselfasafinancialexpert;he considershimselfatechnologistwithamissiontoharness thepowerofcutting-edgetechnologieslikeAIforthe bettermentofsociety
AttheheartofGurGeva’smissionliestherecognitionthat effectiveandsecuredigitalidentityisthecornerstoneofthe futurefinancialservicessector.It’snotjustabout innovation;it’saboutmakingdigitalidentityaccessible, inclusive,and,aboveall,saferforindividualsacrossthe Africancontinent.
iiDENTIFiihasbecomeabeaconofprogressintheworld ofdigitalidentity.Withanexceptionalteamandstrategic technologypartnerships,Gurembarkedonamissionto redefinethewayindividualsestablishandverifytheir digitalidentities.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
CouldyoupleasebriefusoniiDENTIFiiandtellus aboutitsinception?
iiDENTIFiiisanenterprise-grade,African-centreddigital identificationprogramthatusesbiometricfaciallivenessto determinewhetherapersonconductingadigitaltransaction iswhotheysaytheyare.Weusefacebiometrics,whichhas beenproventobethesafestandmosteffectivewayto determineaperson’sidentity,andweusepassiveliveness toensurethatitisindeedthemperformingatransactionand notafraudsterusingtheirlikeness.Attheheartofthis solutionisadeepdesiretocombatmoneylaunderingand financialcrimeonthecontinent.Thisdesirestemsfroma personalexperienceIhadseveralyearsago.
Whenmydaughterwaslearningtowalk,Itookhertothe parkaroundthecornerfromourapartmenteachday
,, AS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND ENTREPRENEUR, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN LEADING INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL SERVICES. OVER AND ABOVE THAT, I CONSIDER MYSELF A TECHNOLOGIST WHO IS FOCUSED ON USING DEVELOPMENTS IN AI AND OTHER INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF SOCIETY.
Gur Geva Founder and CEO iiDENTIFii
Itwasamemorabletimeformeasaparent,surroundedby natureandwatchinghergrow.
Afewmonthslater,afamilyfriend’snannywasapproached atthesameparkandofferedalargesumofmoneyin exchangeforwalkingawayfromthepramwheremy friend’schildslept.Theincidentshookmetomycore.We wereinthatparkeveryday,onlyafewmonthsbefore.That couldhaveeasilybeenmychildinthatsituation.This personalexperiencemademeallthemoreattunedtothe pervasivethreatofhumantraffickinginoursociety.I becamedeterminedtofindawaytousemystrengthsto stoptraffickinginitstracks.
Irealizedthatthesilentdriverandenablerofhuman traffickingismoney.Inorderforcriminalstosuccessfully transact,sumsofmoneyneedtobeexchangedand launderedwithoutraisingthesuspicionoftheauthorities.I sawagapintheAfricanmarketforaplatformthatcould guaranteethatthepersonmakingorreceivingatransaction islive,real,andwhotheysaytheyare.Humantrafficking, asabhorrentasitis,existsbecauseitislucrative.However, thefundsobtainedfromtheseillegalactivitiesneedtobe washed.Indoingso,criminalsneedtostealtheidentitiesof others.Bymakingitasdifficultaspossibletosteala person’sidentity,wecanhelpcombathumantraffickingand more.
Howwouldyoudescribeyourleadershipstyle,andhow hasitcontributedtothegrowthandsuccessof iiDENTIFii?
Asaleader,Iaminspiredbymyvisionofafuturewhere everyoneisabletoaccessanduseasafeandfunctional digitalidentity.Ihavesurroundedmyselfwithateamthat sharesmypassionforthisvisionandbelievesinits relevance.Westartedoutsmall,withourfounderstaking careofeveryaspectofthebusiness,sowecelebratethe specificexpertiseofallouremployeesandvaluethe contributionstheymaketothebusiness.
IfeelthatiiDENTIFiihascontinuedtogrowandbe successfulowingtothefoundationofaclearleadership visionandcontinuedmotivationforeverymemberofour team.
Thefieldsofdigitalidentity,biometricverification,AI, andmachinelearningarerapidlyevolving.Howdoes iiDENTIFiistayaheadofthecurveandcontinuetobe anindustryandthoughtleaderintheseareas?
IIDENTIFII IS AN ENTERPRISE-GRADE, AFRICAN-CENTRED DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT USES BIOMETRIC FACIAL LIVENESS TO DETERMINE WHETHER A PERSON CONDUCTING A DIGITAL TRANSACTION IS WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE. ,, ,,
Wearegratefultodrawontheglobal,market-leading insightofourtechnologypartner,iProov,inour understandingofhigh-levelinternationaltrends.Wealso bringourowndeepAfricantechnologyservicesexpertise, complementedbytheon-the-groundinsightofourlocal Africanpartners.
CouldyouprovidesomeexamplesofhowiiDENTIFii hasenabledthedigitalidentityjourneyofTier1Banks inAfrica?Whatsetsyoursolutionsapartfrom competitorsinthemarket?
Inthecontextofthecountry’srecentgreylisting, iiDENTIFiihastodatepartneredwiththreeleadingSouth Africanbankstofortifytheirdigitalidentificationand onboardingprocesses.Thisispartofawiderbanking strategytoprotectcompaniesandconsumersagainstmoney launderingandfraud.
Our4DLivenesssolutionstandsapartwithitsresilienceto deepfakeandreplayattacks.Itcomprisesdifferentcolor lightsthatreflectinacertainsequenceoftheuser’sface, whichhelpsdeterminetruebiometricliveness.Thisisnot onlythemostsecureapproachbutalsothemostscalable. Asaresult,iiDENTIFiihasbeenthesolutionofchoicefor SouthAfrica’sleadingbanks.
AsaCEO,whataresomeofthechallengesyouhave facedinyourrole,andhowhaveyouovercomethem?
Aswithmanyhigh-growthstartups,oneofmycore challengeshasbeentoscaleandempowermyteamfastand efficientlytomeetexponentialdemand.Thankfully,we builtthebusinessonastrongtechnologicalfoundationthat wasfullyequippedtoscaleatpace.Ihavefocusedmy energiesonassemblingacapableandpowerfulteamthat cangrowandrunthebusinesseffectively,whileIturnmy focustoiiDENTIFii’sfuture.
HowdoesiiDENTIFiiprioritizeinnovationandresearch inordertocontinuouslyimproveitstechnologyandstay competitiveinthemarket?
Innovationisnotseparatefrombusiness;itisaninnatepart ofourDNA.Practically,thismeansthatourproductteamis continuallylearningfromtechnologicalupdatesinthe market,brainstormingapproachestoemergingsecurity threats,andlisteningcarefullytoourcustomersto understandtheirneedsontheground.
Canyoushareanyupcomingprojectsorinitiativesthat iiDENTIFiiisworkingonthatyouareparticularly excitedabout?
Iamexcitedtobeworkingwithleadingfinancial institutionsacrossthewiderAfricancontinenttochampion Africa-ledidentitysolutions.Thisplaysintoourlong-term focusonbecomingthedefaultenterprise-gradeidentity verificationserviceprovideronthecontinent.
Inyouropinion,whatdoyouthinkisthebiggest opportunityorpotentialimpactofdigitalidentity, biometricverification,AI,andmachinelearninginthe future?
Ibelievethebiggestopportunityliesinthepotentialfor greatersocio-economicinclusion.AIandmachinelearning arebuilttosimplifycomplexprocesses.Notonlywillthis benefitbusinessesweigheddownbylegacyprocessesand information,butitwillhaveapowerfulimpacton
consumersaswell.Thankstotheseemergingtechnologies, thosewhowerepreviouslyunbankedordidnothaveaccess toessentialserviceswillbeaffordedgreaterinclusion becausetechnologycanmeetthemwheretheyare.
Whataresomeofthevaluesandprinciplesthatdrive iiDENTIFiiasacompany,andhowdothesetranslate intotheworkyoudoandtherelationshipsyoubuild withyourclients?
Wearedrivenbyprinciplesoftherighttoinclusion, integrity,innovation,andacontinuedcommitmenttoour customersandtheirendusers.Thisinformstheopen, productiveworkingrelationshipswebuildforourclients, aswellasthefullycustomizedsolutionswecreatefor them.
Finally,whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiring entrepreneursorindividualslookingtoenterthefieldof digitalidentityandbiometricverification?
Iwouldadviseentrepreneurstofocusonbuildingastrong, scalabletechnologyfoundationthathasthepowertomeet theirvision.
DewhurstJessica
A Champion for Jus ce in South Africa
A Story of Grassroots Activism, Empowering Communities, and Transforming Injustice
Theworldisteemingwithopportunitiesforpositive change.We’veallexperiencedtheminsomeform oranother:thetimeweweredeniedaloanbecause ofourrace;thetimeweweredeniedmedicaltreatment becauseofourgender;andthetimeweweretoldwe weren’tqualifiedforajobbecauseofourage.
Butwhathappenswhenyou’rewronged?Whatifyou’re notaffordedjustice?
Youhaveachoice:youcanbecomefrustratedoryoucan takeaction.That’spreciselywhatJessicachosetodo.She committedherselftoensuringthatfairnessprevails,andshe dedicatesherselftohelpingothersreceivetherecognition andsupporttheyrightfullydeserve.
IntheheartofSouthAfrica,ayounggirlnamedJessica Dewhurstbegantoseetheworldaroundherthrough differenteyes.The“RainbowNation,”ashercountrywas known,boastedofequalrightsandfreedomsforall,butthe realityshewitnessedwasoneofdeepdivisionand inequality Thisrealizationignitedasparkwithinher,a passiontomakeachange.
Growingupinalandmarredbyahistoryofracial segregationandapartheid,Jessicaknewthatherprivilege asawhiteSouthAfricancouldbeapowerfultoolfor justice.Underthementorshipofremarkableteachers,Dr EvonaRebeloandBrotherPaulHurley,heranger transformedintoalifelongcommitmenttoaddressingthe injusticesthatplaguedherbelovednation.
The Justice Desk Africa creates African context-specic educational materials and trainings that make human rights accessible to everyday people. ,, ,,
Today,JessicastandsastheFounderandChiefExecutive Officerbehind“TheJusticeDesk,”aninternationalnonprofitorganizationdedicatedtohumanrights.Herjourney fromangertoactivismhasnotgoneunnoticed.She’sbeen recognizedasoneofAfrica’sandSouthAfrica’smost inspiringyouth,earningaccoladesfromleaders,royalty, andglobalorganizations,includingthelikesoftheSouth Africanpresidency,PrinceEdward,CountessSophie,The ObamaFoundation,andLeadSA.
Hercommitmenttodoingwhatisrighthasearnedherthe titleofGlamourMagazine’s“WomanoftheYear”forher relentlessactivism.Hereffortshaveevendrawnthe attentionofglobalfigureslikePrinceHarryandMeghan Markle,who,afterwitnessingTheJusticeDesk’simpact.
Leading the Way: 10 South African Business Leaders Making a Difference
Jus ce Desk Africa
Jessica Dewhurst Founder and Chief Execu ve Officer
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Couldyoupleasetellaboutyourselfandwhatmotivated youtoembarkonthissector?Couldyoupleasebrief aboutJusticeDeskAfricaanditsinceptionstory?
Ibegantryingtoaddressinjusticebyworkingformultiple charity-basedorganizations,butIsoonrealizedthatno matterhowmanypeoplewehelped,thesamepeople continuedtoneedthesamehelpeachandeveryday, meaningthattheinjusticestheywereexperiencingwerenot beingaddressedeffectivelyenough.Iaskedmyself,“What areweactuallysolvinghere?”.Iwashappythatwewere abletofeed,clothe,andgivepeopleaccesstoshelter,butI wasextremelyconsciousofthefactthattheseeffortswere notactuallyendinghunger,poverty,andhomelessness.We wereaddressingthesymptomsofinjustice,butnotthe injusticeitselfthatforcedthepeopleIlovetoneedthese servicesinthefirstplace.
IthendecidedtospendtimeattheUnitedNations(UN) HumanRightsCouncilwithEdmundRiceInternational, whereIbeganengaginginvariousadvocacyandhuman rightsmechanisms.However,Ithenbeganreflectingonthe factthateventhoughweweredoinggoodworkand influencingpoliciesandchangesinlaw,thatdidnot necessarilymeanthatthelivesofthepeopleIlovedacross
Africawereactuallybeingpositivelychangedasaresult.I realizedthatalthoughlawswereimportantandcontained wonderfulideasforchange,iftherewerenopeopleto actuallyimplementthoselaws,thensurelytheywerejust wordsonapage.
Itwasafterworkinginboththecharityandinternational advocacysectorsthatIdecidedtogohome,tothevery grassrootscommunitiesthatIwasfightingfor,inorderto heal,learn,love,bemolded,andbechallenged,andinthe process,Iwasshownbyourpeoplehowwecouldreally affectsystemicchange.Firstly,Iwasshownthatthetrue expertsinanycommunityastowhattheirissuesareand howtosolvethemarethecommunityitself.Becauseof injustice,notallpeoplehadaccesstotheknowledge, platforms,andresourcestorespondtotheseissues,butthey mostdefinitelyknewwhattheywereandhadinsightful ideasastohowtoaddressthem.Secondly,Iwastaughtthat everypersonhastheirownvoice,story,andexperiences; it'stheirs,andsotheyshouldbetheonestellingit. Moreover,theyshouldbetheonesempoweredtoleadand sustaintheirownchangeandtransformtheirown communities,nothavingtorelyonotherstospeakfor them.
Duringmytimeworkingacrosscountlesscommunitiesin Africa,itwasthroughspendingtimeandlearningfromthe
realexperts,theeverydaypeople,thatIwasshownwhat myroleinthisworldwas.IfIcouldsimplyeducate,equip, andempowertheeverydaypersontobeabletoleadtheir ownchange,thentheycouldmakethoselawsareality, ensuretruetransformation,sustainit,andfinallybuildthe countrythatwealldreamedof.
Thiswasthesparkthatlittheflame,which,in2013,ledme tofoundwhatistodayknownasJusticeDeskAfrica.
WhatistheprimaryfocusofJusticeDeskAfrica’s missionandwork,andinwhichcountrieshaveit operatedinasof2023,andarethereplanstoexpandto otherregions?
JDAfightsforHumanRightsacrossAfrica,byeducating, training,andempoweringeverydaypeopletobecome HumanRightsDefenders.Sinceourestablishmentin2013, wehaveimpactedthelivesofover2millionpeople.We currentlyoperatein7Africancountries:SouthAfrica, Zambia,Zimbabwe,SierraLeone,TheGambia,Liberia, andGhana,withplanstoexpandintoKenya,Tanzania,and SouthSudan.
Couldyoudescribeaspecificprojectorinitiativeby JusticeDeskAfricathatyouareparticularlyproudof andexplainitsimpact?
IamincrediblyproudoftheworkdonewithinourYouth AmbassadorsProject,whereweeducate,equip,and empoweryoungpeoplefromacrossAfricatostandup againsthumanrightsviolationswithintheirschools, communities,andcountries.Thecountrieswecurrently haveambassadorsinincludeSouthAfrica,Zambia, Zimbabwe,SierraLeone,Liberia,TheGambia,andGhana. WetrainourYAstobeabletoidentifyinjusticeata systemiclevelaswellastorunhigh-impactadvocacy campaignstochallengeandaddressit.
We’veseenincredibleresultsandimpactfromthisproject, includingboyshelpingtoabolishtheTamponTaxinSouth Africa,schoolchildrenbringinganendtocorporal punishmentintheirschoolsinZambia,andevenstudents leadingthecalltoendthepracticeofchildbridesintheir community
SomeofourYAshavebeenresponsibleforthecaptureof humantraffickers,therescueofvictims,andthe establishmentofanti-traffickingstrategiesthatstillsave livestothisday.Peopletoooftensaychildrenarethe leadersoftomorrow,butourYouthAmbassadorshave
We
believe that you shouldn’t need to have a Ph.D. in order to defend or understand Human Rights; our rights need to be easily understandable and accessible.
,, ,,
shownthatyoungpeoplehavethepower,passion,and abilitytobetheleadersweneedtoday
Whatroledoeducationandadvocacyplayinthework ofJusticeDeskAfrica,andhowhasyourexperienceof workinginvariouscountriesacrosstheglobe contributedtoyourunderstandingofhumanrights issues?
JusticeDeskAfricaworksalongsidetheUnitedNationsin ordertochallengehumanrightsviolationsacrossAfrica. WearealsoacorepartnerofEdmundRiceInternational,an ECOSOCadvisertotheHumanRightsCouncil.
Together,wecontinuallysubmitjointoralandwritten submissionsbasedontheinformationoureveryday activistsineachcountrygiveusregardingthehumanrights violationstheyareexperiencinginordertousethat informationtoengageinvariousUNmechanisms,suchas TreatyBodyCommitteesandtheUniversalPeriodic Reviewprocess.
Wealsodoalotofnationalandgrassrootsadvocacywork, tryingtostrengthenlaws,holdleadersaccountable,and hopefullybringaboutpositivechangeacrossAfricaasa result.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsand awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.
Thankstomyincredibleteamandallofoureveryday activistsacrossAfrica,Ihavebeenhonoredtoreceive variousawardsformywork.Theseincludeawardsfromthe
SouthAfricanpresidency,theDukeofEdinburgh,Prince EdwardandCountessSophie,theObamaFoundation, GlamourMagazine,theChangeNetwork,LeadSA,and manyothers,including “The Queen’s Young Leaders” awardfromHerMajestyQueenElizabethIIinBuckingham Palace.In2019,theDukeandDuchessofSussex,Prince HarryandMeghanMarkle,visitedSouthAfricatoseeusin action.Whilethere,theDuchessofSussexsaid, “Your commitment to doing what is right gives all of us hope. It is inspiring, it is energizing, and it is extraordinary!”
FurtherQuotes:
“Justice Desk Africa has done incredible work with its Youth Ambassadors and has had tremendous success. To put it simply, they get the work done.” -Community Member
“I have been able to see firsthand how much of a positive effect the early intervention work at JDA has on children. The children in our projects come from communities where abuse, violence, crime, substance abuse, and other negative influences are very common. Furthermore, many of these children do not have support or positive role models at home or in their community. This often contributes to children adopting negative behaviors and actions because that is what they are exposed to on a daily basis.” -JDA SocialWorker
“My time in the iNtsika yeThemba project has shown me that it is indeed possible to work towards a future where boys are free to be themselves—and become the next generation of positive male role models that South Africa so desperately needs.”-JDAiNtsikayeThembaCoordina
TheJusticeDeskisarelativelysmallorganization,butthe impactofitsworkissubstantial.Itssectorsofworkinclude youthandschool,justiceandpeace,andcommunity engagementespeciallyinsomeofthemostisolated,violent andvulnerabletownshipsinCapeTown.-DonorofJDA, ERD
Dening Moments: Inspiring Encounters inHuman Rights Advocacy
There are so many memorable stories, but one of the most recent is of one of the boys in our iNtsika yeThemba Project who made a significant difference in his community. The project focuses on empowering young boys who are at risk of joining gangs, especially boys without posi ve male role models, to become women’s rights defenders. The boys challenge toxic masculinity, build posi ve ideas of masculinity, and ensure that they never grow to be someone who perpetuates violence against anyone else.
During a social gathering one evening, he no ced a man who had started to get quite aggressive and physical towards a woman. Eventually, he started to beat her up, and it became quickly evident that her life was at risk. The adults, for the most part, either ignored it or just sat back as it happened. However, this incredible 16-year-old boy from our iNtsika Project stood up and stopped him, saving the woman’s life.
Seeing this, the community as a whole responded by a acking the man, and through vigilante jus ce, they wanted to kill him. But again, our young man stood up and said, “No! Stop this; violence is never the answer.” He began to explain that what they were doing was wrong and that responding to violence with more violence just makes things worse, never solving anything. He then told them that they should take the man to the police sta on, open a case, become witnesses for the woman, and help her seek jus ce. The community was so taken aback by his bravery and commitment to doing what was right that they stopped, and another life was saved.
The community that day recognized that the young boy was right; his way of preaching kindness and understanding managed to get through to them. The iNtsika boy that day became an Everyday Ac vist, empowered by all he had learned through Jus ce Desk Africa. I can't tell you enough how proud I am of him and our many other kids who make such a difference.
Leadership is a to Skill Cultivate,Not Just a Job Responsibility
Growing as a Leader!
Leadership,oftenmistakenasajobtitleorasetof
responsibilities,is,infact,askillthatcanbe cultivatedandhonedovertime.It'snotsomething youarebornwithoracquiresolelythroughapromotion.
Trueleadershiptranscendstheboundariesofhierarchyand encompassesabroadspectrumofqualitiesandbehaviors.
In this article, we'll explore the idea that leadership is a skill to cultivate and discuss how you can grow as a leader, regardless of your current role or position.
LeadershipBeyondTitles
Thetraditionalviewofleadershipisoftenassociatedwith positionsofpowerandauthority.However,contemporary leadershiptheoriesemphasizethatanyone,irrespectiveof theirtitleorrole,canbealeader.Leadershipisabout influence,notcontrol.It'saboutinspiring,motivating,and guidingotherstowardsacommongoal.Therefore,to becomeatrueleader,onemustlookbeyondjobtitlesand responsibilitiesandfocusonpersonalgrowthand development.
SkillstoCultivate
Leadershipisamultifacetedskill,anditinvolvesawide rangeofcompetencies.Herearesomekeyskillsthat leadersshouldcultivate:
1.Self-Awareness:Trueleadershipbeginswithselfawareness.Understandingyourstrengths,weaknesses, values,andbeliefsallowsyoutoleadwithauthenticityand integrity.Self-awareleadersarebetterequippedtomake informeddecisionsandbuildtrustwiththeirteams.
2.EmotionalIntelligence:Empathy,socialskills,and emotionalregulationarecrucialforeffectiveleadership. Leaderswhopossesshighemotionalintelligencecan connectwiththeirteammembersonadeeperlevel, fosteringapositiveandproductiveworkenvironment.
3.Communication:Effectivecommunicationisatthecore ofleadership.Leadersmustbeabletoarticulatetheir vision,giveconstructivefeedback,andlistenactivelyto theirteammembers.Clearandopencommunicationfosters trustandcollaboration.
4.Adaptability:Intoday'sfast-pacedworld,changeis constant.Leadersneedtobeadaptableandopentonew
ideasandperspectives.Theymustbewillingtoembrace changeandguidetheirteamsthroughtransitions.
5.Decision-Making:Makingsounddecisionsisacritical aspectofleadership.Leadersshouldbeabletoanalyze situations,weightheprosandcons,andmakechoicesthat benefittheteamandtheorganizationasawhole.
6.Problem-Solving:Leadershipofteninvolvesaddressing complexchallenges.Leadersneedtobeeffectiveproblem solvers,capableofbreakingdownissuesintomanageable partsandfindingcreativesolutions.
7.Delegation:Delegatingtasksandresponsibilitiesisa vitalskillforleaders.Itallowsleaderstofocusonstrategic aspectswhileempoweringtheirteammemberstotake ownershipoftheirwork.
8.ConflictResolution:Conflictsareinevitableinanygroup ororganization.Leadersshouldbeskilledatmanagingand resolvingconflictsinaconstructiveandrespectfulmanner
9.VisionandStrategy:Astrongleaderhasaclearvisionfor thefutureandtheabilitytocreateastrategicplanto achieveit.Thisvisioninspiresandguidestheteam.
10.TeamBuilding:Buildingahigh-performingteamisa fundamentalleadershipskill.Leadersshouldknowhowto select,develop,andmotivateteammembers.
Cultivatingtheseskillscanhelpindividualsgrowas leaders,whethertheycurrentlyholdaleadershiproleor not.
LeadershipasaContinuousJourney
Becomingaleaderisnotadestination;it'sajourney There'snofixedpointatwhichonecansay,"Iamnowa leader."Leadershipdevelopmentisanongoingprocessthat requiresdedicationandself-improvement.
Here are some steps to consider in your leadership journey:
1.Self-Reflection:Startbyexaminingyourownbehaviors, values,andbeliefs.Assessyourstrengthsandweaknesses asaleader.Understandyourmotivationsandwhatyou hopetoachieveasaleader.
2.SeekFeedback:Solicitfeedbackfromyourpeers, superiors,andteammembers.Thiscanprovidevaluable insightsintoyourleadershipstyleandareasfor improvement.
3.LearnfromOthers:Studytheleadersyouadmire, whethertheyarewithinyourorganizationorfromother walksoflife.Whatqualitiesandpracticesmakethem effectiveleaders?Learnfromtheirexperiences.
4.SetGoals:Establishclear,measurablegoalsforyour leadershipdevelopment.Whatspecificskillsorqualitiesdo youwanttoimprove?Createaplantoworkonthesegoals.
5.PracticeLeadership:Youdon'tneedaformalleadership titletopracticeleadership.Takeonleadershiprolesin projectsorinitiatives.Offertomentororguidecolleagues. Themoreyoupractice,themoreyou'lllearn.
6.EmbraceChallenges:Challengesandsetbacksarepartof theleadershipjourney.Embracethemasopportunitiesto learnandgrow.Overcomingobstaclescanbeapowerful catalystforleadershipdevelopment.
7.StayInformed:Leadershipisnotastaticfield.Stay informedaboutcurrenttrendsandbestpracticesin leadership.Attendworkshops,seminars,orreadbooksand articlesonleadership.
8.Network:Connectwithotherprofessionals,bothwithin andoutsideyourorganization.Networkingcanprovideyou withdiverseperspectivesandopportunitiesforgrowth.
TheImportanceofMentorship
Mentorshipplaysasignificantroleinleadership development.Amentorcanprovideguidance,sharetheir experiences,andofferconstructivefeedback.Theycanhelp younavigatethecomplexitiesofleadershipandprovidea soundingboardforyourideasandconcerns.Ifyouhavethe opportunity,seekoutamentorwhocansupportyour growthasaleader.
Leadership in Practice:
Oneofthebestwaystocultivateleadershipskillsisby puttingthemintopractice.Herearesomestrategiesto integrateleadershipintoyourdailywork:
1.LeadbyExample:Demonstratethequalitiesand behaviorsyouexpectfromyourteam.Youractionssetthe tonefortheworkenvironment.
2.BuildRelationships:Investtimeinbuildingstrong, positiverelationshipswithyourteammembers.Trustand respectarethefoundationofeffectiveleadership.
3.EncourageGrowth:Supporttheprofessionaland personalgrowthofyourteammembers.Provide opportunitiesforthemtolearn,developnewskills,andtake ongreaterresponsibilities.
4.CommunicateEffectively:Beclearandtransparentin yourcommunication.Fosteropendialogueandencourage yourteamtosharetheirideasandconcerns.
5.RecognizeAchievements:Acknowledgeandcelebrate theachievementsofyourteam.Recognitionboostsmorale andmotivation.
6.AdapttoChange:Embracechangewithapositive attitudeandguideyourteamthroughtransitions.Show resilienceandawillingnesstolearnfromchallenges.
7.InspireandMotivate:Paintacompellingvisionforthe futureandmotivateyourteamtoworktowardsit.Inspire themtogivetheirbesteffort.
8.ProvideConstructiveFeedback:Offerfeedbackina constructiveandempatheticmanner.Helpyourteam membersgrowbyhighlightingtheirstrengthsandareasfor improvement.
Inconclusion,leadershipisnotconfinedtojobtitlesand responsibilities.Itisaskillthatcanbecultivatedand developedbyanyonewillingtoembarkonthejourneyof self-discoveryandpersonalgrowth.Leadership encompassesawidearrayofskillsandqualitiesthatgo beyondorganizationalhierarchies.
Whetheryouareateammember,amiddlemanager,ora CEO,youcancontinuallygrowasaleader Thekeyliesin self-reflection,learning,practice,andacommitmentto becomingthebestleaderyoucanbe.Byfocusingonyour personaldevelopmentandstrivingtoinspireandguide thosearoundyou,youcanmakeapositiveimpactinyour workplaceandbeyond.Remember,leadershipisalifelong journey,notadestination.
- Adiba K. Tarade
Leading the Way: 10 South African Business Leaders Making
Stuart
K E N T Building Dreams, Leading Change
A Visionary Leader's Journey Through Diverse Sectors, Cultures, and High-Performing Teams!
Successisn'tmerelyasolitarypursuitbutrathera
collaborativesymphonyconductedbyhighperformingteams.Theseteamsarethedrivingforce behindinnovation,productivity,andtheachievementof ambitiousgoals.However,theabilitytobuildandempower suchteamsisanartform,astrategicskillpossessedby leaderswhounderstandthatthewholeisgreaterthanthe sumofitsparts.
OneindividualwhoadherestothisphilosophyisStuart Kent.Hisjourneyisnotjustatestamenttohisprofessional acumenbutalsoareflectionofhisunrelentingcommitment toexcellenceandinnovation.Withacareerspanningover twodecadesandapassionfortakingonthemost challengingprojectsintheenergysector,heisnotjusta leader;he'savisionarydrivingthefutureofindustrial construction.
Stuart'sjourneyintotheheartofindustrialconstruction beganearlyinhisprofessionallife,andhe'sbeenona relentlessascenteversince.Hiscareerhastakenhim throughtheintricaciesoftheoilandgas,pulpandpaper, polymers,andminingsectors,traversingtheglobeand workingacrossdiversecultures.Thefast-pacedworldof energyprojectsbecamehisplayground,whereeach challengeignitedhisexcitementanddetermination.
WhatsetsStuartapartisnotjusthisextensiveexperience butalsohisacademicprowess.ArmedwithaNational DiplomainMechanicalEngineeringfromDurban UniversityofTechnology,aPostGraduateDiplomain ManagementandLeadershipfromNottinghamTrent
Social interaction should also not be limited to customers and employees, one should also not disregard the importance of maintaining good relationships with your supply chain.
University,andtheprestigiousHarvardUniversity AdvancedManagementProgramunderhisbelt,Stuart combinestechnicalexpertisewithvisionaryleadership.
Stuart'sjourneywithhiscurrentcompanybeganin2000as aFieldEngineer,andovertheyears,hehasascended throughvariousmanagementroles.Histenurehasbeen markedbyadeepunderstandingofcomplexturnaroundand constructionprojects,makinghimago-toexpertinthe field.
InDecember2020,Stuartembarkedonanextraordinary journeybyleadingamanagementbuyoutthatcompletely transformedhiscompany,AurexConstructors,intoa proudlySouthAfrican-ownedentity.Sincethen,the companyhasexperiencedunprecedentedgrowth,evidentin itsimpressiveEBITfiguresthathighlightitsfinancial strength.
Furthermore,arecentmergerbetweenRMBVenturesand BopaMoruohasopenedupexcitingnewopportunitiesand
providedadditionalresourcesforAurex,furthersolidifying itspositioninthemarket.WithCEOStuartatthehelm,a teamofpassionateanddiverseleadershasbeencarefully assembledtoexecutethecompany'sgrowthstrategy Together,theyaredrivingAurextowardsafuturefilledwith immensepotential.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
AurexConstructors'ProvenLegacy
AurexConstructorshasarichhistorydatingbacktothe 1980s,whenitwasoriginallyknownasKentzinSouth Africa.In2014,itwasacquiredbytheCanadian multinationalcompanySNC-Lavalin.However,in2020, AurexConstructorsunderwentamanagementbuyoutand rebrandeditself.Throughoutitsexistence,Aurex Constructorshasaccumulatedover40yearsofvaluable experience.Thisexperiencehasallowedthecompanyto specializeinIndustrialConstruction,Turnarounds,and Maintenanceservices,particularlywithintheenergysector AurexConstructorshassuccessfullycompletednumerous complexprojectsinvariousindustries,includingoiland gas,mining,renewableenergy,andconventionalpower plants.
InJune2023,AurexConstructorsachievedasignificant milestoneinitsgrowthanddevelopmentbyforminga strategicequitypartnershipwithRMBVenturesandBopa Moruo.Thiscollaborationbringstogetherthreeinfluential entities,markinganimportantstepforwardforAurex.The partnershipunlocksnewopportunitiesandresourcesthat willcontributetoAurex'smarketposition.WithRMB Ventures'extensiveinvestmentexpertiseandBopaMoruo’s deepknowledgeofemergingmarkets,thisalliance establishesasolidfoundationforcontinuedsuccessand innovationwithintheAurexecosystem.Thefuturelooks promisingasthesethreeentitiescombinetheirstrengthsto deliversustainablevalueforstakeholdersandmakea positiveimpactontheglobalbusinesslandscape.
TheSecretsofBeingaCEO
Asaleaderintheorganization,Stuart'smainresponsibility istoshapethestrategicdirectionofthebusiness.This involvesclearlyarticulatingavision,establishing expectations,anddefiningthenecessarydeliverableswith theteam,toachievetheirgoals.Additionally,hefocuseson proactivelyidentifyingandremovinganyobstaclesthat couldimpedetheirprogress.Whenobjectivesareclearly
Stuart Kent CEO Aurex Constructors
definedandtheteamismotivatedtoachievethem,it greatlysimplifiesStuart'sresponsibilitiesandfacilitatesa smootherpathtosuccess.
Leader'sExperience
TheinvolvementofSNC-Lavalinplayedasignificantrole inthedevelopmentofAurexConstructors,asitinfluenced theformationofvariouspoliciesandprocedurestomeet globalstandards.AurexConstructorsgreatlybenefitedfrom SNC-Lavalin'semphasisoncomplianceandethics, particularlyintheirdealingswithSub-Saharannations.The decisiontoseparatefromSNC-Lavalinoccurredduringthe challengingperiodoftheCOVID-19pandemic,requiring promptstrategicchoicestoensurethecompany'slong-term sustainability.
DrivingStrategicDirection
WhendeterminingthestrategicdirectionofAurex Constructors,Stuartemphasizestheimportanceof consideringseveralcrucialfactors.Firstandforemost,itis essentialtoensurethatthestrategyalignswiththe macroeconomicdynamicsoftheidentifiedregionsthat offerpromisingopportunities.Anticipatingandplanningfor long-termprospectsthatalignwiththeenvisionedpathfor thebusinessisalsokey Additionally,assessingthe organization'scompetenceandcapacityisnecessaryto effectivelyexecutethekeyobjectivesthatsupportthe chosenstrategy.Ratherthanwaitingforamarketgapto emergebeforebuildingcapacity,itiscrucialtoanticipate theseopportunitiesandbepreparedtoquicklytake advantageofthemwhentheymaterialise.
Lastly,theorganizationmustdemonstrateagilityinorderto adapttotheevolvinglandscapeandadjustitsstrategy accordingly.Thestrategicdirectionofthecompanyisa dynamicprocessthatcontinuallyevolvesasmarketgaps areobservedandopportunitiesareswiftlyrespondedto.
PowerofEthicalOperations
Theculturewithinanorganizationtakesalongtimeto buildandcanerodequickly Theimportanceandvalueof engagingwiththewiderorganizationalteamareoften underestimated.Stuartemphasizedthedirectcorrelationhe haspersonallyobservedbetweenconnectingwith individualsacrosstheorganizationandtheresulting motivationandpositiveculture.Itisfurthermorecrucialnot torestrictsocialinteractionstojustcustomersand employees,asmaintainingstrongrelationshipswiththe supplychainisequallyimportant.
MeasuringSuccessandIgnitingContinuous Improvements
Stuartemphasizedtheimportanceoftrackingsuccessand progresstoensurethatthecompanyisontherightpath.He mentionedthattheyhaveabalancedsetofkeyperformance indicators(KPIs)thatmeasureorganizationalperformance acrossvariouscrucialelements.Additionally,theyplace significantemphasisonthehappinessandwell-beingof theirstaffthroughsurveys,one-on-onediscussions,and peerreviews.Thecompanyalsofocusesonmeasuringits impactontheenvironmentandtakesappropriatemeasures inthisregard.Stuarthighlightedthatmakingaprofitis crucialforthesustainabilityoftheorganization,asit enablesthedevelopmentofemployeesandbenefitsthe widercommunitiestheyworkin.
SkyrocketingDynamicLeadership
AurexConstructorshasundergonesignificantchangesin responsetothedynamicenvironmentinwhichitoperates. ArecentdecisionhasbeenmadetomergetheConstruction andTurnarounds&Maintenancebusinesslinesintoa unifiedsolutionknownas"OneAurex."Thisconsolidation allowsfortheintegrationofdiversetalentsandskillsets withinprojectteams,enablingthesuccessfulcompletionof complexprojectswithintighttimelines.Inaddition,Aurex Constructorshaschosentoestablishanengineering departmentdedicatedtoRenewableEnergyprojects.This strategicmovealignswiththeincreasingdemandfor sustainableenergybothinSouthAfricaandinternationally, withaparticularfocusonpursuingEPCcontractsinthis sector
ConqueringtheUnconquerable
Developingasustainableprojectpipelinewithinthe challengingeconomicenvironmentofSouthAfricaisan ongoingobstacle.Stuartemphasizesthattheongoing struggletorecoverbusinesscostsinaconsistentmanner directlyinfluencestheabilitytoeffectivelyemployand developresources.Thissituationhighlightsthenecessity forinnovativesolutionsandstrategicinterventionsto overcomethesebarriersandpavethewayforeconomic stabilityandgrowth.Inrecentyears,focusedeffortshave beenmadetoenhancetheskillsandcapabilitiesofthecore stafftobeabletooperateacrossmultiplesectors,project typesanddisciplines.Asaresult,thecompanyhas positioneditselftosuccessfullynavigatethecyclicalnature ofprojectenvironments.Thisadaptabilityensures operationalresilienceandenhancesoverallorganizational
agility,enablingthecompanytothriveindifferentbusiness landscapes.
Foreigninvestmentplaysacrucialroleinaddressingthe persistentunemploymentchallengesinSouthAfrica. Increasedinvestmentleadstoasurgeinproject development,whichinturnprovidesmorepredictable projecttimelines.Consequently,companieslikethemcan allocatemoreresourcestorecruitanddevelopteams, strengtheningtheirabilitytoeffectivelysupportanddeliver ontheseprojects.
TomitigatetherisksposedbythestrugglingSouthAfrican economy,astrategicdecisionhasbeenmadetoactively pursueprojectopportunitiesbeyondnationalborders.This proactiveapproachnotonlysupportsthecontinuedgrowth anddevelopmentofthestaffbutalsocontributesto establishingamoresustainableanddiversifiedpipelineof opportunities.
MasteringMarketCompetitiveness
Toensurethecompanyremainscompetitiveinthemarket andadjuststoevolvingindustrytrends,itiscrucialtostrike abalancebetweenacquiringtherequiredexpertise,which mayinvolveadditionalcosts,andrespectingcustomers' budgetconstraints.Stuartsaidproject-centriccompanies heavilyrelyonefficientprojectexecutionfortheir sustainability Achievingthisinvolveseffectiveproject planningandadheringcloselytotheestablishedplan.By doingso,customerdemandscanbemetwhilealso maintainingcostefficiencyandupholdinghighstandardsof safetyandquality
ExcitingInitiatives
Stuartenthusiasticallysaid, "We are excited to see how the "Just Energy Transition" initiatives develop over the next few years. The recent advancements in the Renewables sector in South Africa are particularly encouraging and poised to unlock numerous job opportunities within the country
Supporting our customers within Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East on various projects is also an exciting journey that we are actively engaged in. The prospect of exporting the expertise we've cultivated over the last 3 decades in South Africa to other regions is exhilarating, both for our company and our dedicated staff.”
Rethinking Traditional and Notions of Authority Titles
Everhadabosswhoabusedtheirpoweroraleader whojustdidn'tseemtogetit?We'vealldealtwith authorityfigureswhomadeusrolloureyes.The problemoftencomesdowntooutdatedideasofwhat leadershipshouldlooklike.Buttimesarechanging. Hierarchiesareflattening,accesstoinformationisrising, andpeopleareincreasinglyskepticalofthe"becauseIsaid so"styleofleadership.
Authorityandtitlesusedtobeeverything,buttoday leadershipisallabouttrust,relationships,andactually listeningtothepeoplearoundyou.Theleadersofthefuture arecollaborative,notcommanding.They'reinthetrenches withtherestofus,notshoutingordersfromsomecorner office.Leadership2.0isaboutempoweringothers,not controllingthem.It'stimewerethoughttraditionalnotions ofauthorityandwhatrealleadershiplookslike.Thefuture isflat,open,anddemocratic.Thequestionis,areyouready tojoinit?
QuestioningtheValueofTitlesandPositions
Today,traditionalhierarchicalstructuresandnotionsof authoritydon'talwaysleadtothebestoutcomes.Relying ontitlesandpositionsalonetodeterminewholeadsand whofollowscanbeshortsighted.
Trueleadershipcomesinmanyformsandfromunexpected places.Maybetheinternseesasolutionnooneelsehas considered.Perhapstheentry-levelemployeeonthefront lineshasinsightintocustomers'needsthatexecutiveslack. Whenwe'reopentoinputfromanysource,webenefitfrom adiversityofperspectives.
Ratherthanassumingthehighest-rankingpersonshould makeallkeydecisions,lookforleadershipability, expertise,andsoundjudgmentwherevertheyexist.Shared androtatingleadershipmodelswherepeopleleadbasedon theneedsofeachsituationarebecomingmorecommon. Theyhelporganizationsstayagileandinnovative.
Ofcourse,titlesstillhavetheirplaceinestablishing accountabilityandcompensation.Buttheyshouldn'tbethe onlyfactorthatdetermineswhogetsasayorhowmuch influenceeachpersonwields.Lookbeyondthenameplates andcorneroffices.Seepeoplefortheirtalents,knowledge, andpotential,notjusttheirjobdescriptions.
Whenyoudothat,you'llfindleadershipeverywhere.And yourorganizationwillbeallthebetterforit.
FocusingonSkillsandMeritRatherThanAuthority
Whenitcomestoleadership,it'stimetorethinkthe traditionalmodelofauthorityandtitles.Intoday'sfastpaced,globalworkplace,skills,andmeritmattermorethan positionorstatus.
Effectivemodernleadersleadthroughinfluenceand expertise,notcontrolorpoweroverothers.Theyearn respectthroughtheirvision,communication,andtheability todevelopothers.Titleandauthoritymeanlittlewithoutthe rightskillsandmindset.
Whatreallycountsisaleader'scompetence,emotional intelligence,andabilitytomotivateandempowerteams.
Theauthoritythatcomeswithatitlewon'tmakeupfora lackofpeople'sskillsortechnicalexpertise.Teamstoday wantmentorsandcoaches,notbosses.
Thekeyisfocusingondevelopingleadershipqualitiesand agrowthmindset,notchasingahigherpositionormore impressivetitle.Earningtrustandinfluenceisabout continuouslyimprovingyourskills,expandingyour knowledge,andimprovingyourcommunicationand relationship-buildingabilities.
Whenleadersfocusonempoweringothersthrough mentorshipandcoaching,itcreateshighlyengagedteams thatcanadapttochange.Valuingskillsandmeritover authorityandstatusisthehallmarkofprogressive,forwardthinkingorganizationspoisedforsuccess.Theleaderofthe futureleadsthroughinspiration,notcontrol,creatingspace forinnovation,collaboration,andpeakperformance.
Letgooftraditionalnotionsofleadership.Titlesand authorityarefleeting,butskillsandexpertiseendure. Continuousself-improvement,maintainingagrowth mindset,andempoweringothers—that'sthenewleadership modeltoaspireto.Focusonmeritandcompetency,and yourinfluenceandimpactwillgrow
BuildingaCollaborativeTeamCulture
Tobuildacollaborativeteamculture,startbyrethinking traditionalauthoritystructures.Leadersshouldempower teamsbydistributingauthorityandencouragingshared decision-making.
Teamsworkbestwheneachmemberfeelsheardand valued.Asaleader,makespaceforallvoicestobe representedindiscussions.Poseopen-endedquestionsto drawoutdifferentviewpointsandfacilitatemeaningful conversations.Sharedunderstandingandconsensusbuilding,notunilateraldirectives,shouldguideteam decisions.
Fosterpsychologicalsafetybymodelingopennessand vulnerabilityyourself.Admitwhenyou'reunsureofthebest pathforwardandinvitetheteamtoproblem-solvetogether. Thankmembersforchallengingideasandtakingrisks. Theirinputmakestheteamsmarterandmorecapable.
Evaluateteamsuccessbasedongroupaccomplishments, notindividualachievements.Celebratewinstogetherand
recognizecollaborativeefforts.Thisreinforcesthemindset that"we'reallinthistogether.”
Mentornewteammemberstounderstandyour collaborativeculture.Explainthattitlesandhierarchy matterlessthanworkingaspartners.Setclearexpectations foropencommunication,co-creation,andshared leadership.Themorepeopleadoptthismindset,the strongeryourteamwillbecome.
Buildingacollaborativeteamculturerequirespatienceand acommitmenttocontinuousimprovement.Butbyvaluing eachvoice,empoweringshareddecision-making,and focusingongroupsuccess,you'lldevelopaself-reliant, high-performingteam.Andthatisworththeinvestment.
Conclusion
Sodon'tbeafraidtoshakeupthestatusquoandchallenge traditionalpowerstructures.Questionpreconceptionsabout whodeservesaseatatthetableandmakespaceforfresh voicesandperspectives.Thefutureisunwritten,sotakea chanceonpeoplewhodon'tnecessarilyfitthetypicalmold ofaleader You'lllikelybepleasantlysurprisedbythe results.Attheendoftheday,trueleadershipcomesin manyforms.Andtheleadersoftomorrowmaylooknothing liketheleadersofyesterday.Butthat'sagoodthing—it meanswe'reevolving.Andevolutioniswhatensures progress.
- Adiba K. Tarade
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