Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, but in many countries, including South Africa, many people face significant challenges in obtaining quality medical care. This is one of the harsh realities faced every day. South Africa’s health system is underfunded, overburdened, and struggling to meet the needs of its diverse and growing population. We know this because it is reported on frequently. Despite these challenges, there is hope for a brighter future in South Africa, where access to healthcare can be a reality for all. My PhD thesis covered much of these areas.
One of the main challenges facing the South African health system is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, which results to a significant disparity in access to quality medical care between urban and rural areas. To address this issue, it is crucial to invest in programs that provide education and training opportunities for healthcare workers and increase the number of medical facilities in underserved communities. The realities of our youth having to leave SA or having to change career paths is fast becoming the norm.
Another significant challenge in South Africa is the high cost of healthcare, which puts it out of reach for many people, especially those living in poverty. To address this, the government should work to improve the affordability and accessibility of medical services for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation. This could potentially include implementing policies that increase the number of community health clinics, providing subsidies for medical services, and increasing funding for public health facilities, to name a few.
Moreover, it is important to address the social determinants of health that contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced access to care. This includes addressing poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to safe water and sanitation. These social determinants of health play a significant role in preventing individuals from accessing essential medical care and must be addressed to improve overall health outcomes in South Africa. With the right investments in education, funding, and policy initiatives, our country can become brighter where access to quality medical care is a reality for everyone.
(Dr Claudia Sigamoney is a member of faculty at The DaVinci Institute.)
Are you intimidated by the thought of conducting research? Do you believe research is only for scholars and experts in a particular field? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are intimidated by the idea of research and believe it to be a complicated process. Research is not overly challenging and can be manageable with proper planning and preparation. Research can become much more straightforward by taking the time to clearly define the research question, determine appropriate methods for collecting and analyzing data, and stay organized throughout the process.
Additionally, utilising resources such as academic journals and expert opinions can greatly aid the process and make the experience less intimidating. With dedication and effort, conducting research can become a manageable and even enjoyable experience. We often hear friends and colleagues say research can seem like a crazy, scary monster when faced with it, but it’s not as difficult as it appears! But the truth is, research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With the advancement of technology and the availability of numerous resources, conducting research has become much easier. This blog post aims to dispel some common research misconceptions and show why it’s not that difficult.
Here are a few reasons why research isn’t so bad after all:
1. Well-Defined Objectives: By clearly understanding the research question and objectives, the research process becomes much more manageable. This clarity helps guide the research’s direction and keeps it on track.
2. Accessible Resources: In today’s world, information and resources are readily available, making the research process much more manageable, and with the internet and academic databases at our fingertips, finding relevant information and data has never been easier.
3. Organised Approach: Staying organised throughout the research process is key to success. Keeping track of sources, notes, and data makes the process less overwhelming and easier to manage.
4. Collaboration: Working with others, such as peers, supervisors, or mentors, can make the research process much less daunting. Collaboration allows for sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.
5. Adaptability: Research is a dynamic process, and it’s important to be flexible and open to change. By being adaptable, one can pivot when necessary and adjust their approach to meet the research demands.
While research may seem intimidating at first, it can be made much more manageable by approaching it with a clear understanding of objectives, utilising available resources, staying organised, collaborating with others, and being adaptable. Research can often seem daunting, but several ways to view it make it more accessible and manageable. For example, research can be considered a puzzle, where the researcher takes a complex problem, breaks it down into smaller pieces, and then puts it together to form a conclusion. Another way to think about research is as a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding, following clues and making discoveries along the way. Research can also be seen as a cooking show, where the process involves a series of well-defined steps to achieve a successful outcome, much like a recipe. Lastly, research can be viewed as a road trip, where the researcher embarks on an exciting and unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns and opportunities to gather new information and insights. These analogies provide a fresh perspective on the research process, making it seem less intimidating and more approachable:
Research is like solving a puzzle: Like solving a puzzle, conducting research involves taking a complex problem and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. The process of gathering information and analysing data can be thought of as finding the individual puzzle pieces and putting everything together to form a conclusion can be seen as putting the puzzle together to form the big picture. The thrill of discovery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with putting the pieces together is a rewarding experience in solving a puzzle and conducting research.
Research is like a treasure hunt: Research is like a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding. Like in a treasure hunt, there are clues to follow and obstacles to overcome, but the sense of excitement and anticipation when making a significant discovery makes it all worth it. The thrill of finding that key piece of information that sheds light on a particular issue is truly satisfying, much like finding a hidden treasure. The research process can be just as exciting and adventurous as a treasure hunt, and the rewards are just as valuable.
Research is like a cooking show: Like in a cooking show, conducting research involves a series of well-defined steps, each with its purpose and significance. Whether it’s prepping the ingredients, cooking, or plating, each step must be completed with care and precision in order to achieve a successful outcome. Similarly, each step, such as formulating the research question, collecting data, and analysing it, must be executed correctly to reach a meaningful conclusion. And just like in a cooking show, the final product, in this case, the research findings, should be organised and easily digestible for others to enjoy and learn from.
Research is like a road trip: Like a road trip, conducting research can be an exciting and unpredictable journey full of twists and turns. The researcher never knows precisely what they’ll find, but that’s part of the excitement and the thrill of discovery. Along the way, there will be opportunities to gather new information and insights through reading articles, talking to experts, and making pit stops to reflect on what has been learned. The journey may have its challenges, but it’s all part of the experience and contributes to the growth and development of the researcher. And just like a road trip, the destination of the research journey, the conclusion, is what makes it all worth it.
That’s right! Research can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience when approached with a sense of adventure and curiosity. It offers the opportunity to explore new ideas, gather new information, and make discoveries, just like a puzzle, a treasure hunt, a cooking show, and a road trip all rolled into one. So don’t be intimidated by the thought of research; embrace it as a journey of learning and discovery and see where the road takes you! Research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You can conduct the research efficiently and effectively with available resources and tools. So, if you’re intimidated by the idea of research, don’t be. Give it a try and see just how easy it can be.
The Da Vinci Institute’s Master’s graduate, Monyadiwe Selina Moloi’s career started in Eskom (Generation Division), from 2001 to date. She has experiences in life cycle planning, project management as well as portfolio management. In her experience with Eskom’s Generation Division, in recent years, Monyadiwe notes that there had been challenges with capital projects’ budget spending – hence the aim of her dissertation work entitled: Capital projects budget underspending in a South African power utility – a project management perspective, was at investigating factors contributing to capital projects’ budget underspending specifically in South African power utilities from a project management perspective.
Monyadiwe Selina Moloi
This study focuses on Eskom’s Generation division with over 2000 capital projects across the generating fleet that consist of routine capitalised replacements and major modifications to deliver on the plant performance objectives. The inability to spend the budget capital translates to the project objectives and benefits being deferred or not realised, which works contrary to restoring the plant health and improved technical performance.
Consequently, the study identified factors that contributed to capital project budget underspending, and those included: insufficient support from some of the stakeholders involved in projects, insufficient resourcing of most departments that were involved in projects, and the unfair distribution of projects among the project management department personnel – based on skills and experience – and forced changes to the project execution plan and schedule due to outage deferments.
Further findings from the study indicate that the aforesaid factors negatively affected project schedules and, therefore, negatively affected project success and subsequent portfolio delivery. Findings from this study on factors which contributed to capital project budget underspending from the South African power utility were in line with findings from the construction sector. One positive aspect from the findings was that Eskom ensured that project managers were sufficiently trained on tools and systems that they required to do their jobs, which was contrary to what was found in literature regarding contributing factors to budget underspending on projects. Monyadiwe reckons that findings that emanate from this research will potentially assist the power utility to improve on its capital budget spending.
Was it a tough journey? “My study journey with The DaVinci Institute started a long time ago. It was not an easy one because there were many challenges along the way which may have easily persuaded me to give up on my studies. I am just grateful that after several re-registrations, especially for the research module, I was not deterred”, concedes Monyadiwe. Her willingness and persistence throughout the qualification process have been invaluable, she further admits.
Monyadiwe plans to continue working on her personal development in order to advance in her career. Monyadiwe encourages learners who are beginning the research journey to start early so that they can complete it on time. She also urges learners to enjoy the process and ask for assistance when facing challenges, instead of worrying about completing their work.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive environment, innovation is essential to remaining relevant and thriving in the ever-changing marketplace. Businesses must stay ahead of the curve and embrace new technologies and disruptive business models to remain competitive. The Master of Management in Technology and Innovation programme offered by The DaVinci Business School is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and lead transformational change within organisations.
The qualification offers a unique blend of management and technology-focused courses, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between these two fields. From learning about the latest technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning to developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, students are prepared to apply their knowledge to drive business growth and success.
The Master of Management in Technology and Innovation programme also emphasises the importance of leadership and strategic thinking in driving innovation. Students will develop the skills needed to lead teams and manage projects effectively, and to become leaders in driving innovation and transformational change within organisations.
Pursuing a Master of Management in Technology and Innovation is a valuable investment for individuals looking to advance their careers and become leaders in the innovative landscape. With this qualification, graduates will be equipped to drive innovation and lead transformational change within organisations, making a significant impact on the future of business.
Dimakatjo Elizabeth Thaba has a career spanning almost two decades in banking, predominantly retail/branch banking. Industries of which she has, over the years, gradually occupied several positions – from entry level to supervisory, senior management, and now she has reached the executive level. It may have been due to her industry work experiences that Dimakatjo witnessed at first hand the advent of digitalisation and advancements in technology that is compelling banks in South Africa into reorganising their model of operations, as well as strategic positioning.
Dimakatjo Thaba: Setting the Pace in Digital Banking
Dimakatjo asserts that while huge brick and mortar outlets are the centre of banking in developing nations, digitalisation is challenging the trend by offering customers conveniences for basic transactions. Her sharp eyes noticed a low customer adoption of digitalised technologies in South Africa’s banking sector, despite the numerous attempts by the South African government and banks to attract more customers to their digital platforms. Factors like perception, high unemployment and high poverty levels continue to challenge customer adoption of digitised banking services.
With the aforesaid in mind, Dimakatjo’s dissertation, entitled: Customer Adoption of Digitized Banking in the South African Retail Bank, adopted the qualitative methodology of research to collect perspectives of the customers on the adoption of digitised banking services as such a methodology of research allows the study to conduct a detailed examination of customer experiences and narrations. The findings indicate that there is a gradual adoption of digitised banking in First National Bank (FNB) South Africa. The main determinants for customer adoption of digitised banking include convenience, ease-of-use, functionality, low banking fees, timesaving, and 24/7 information access on financial status. The other determinants are user-friendlessness, safety, flexibility, and the alleviation of stress.
The findings further indicate that the ideal banking framework for the widespread adoption of digitalised banking by FNB South Africa’s customers is the IBM digitized banking model because of its compatibility to South Africa’s demographics and market. The IBM digitised banking model considers numerous spheres of South Africa’s banking sector, as well as transition. The South African banking industry, policymakers as well as regulators contemplate efficient customer adoption of digitised banking services. Importantly, Dimakatjo’s study raises the following recommendations: Customer education and awareness, gather more demographic information, regulate and foster a secure environment for banking and increased coordination.
When asked about the journey, Dimakatjo credits her tenacity, commitment and willpower, and recognises that her “journey was one filled with all sorts of emotions, trauma, loss, grief, growth, pressure, sacrifices and celebration. My plan was to complete on record time (which I did). It was not easy separating personal life, career growth and academia.”
Yet, finding a balance and sticking to a plan while committing to tasks kept Dimakatjo committed. Additionally, having cheerleaders and a firm support structure was critical in this path, she adds. Positively, having emerged from the experienced, Dimakatjo says presently, “more than ever, I am determined to make a tangible impact. Not only in my life but in society. I’d love to live a remarkable legacy … I plan to be active and to participate in Curiosita Colloquium and Think tank dialogues. There are plenty of platforms to gain more and to share knowledge. This journey is never ending. I’d love to learn and engage other dynamic leaders in different industries and spaces.”
“Management of Innovation” has become, with good reason, a popular buzz in the business world and having a good understanding of the organisation’s context is important. In fact, how the organisation tracks and interrogates external and internal issues and trends is key to building a successful organisation.
Organisations can uncover possibilities for innovation and stay ahead of the competition by tracking internal and external concerns and trends through various methods such as:
1. Market research and analysis:
Market research and analysis is a process of gathering and analyzing information about a market, including information about customers, competitors, and the overall industry. This research can be used to inform business decisions, such as product development, marketing strategy, and sales tactics. The goal of market research and analysis is to provide a deeper understanding of the market and to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
2. SWOT analysis:
SWOT analysis is used to identify an organisation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can be used to identify both internal and external factors that may impact the organisation.
Strengths and weaknesses lie within the business that give it an advantage or a disadvantage relative to others in the industry.
Threats and opportunities are external factors that could either negatively impact the business or present the business with exploitable opportunities to enhance their current situation.
By understanding the SWOT of a business, a company can make informed decisions on how to improve its performance and achieve its goals. The result of the analysis can help the company identify its core competencies, areas for improvement, and potential opportunities for growth.
3. Employee surveys:
A business cannot thrive without its employees – they are the income producers. and having the right employees with a good employee / company culture should always be measured.
Employee survey findings can be used to pinpoint workplace issues that need to be addressed, like poor communication or low morale, and to implement changes that will enhance employee skills and knowledge or even the interface with customers.
4. Social media monitoring:
Organisations can use social media monitoring tools to track mentions of their brand and identify any external issues or trends related to their industry or products.
The goal of social media monitoring is to gain insight into how a brand is perceived by its audience, identify key influencers and industry trends, and manage and respond to any negative or positive comments about the brand.
Tracking social media assists in the identification of areas of improvement and to make more informed decisions about social media strategies. In addition, it can help businesses to identify opportunities to engage with their audience and to build relationships with key influencers.
Overall, social media monitoring is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes to track, analyze and engage with conversations on social media platforms, and gain a deeper understanding of their audience, competitors, and industry trends.
5. Key performance indicators (KPIs):
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are metrics that are used to measure and track the performance and success of a business, department, or specific project. They are chosen based on the specific goals and objectives of the organisation and are used to track progress over time.
Regularly monitoring and reporting on KPIs can help organisations to stay on track and to achieve their goals.
6. Incident management:
An incident\risk is any event that disrupts normal operations and can include things like natural disasters, equipment failures, cyber – attacks, and other types of emergencies.
Organisations can track internal issues and trends by implementing incident management systems (Risk Management) that allow them to log, track and resolve issues that may impact their operations, in order to minimize the impact of an incident on the organisation, its employees, customers and industries, and to quickly restore normal operations.
Using an innovation management system allows companies to achieve continued revenue and margin growth, increased market share and strong enduring brands – the primary goals of most companies today.
An innovation management system would and should cover many of the requirements of looking at internal and external factors plus monitoring of the critical criteria for best business practice.
David Sebiloane exudes a sense of confidence, and the self-awareness about the direction towards which he is moving is palpable. He is a certified Project Management Practitioner. With his excellent business acumen, David likens himself to a delivery agent by experience. He has worked in the academic, energy, petrochemical and logistics sectors – industries in which he successfully led teams in the execution of strategic projects and programmes.
With a scholarly bent of mind, David is a Master’s degree graduate of The DaVinci Institute (class of 2022). His dissertation, entitled: Managing cross-border project teams: The case of Transnet SOC Ltd and Eswatini Railways, explores ways that cultural differences and communication influence project management of a cross-border project. The study attempted to make significant contributions to both academia and practice. In the main, this study found that cultural differences certainly have an impact on communication, which in turn may influence various project management functions such as negotiations, allocation of tasks, team building, conflict resolutions and other processes. Moreover, David’s study recommends that management should adopt a proactive and culturally sensitive approach to the management of a cross-border project in order to ensure its success.
Through focus and the knowledge of the end goal, David holds that his was a journey of tenacity, hard work and passion. “The journey to completing this qualification was exciting and challenging. The modules were designed in a way that challenged my view of the status quo and what I knew to be the norm. The interactions forced one to think out of the box and to be innovative. On the other hand, the research journey was challenging as the supervisor fostered a pioneering approach in dealing with the identified research problem”, says David.
Concurrently, David’s way of thinking was, as he asserts, “altered greatly as the modules introduced a systems’ thinking in my persona which was impactful to my personal life as well. Furthermore, my outlook and execution approach in the programme I am currently running was also positively impacted.” David’s advice to a student embarking on this journey is that they should keep an open mind, work hard and persevere even when the going gets tough.
As the world continues to rapidly change and evolve, so too must the way we approach education. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the business world, where the skills required for success are constantly shifting and adapting to new realities. That’s why the business school of the future must prioritise learning for real life application, putting students in a position to thrive in a world of constant change.
What does this look like in practice? For starters, it means moving away from traditional lecture-based learning in favour of more experiential and hands-on approaches. Rather than simply memorising facts and figures, students need to be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, working collaboratively to solve complex problems and make informed strategic decisions.
This approach also requires a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, recognising that the challenges of the modern business world often require a broad range of skills and expertise. Business school students should, therefore, be encouraged to explore diverse fields and disciplines to develop the ability to think creatively and outside the box.
At the heart of this approach is a focus on agility and adaptability. The business world of the future will undoubtedly present challenges that we cannot even imagine today, and the key to success will be the ability to pivot and adapt quickly in response. This requires a willingness to experiment and take risks, as well as a strong foundation of core business knowledge and skills.
Perhaps most importantly, this approach to learning must be centred around the idea of lifelong learning. In a rapidly changing world, the skills and knowledge that are relevant today may be obsolete tomorrow, and it is, therefore, essential that students are equipped with the tools and mindset necessary to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.
Of course, implementing this kind of approach is easier said than done. It requires a fundamentally eco-systemic rethinking of the way we approach education, from the curriculum to the classroom to the very nature of the student-facilitator relationship. But the potential benefits are enormous, both for individual students and for the wider business community.
By prioritising learning for real life application, the business school of the future can create a new generation of business leaders who are prepared to thrive in a world of constant change and disruption. These leaders will be adaptable, creative, and agile, with a deep understanding of the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the modern business landscape. They will be equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the future, driving innovation and growth across industries and sectors.
In summary, the business school of the future must be designed to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world and by focusing on real-life application, interdisciplinary learning, and lifelong learning, we can create a new generation of business leaders who are prepared to take on the challenges of the future and drive growth and innovation in the years to come.
Education is an investment in your future, but the cost of tuition can be a major barrier to pursuing higher education. Many individuals want to advance their careers and improve their earning potential through education, but do not have the funding available upfront.
Fortunately, financing options make education more affordable by spreading the payments over a longer term.
At The DaVinci Institute, we understand the importance of providing flexible payment options for our students. That’s why we have partnered with Student Hero, South Africa’s largest student finance facilitation service. Through Student Hero, our applicants can learn about, apply for, and qualify for study funding from multiple funding providers, all from a single platform and at zero cost to the student.
Student Hero’s platform is designed to make the funding application process as easy and accessible as possible. By completing a single application form, students can apply for funding from multiple sources. This saves time and effort compared to researching and applying to individual funding providers. Student Hero also provides guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring that students have the best chance of success.
One of the key benefits of financing education through Student Hero is the flexibility it offers. Students can choose from a range of payment options that suit their individual circumstances. For example, some funding providers offer interest-free loans, while others may offer longer repayment terms. This allows students to select a payment plan that fits their budget and ensures they can manage their finances effectively while studying.
Another advantage of financing education through Student Hero is the ability to focus on your studies without worrying about finances. Instead of having to work part-time or full-time to pay for tuition, students can concentrate on their studies and achieve their academic goals. This can lead to better academic performance, which in turn can improve job prospects and earning potential in the future.
In addition to the financial benefits, financing education through Student Hero can also provide students with peace of mind. Knowing that they have secured funding for their studies can reduce stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits with confidence.
It’s important to note that financing education through Student Hero is not limited to undergraduate studies. Postgraduate students can also benefit from the funding options available through Student Hero. This is particularly relevant for individuals who want to pursue further education to advance their careers, but may not have the financial resources to do so upfront.
In conclusion, financing education through Student Hero offers a range of benefits for students. It makes education more accessible and affordable, offers flexibility in payment options, allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about finances, and provides peace of mind. By partnering with Student Hero, DaVinci Business School is committed to providing our students with the best possible education and support to achieve their career goals.
If you are interested in financing your education, apply for student finance through Student Hero here. With their help, you can invest in your future self and achieve your academic and career aspirations with The DaVinci Institute.
At The DaVinci Institute, we pride ourselves on transforming leaders to think and contribute to the society we live in. Our Master of Management in Technology and Innovation alumna, Anneline Lewies’s career is a remarkable example of how skills from one profession can enrich another. Beginning her professional journey as a social worker, she developed the ability to grasp complex information, assess situations with empathy, and resolve conflicts through both logic and compassion. These qualities laid the foundation for her later success in sports coaching and leadership.
Lewies possesses good interpersonal skills, excellent team work, and is very willing to learn and develop new skills.
“My experience as a social worker contributed to my ability to communicate well with people from all occupations. These attributes became invaluable as I transitioned into sport, where I have thrived as both a coach and a coach developer,” stated Lewies.
Netball at the Core
Anneline Lewies.
Sport has always been central to Lewies’s life. Although she participated in many sporting codes, netball captured her heart. A former player and South African umpire, she began coaching in 1984 and went on to coach across all four coaching domains: children, adults, talent, and high performance. Along the way, she also developed her leadership skills within Netball South Africa, where she served as an administrator and district leader.
Her professional growth accelerated when she completed an intensive coach developer training programme through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). By 2014, she had qualified as a facilitator, assessor, and moderator, becoming part of the South African Coaching Framework. This formal grounding, combined with her passion, cemented her influence in the world of coaching.
Her election as an executive director at Netball South Africa marked a turning point. That role introduced Lewies to the pathways of coaching development, and it struck a chord with her to train and develop coaches.
“I went on to serve as Director of Coaching at Netball South Africa from 2011 to 2021 and now contribute as Vice-Chairperson of the South African Sports Coaching Association (SASCA),” she recalls.
Beyond Netball
Anneline’s impact has extended far beyond netball. She has collaborated with Tennis SA, Lifesaving SA, Cricket SA, Wrestling SA, SAFA, Athletics South Africa, and Swim South Africa, providing expertise in training, strategy, and consultation. Internationally, she has supported coaching development in Namibia and Kenya, even helping Namibia establish a national coaching system.
Her coaching has also produced results at the highest level; with athletes she mentored going on to represent South Africa in global championships. In addition, she serves as an educator at the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, reinforcing her commitment to ethical and values-driven leadership in sport.
Service and Leadership
Anneline’s leadership is not confined to sport. She has been a servant leader on several boards and committees dealing with child protection and welfare. These include coordinating provincial action plans for children in difficult circumstances, serving on child abuse liaison committees, and contributing to Gauteng’s child protection and treatment protocols. Her ability to serve in such diverse spheres reflects her deep sense of responsibility and transdisciplinary influence.
A Scholar at DaVinci
True to her philosophy of lifelong learning, Lewies seized the opportunity to study at The DaVinci Institute. Over five years, she embarked on what she describes as “a journey of finding myself and of living my dreams, but also inspiring others to pursue theirs.”
Through the DaVinci TIPS™ Model, she identified her niche helping other coaches harness their talents and passions to benefit athletes and communities. Her dissertation, Transformation of Elite Women Coaches within the South African Netball Context, underscored her conviction that elite coaching is not accidental.
According to Lewies, to become an elite women’s coach does not happen by default.
“Elite status must be earned through a culture and environment of being truly elite. She highlights the importance of coaching education, experience, continuous learning, and a growth mindset in overcoming barriers and reaching coaching excellence,” she stated.
Leading Through Change
Lewies’s leadership was especially evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than letting challenges derail her work, she embraced the opportunity to adapt. She and her community of coaches, from grassroots to high performance, remained focused on growth and innovation.
“In serving not only the netball community during this time, but I was also able to reach out to other sports codes, helping them to pursue their dreams,” she explains.
Her vision of leadership is grounded in collaboration and innovation. She believes we should co-create meaning and add value to our working environment, involve people in conversations, engage in networks of culture, trust, and knowledge, promote experimentation, and celebrate accomplishments.
Towards a Global Vision
Looking ahead, Lewies envisions leaders as compassionate, ethical, and responsible global citizens who are also digitally adept. For her, the future of leadership lies in the ability to balance present realities with lessons from the past and possibilities for the future.
Her story is not only one of personal achievement but also of collective empowerment. From social work to sports coaching, from grassroots initiatives to international consulting, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, empathy, and vision. Her journey continues to inspire others to find their niche, embrace learning, and turn challenges into opportunities.
