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  • Explore Africa’s Path Forward: New Book ‘Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa’ by DaVinci Scholars

    Explore Africa’s Path Forward: New Book ‘Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa’ by DaVinci Scholars

    DaVinci Business School proudly announces the launch of the book Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa, authored by renowned DaVinci scholars and thought leaders Professor Ronnie Lessem, Prof Anselm Adodo, and Professor Alexander Schieffer.

    This groundbreaking book, published on 15 October 2024, offers a visionary roadmap for transforming Africa’s social innovation landscape, weaving together Africa’s rich cultural heritage, participatory research methodologies, and authentic storytelling.

    Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa
    Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa

    Unveiled at the Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference

    The launch of this influential work coincided with the Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference, held at DaVinci Business School from 21–22 October 2024.

    Under the theme “Societal Healing and Societal Regeneration,” the conference, led by DaVinci Professor Ronnie Lessem, provided the ideal platform to introduce this essential resource. The event brought together global leaders, innovators, and changemakers to discuss and co-create solutions to promote integral healing, focusing on the Global South.

    Professor Lessem (Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa)
    As Professor Lessem eloquently put it during the conference, “This is not just a book—it is a call to action for anyone who seeks to play a role in Africa’s regenerative future.”

    What Can You Expect from the Book?

    Across five engaging parts, the authors explore key concepts designed to reshape Africa’s future:

    • Communitalism: A revolutionary alternative to capitalism that prioritizes communal values and collective well-being over individualism.
    • Communiversity: A transformative learning framework that integrates communities into the academic sphere for impactful social innovation.
    • African Phenomenology: A localized approach to research that challenges traditional Western perspectives and centres the African experience.
    • Critical Realism: An empirical philosophy transcending positivism, offering a richer understanding of African socio-political contexts.

    These concepts, grounded in African philosophy and participatory action research, provide valuable tools for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to driving Africa’s future toward a more equitable and sustainable path.

    A Call for Change

    The authors—Professor Ronnie Lessem, a pioneer in integral development; Prof Anselm Adodo, a holistic medicine advocate and DaVinci doctoral alumnus; and Professor Alexander Schieffer, a social innovator and DaVinci faculty member—have long been at the forefront of societal regeneration. Their contributions through this book offer new paradigms for understanding and addressing Africa’s social and economic challenges.

    Professor Ronnie Lessem
    Professor Ronnie Lessem

    Continuing the Dialogue

    While the book Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa was a focal point at the conference, the conversations and ideas generated there continue to resonate. As the conference concluded, delegates were encouraged to reflect on these frameworks’ practical application and actively contribute to societal healing and regeneration.

    The book of abstracts from the conference is now available to all participants, and a full compilation of the presented papers will be published in the coming months, allowing these rich discussions to further impact change across Africa and beyond.

    DaVinci Business School remains committed to fostering innovative ecosystems and sustainable, transformational societies, and this book is a pivotal tool in shaping Africa’s regenerative future.

    About the Book

    In this groundbreaking work, the concept of “Communiversity” takes centre stage—an innovative space where communities come together to learn, grow, and tackle the pressing challenges of our time. This book reimagines research by moving beyond traditional methods to embrace a localized, African-centered perspective.

    Professor Ronnie Lessem
(Integral Research and Societal Regeneration in Africa)
    Professor Ronnie Lessem

    Through an exploration of phenomenology, cooperative inquiry, hermeneutics, epistemology, Afrikology, and the case stories approach, the book weaves together theory and real-world examples, offering a holistic framework for social innovation. By bridging Western and African intellectual traditions, it emphasises

    key concepts like ubuntu, feminism, participatory action research, and critical realism, creating a more inclusive understanding of knowledge production. One of the unique features of this book is its case stories approach, which brings research to life by grounding complex theories in real African contexts.

    These stories provide powerful insights into how communities apply these methodologies to solve local problems and drive meaningful change. Ideal for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners, this book offers fresh, actionable frameworks for advancing social innovation in Africa. Whether focused on African studies, social justice, or community development, this essential resource will inspire and empower you to transform research into action.

  • Introducing DaVinci’s Upcoming Doctoral Graduates at our Prestigious President’s Dinner

    Introducing DaVinci’s Upcoming Doctoral Graduates at our Prestigious President’s Dinner

    As the DaVinci Institute prepares for tomorrow’s graduation ceremony, we will introduce three exceptional doctoral candidates in Management in Technology and Innovation. But before they walk across the stage, we celebrate their groundbreaking achievements in a unique and prestigious event—The President’s Dinner, hosted tonight by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, our business school’s president and the esteemed Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

    Prestigious President’s Dinner
    Prestigious President’s Dinner

    This exclusive gathering is a rare honour in the private higher education space, as very few institutions offer such a formal and distinguished introduction of their doctoral candidates to society. DaVinci is one of the few to uphold this tradition, and it is a testament to our commitment to co-creating realities and celebrating visionary leadership. With one of the largest doctoral cohorts in South Africa, both in terms of current candidates and alumni, DaVinci proudly showcases the impact and excellence of our doctoral community at this special event.

    The President’s Dinner is not just an occasion—it is a statement of our school’s values and our belief in the transformative power of knowledge. This intimate gathering allows our esteemed graduates to be introduced to society as leaders whose research holds the potential to change industries, communities, and the world. It is an acknowledgement of their journey as scholars and co-creators of innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time. Tonight, we shine a spotlight on the visionary work of:

    Jane Blanche Mackenzie

    Jane Blanche Mackenzie’s groundbreaking work at the Global Holistic Quantum Well-being Centre introduces the HELO framework, which integrates quantum physics, Taoist philosophy, and modern biology to revolutionize our understanding of well-being.

    Her research moves beyond reductionist approaches, providing a holistic, multidimensional perspective that holds great promise for health practitioners, business leaders, and broader society.

    Hester Catarina Welman

    Hester Welman’s research critically examines the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Compliance Framework (B-BBEE-CF) and its effectiveness in driving ownership transformation in South Africa. By developing a conceptual framework that promotes meaningful and sustainable transformation, Hester’s work contributes to South Africa’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable economy.

    Isheunesu Amon Chaka

    Isheunesu Chaka’s doctoral research redefines higher education through the lens of decoloniality, pioneering the Communiversity model. His work challenges the traditional academic structures in Africa, integrating indigenous knowledge systems and advocating for social justice. As the Dean of Student Services at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Isheunesu’s research fosters a new generation of graduates empowered to become transformative change agents.

    Hosted by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, tonight’s President’s Dinner is a platform for these exceptional graduates to share their visionary research with industry leaders, academic luminaries, and distinguished guests. In the presence of peers and mentors, they will be formally introduced as doctoral graduates who are thought leaders in their fields and drivers of meaningful change in South Africa and beyond.

    This dinner symbolises DaVinci’s belief in honouring excellence and acknowledging impact, marking the beginning of these graduates’ journey as they step into society as innovators, disruptors, and co-creators of a more sustainable future.

    Jane Blanche Mackenzie, Hester Catarina Welman, and Isheunesu Amon Chaka
    Jane Blanche Mackenzie, Hester Catarina Welman, and Isheunesu Amon Chaka

    The President’s Dinner is a unique tradition that underscores DaVinci’s commitment to visionary leadership. Few private institutions provide such an esteemed platform for doctoral candidates, and even fewer can boast of the size and influence of DaVinci’s doctoral community. With one of the largest cohorts of doctoral candidates and alumni in South Africa, we are proud to continue fostering holistic, innovative leaders who co-create lasting impact.

    As we look forward to tomorrow’s graduation, tonight’s celebration reminds us why DaVinci stands at the forefront of higher education—committed to excellence, creativity, and transformation.

    Congratulations to Isheunesu Chaka, Jane Blanche Mackenzie, and Hester Catarina Welman. Your work embodies the spirit of remarkable leadership that DaVinci Business School champions, and we are honoured to present you to society at this prestigious event.

  • Healing Societies, Shaping Futures: Inside DaVinci’s Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference

    Healing Societies, Shaping Futures: Inside DaVinci’s Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference

    At DaVinci Business School, we are constantly driven by our mission to co-create transformational societies, and our recent Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference, held from 21 to 22 October 2024, stands as a shining example. Under the visionary leadership of Prof Ronnie Lessem, a Professor of Management at DaVinci Business School, this conference brought together thought leaders from around the globe to explore innovative solutions for societal healing, focusing on the Global South.

    The theme of “Societal Healing and Societal Regeneration” couldn’t be more timely as communities and ecosystems across the globe grapple with the effects of socio-economic challenges. With a hybrid format that allowed in-person and online participation, this no-fee event became a meeting point for scholars, changemakers, and community leaders dedicated to shaping a more equitable future.

    Da Vinci’s Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference
    Da Vinci’s Inaugural Societal Regenerative Conference

    As Mother Earth and its inhabitants continue to bear the weight of socio-economic dysfunction, this conference emerged as a gathering of hearts and minds committed to sparking integral healing for individuals, enterprises, and communities alike. The conference’s hybrid format allowed delegates from diverse backgrounds to participate in these rich discussions, with invited speakers joining in person at DaVinci House in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, while others connected virtually.

    The conference opened with a powerful session on the reconstruction of society and the role of inclusive knowledge creation in Africa, featuring notable thought leaders like Dr Sandile Ndlungwane, Prof Bennie Anderson, and Prof Ronnie Lessem. The conversations set the tone for what was to come—deep reflections on how we can heal societal wounds through thoughtful innovation and knowledge-sharing. As Prof Anderson put it, “We are not simply educating leaders; we are actively co-creating solutions that promote sustainable and equitable transformation.”

    A highlight from the first day was the session on integral healing knowledge and Ubuntu wisdom, where Dr Aneeqa Malik discussed the power of Soulidarity and its potential to inspire interconnectedness and solidarity among communities. The day concluded with reflections on the intersection of technology and human-centeredness by Dr Rooksana Rajab, emphasizing how tech-driven solutions can and should align with the goal of fostering holistic societal healing.

    Inclusive Knowledge Creation and Regenerative Practices
    Inclusive Knowledge Creation and Regenerative Practices

    Day two expanded on the previous discussions, with a focus on healing sectors that are foundational to societal well-being, including healthcare and business sustainability. Dr Simon Abbott  and Dr Claudia Sigamoney, our Head of Undergraduate Programmes, led a timely conversation on the state of the South African healthcare industry, pointing to digital innovations as a way to regenerate the sector. This was followed by a transformative exploration of business sustainability led by Dr Tony Bradley, a DaVinci Doctoral alumnus, who challenged delegates to reimagine enterprise as a cycle of regenerative practices, placing humanity at the centre of economic growth.

    The closing session on the power of Communiversity, presented by DaVinci alumnus Chaka Isheneusu and Dr Chipo Ndudzo, another DaVinci Doctoral alumnus, left us with a powerful vision of how education can nurture graduates to become agents of societal transformation. Their message was clear: to heal society, we must equip our future leaders with the tools and mindset to drive meaningful change. Also in attendance were our Executive Dean: Research, Teaching, Learning (Prof HB Klopper), the Head of Postgraduate Programmes (Dr Willy Engelbrecht) and the Head of Postgraduate Research (Prof Paul Sigh).

    Shaping a New Future for Regenerative Enterprises
    Shaping a New Future for Regenerative Enterprises

    As we wrapped up this groundbreaking conference, one thing was certain: the conversations and ideas shared over these two days were not the end but the beginning. The Societal Regenerative Conference has planted seeds for future collaborations and innovations aimed at bringing integral healing to societies, enterprises, and ecosystems across the globe.

    As a no-fee conference, it was an open invitation to changemakers worldwide to participate in shaping a world where sustainability, healing, and transformation are at the heart of progress.

    At DaVinci Business School, we don’t just talk about change—we co-create it. This conference was a testament to our commitment to growing agile, aligned, and engaged leaders who will bring about sustainable transformation.

    Join us as we continue this journey of societal regeneration and healing, influencing the co-creation of realities that transcend boundaries and connect hearts.

  • Turning Customer Satisfaction into R439 Million: A Telecom Leader’s Story

    Turning Customer Satisfaction into R439 Million: A Telecom Leader’s Story

    In today’s competitive telecommunications industry, customer satisfaction is more important than ever.

    When a DaVinci graduate took on a leadership role in a major telecommunications company, they faced a daunting challenge: their company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS)—a critical measure of customer loyalty—was at a disheartening -55. Dissatisfied customers and poor service experiences drove the business in the wrong direction, and immediate action was needed to reverse the trend.

    A Telecom Leader’s Story
(telecommunications)
    A Telecom Leader’s Story

    The Challenge

    A negative NPS is not just a number—it’s a clear signal that customers are unhappy, which has a ripple effect throughout the company. Customers were leaving, the brand’s reputation suffered, and revenue was at risk. The graduate knew improving customer satisfaction was essential for the company’s survival and future growth.

    The Solution

    Leveraging the tools and frameworks they had learned at DaVinci, the graduate set out to overhaul the company’s approach to customer experience. They began by focusing on key areas of customer interaction, identifying weak points leading to dissatisfaction. A comprehensive strategy was implemented to improve communication, speed up response times, and proactively address issues before escalating.

    The graduate also worked to empower their team, ensuring that every member of the customer service department felt ownership over their role in improving the customer experience. This culture shift and strategic process changes started to turn things around.

    The Impact

    The company’s NPS improved dramatically within two years, moving from -55 to +31.1. This wasn’t just a win for customer satisfaction; it was a huge financial victory as well. The improved customer experience led to a 40% increase in service revenue, adding R310 million to the company’s bottom line in 2022. In addition, the company saw a 60% increase in data revenue, totalling an additional R129 million.

    The combined impact of these efforts resulted in a total increase of R439 million in revenue—a clear demonstration of how focusing on customer experience can directly translate into business growth.

    Personal Transformation

    Beyond the measurable business impact, the graduate also experienced significant personal growth. Their time at DaVinci helped them develop self-confidence and a deeper understanding of the business, leading to company promotions. By implementing the knowledge and leadership skills they acquired at DaVinci, the graduate was able to drive lasting change in their organization, proving that leadership and innovation go hand-in-hand.

    Conclusion

    This success story showcases how DaVinci graduates are making real-world impacts in terms of financial results and personal and professional growth. For this telecommunications leader, improving customer satisfaction wasn’t just about turning around a metric—it was about transforming the business and their own leadership journey.

    Ready to co-create your own impact? Discover DaVinci’s programmes and see how to lead with purpose and drive measurable results.

  • ROI on Your Education

    ROI on Your Education

    How much one earns is dependent on several factors including experience, qualifications, your field of work, and even where you live.

    A major factor in earning potential is linked to qualifications and experience. Experience coupled with advanced qualifications appears to be the biggest factor in earning more. Education in South Africa is a costly investment, but an investment, nonetheless. To determine whether a new qualification will positively impact on your earnings, one needs to investigate the Return on Investments (ROI).

    An IOL article researched salary ranges and education and found the following:

    • “When it comes to the impact of education levels on salaries, SalaryExplorer says a study conducted in South Africa, comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries, showed that:
    • Individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school
    • Those who obtained a Bachelor’s Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma
    • Professionals with a Master’s Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor’s Degree
    • Those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master’s Degree while performing the same job

    It further states that many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.”

    So, if you are ready to level up your education to reap the rewards on your salary, view our accredited programmes here.

  • Celebrating Satish Roopa’s Appointment to Sol Plaatje University Council

    Celebrating Satish Roopa’s Appointment to Sol Plaatje University Council

    Satish Roopa’s

    At DaVinci Business School, we believe in co-creating transformative realities through visionary leadership. We proudly congratulate our Legal Representative, Satish Roopa, on his recent appointment as a Sol Plaatje University Council Member. With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years across governance, legal consulting, and executive leadership, Satish’s remarkable career reflects his deep commitment to driving meaningful change in both the public and private sectors.

    Satish holds multiple prestigious credentials, including a Bachelor of Law (B.IURIS) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and specialised training in consumer protection and remuneration frameworks. His diverse experience includes leadership roles such as Chairperson of the Petroleum Agency of South Africa, a Commissioner for the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, and advisory roles for numerous committees and organizations, including the Northern Cape Provincial Treasury and Zip Zap Circus.

    Satish Holds Multiple Prestigious Credentials

    Satish’s leadership journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering the art of transformation, much like the ethos we embrace at DaVinci. His commitment to ethical leadership, governance, and societal impact inspires us all. His role at Sol Plaatje University offers a unique opportunity to shape sustainable ecosystems of knowledge and innovation in higher education, furthering the co-creation of just and dynamic societies.

    We celebrate this milestone and look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions Satish will continue to make as he influences the next generation of leaders in South Africa. At DaVinci, we are proud to have leaders like him who embody our vision of harnessing creativity, leadership, and responsibility for the betterment of society.

    Congratulations, Satish Roopa! Together, we continue to lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to sustainable transformation.

  • Public vs Private Higher Education Institutions

    Public vs Private Higher Education Institutions

    Higher education in South Africa is characterised by a diverse landscape, encompassing both public and private institutions. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional futures of students. Whilst both public and private higher education institutes (HEI) share the goal of providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects, ranging from funding sources to delivery mode.

    All public and private higher education institutions are registered with the same governing bodies that allow for accredited programmes to be offered. DaVinci Business School is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and currently has seven accredited programmes registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA):

    • Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation (NQF 5) Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (NQF 7)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership (NQF 8)
    • Master of Business Leadership (NQF 9)
    • Master of Management in Technology and Innovation (NQF 9)
    • Doctor of Business Leadership (NQF 10)
    • Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation (NQF 10)

    Let’s look at the key differences between public and private institutions:

    • Public institutions are funded by the government, which means that their fees may be lower than those of private institutions, where no government funding is available. As a result, public institutions appear to be more affordable, however, public institutions often have hidden costs.
    • Very high textbook fees that are not reflected in the primary costs of the qualification. Textbooks can be as much as 50% of the total costs of studies;
    • Outdated study material that has not been updated regularly and that is dependent on text-book lecturing;
    • High drop-out rates;
    • You can only enrol once or twice a year when it is convenient for the university system to accept you;
    • There is no flexibility in your work, learning pattern or the fact that you may have to earn an income in the process of studying.

    Private institutions, such as DaVinci Business School, offer affordable programmes from higher certificate up to doctorate level. There are no additional textbook fees, as a prescribed reading list is uploaded to the Learning Management System per programme. DaVinci programmes are aligned with industry requirements and sessions are facilitated by experts currently working in the specific field. This means that you will learn from subject matter experts with many years of industry experience.

    DaVinci Business School offers smaller classes, with remote facilitation and evening sessions, so you can really get to know your fellow students and your facilitator. A dedicated Programme Convener will be in contact with you regularly and will flag any concerns with the Student Support Team (SST). The SST will arrange a session with you to discuss any concerns and provide insights into how to overcome these, to ensure your success. So, whilst you may pay a bit more for a programme at DaVinci Business School, the possibility that you will graduate is significantly higher.

    DaVinci Business School acknowledges that education is an investment and that many people are not able to study full-time. DaVinci Business School offers flexibility with fully remote evening facilitation sessions across our range of programmes. And with five intakes per year, you can start your next qualification at any time.

    Now that you have greater insights into the benefits of studying at DaVinci Business School, click here to find out more about our accredited programmes

  • A DaVinci Doctoral Candidate Leading African Mining Innovation

    A DaVinci Doctoral Candidate Leading African Mining Innovation

    At DaVinci Business School, we proudly celebrate visionary leaders like James AH Campbell, one of our esteemed doctoral candidates. His professional path—marked by transformation, leadership, and relentless learning—epitomises what it means to co-create sustainable, innovative futures. As a doctoral student at DaVinci, James is using his wealth of experience in the diamond industry to shape not only his career but the very future of African mining and entrepreneurship.

    James A. Campbell

    James’ journey is marked by two key turning points. The first came at De Beers, where after earning his MBA with distinction (a feat accomplished “on the quiet”), he transitioned from a technical career to a business and strategic management role, even becoming the first Personal Assistant to Nicky Oppenheimer, De Beers’ Executive Chairman.

    This leap was pivotal, shaping his approach to leadership and decision-making. The second transformation came when James stepped out of the corporate world into entrepreneurship, running listed junior mining companies under the mentorship of serial entrepreneur Dr John Teeling.

    James often reflects on how his time at De Beers gave him outstanding technical training, but it was his entrepreneurial ventures that truly taught him how to run businesses. His current role as Managing Director of Botswana Diamonds Plc reflects the agility and resilience that define his leadership. Now, as a doctoral candidate at DaVinci, James continues to push boundaries, driven by a passion to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

    For James, self-development has always been at the heart of his career. At De Beers, he participated in numerous management and technical training programs, and his MBA thesis on assessing risk in mining projects won top honours. Remarkably, he completed this while building a diamond mine in rural Botswana. Today, with the demands of running a junior mining company, James doesn’t have the luxury of frequent training programs. Instead, he stays relevant by publishing papers and presenting at major conferences. Recently, he has shared his insights at institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

    James’ pursuit of further education through his doctoral studies at DaVinci is motivated by a desire to consolidate his decades of experience into a research project that will benefit future leaders in the mining industry. His passion for creating a legacy that stimulates much-needed activity in African mining aligns perfectly with DaVinci’s commitment to co-creating sustainable ecosystems. The school’s unique Mode 2 learning approach, which focuses on applied, real-world research, was a perfect fit for James’ vision.

    Balancing the demands of his professional life with the rigours of doctoral research is no easy task, but James approaches it with the same strategic mindset that has defined his career. He specifically chose this time to pursue his doctorate as his workload has lightened, owing to a structural shift in the diamond industry, and his children have grown and left home. This allows him to dedicate the focus and energy required to make the most of his doctoral journey at DaVinci. His success in managing this balance underscores the kind of discipline, planning, and support system that DaVinci encourages in all its students.

    James is not just pursuing a doctoral degree—he’s on a mission to leave a lasting legacy for future leaders in the African mining sector. His research at DaVinci is aimed at creating a practical framework that invigorates mining exploration in Africa, particularly fostering local ownership and meeting the African Union’s goals. His work has already attracted the interest of influential stakeholders, including the Minister of Mines of Botswana and the Minerals Council of South Africa.

    Just as his MBA thesis on risk assessment provided value to the mining industry for years, James intends for his doctoral thesis to have both academic and practical significance. This commitment to producing work that makes a real-world impact is at the core of DaVinci’s educational philosophy, and we are honoured to have James among our doctoral students as he embarks on this important journey.

    James’ advice to fellow executives and professionals considering further education is simple yet profound: “Take ownership of your own training, education, and development.” He believes that no one will care about your growth as much as you do, and learning is a lifelong journey that requires continuous commitment. As a doctoral student at DaVinci, James exemplifies this ethos, embracing learning not just as a means to advance his career but as a way to enrich his life and create meaningful change in his industry.

    James AH Campbell’s journey as a doctoral candidate at DaVinci Business School is one of transformation, resilience, and visionary leadership. We are proud to support leaders like James, who embody DaVinci’s mission to co-create realities that influence industries and societies. His story is a reflection of what makes DaVinci doctoral students stand out—they’re not just preparing for the future; they’re shaping it.

    Are you ready to take ownership of your journey? At DaVinci, our doctoral students don’t just follow trends—they set them. Let’s co-create remarkable realities together.

  • How To Upskill And Reskill Yourself To Remain An Employable Asset

    How To Upskill And Reskill Yourself To Remain An Employable Asset

    20 years ago, if you were a marketer, you were a marketer for life. If you were an accountant, you were an accountant for life. You learned your trade, got better and better at it, got promoted, and enjoyed a growing salary and perks. But times are changing. As machine learning and artificial intelligence progress, the work we humans have done in some shape or form over the past century is morphing or disappearing.

    So, you may be a marketer today, but five or 10 years from now, are you sure your job will be the same as it is today? Very few people can answer yes with great confidence.

    It is a little scary, but it is also an amazing opportunity to have a nimble and varied career. One which should be low on mundane repetition and high on growth, fulfillment, and innovation.

    At The DaVinci Institute, our view is that every person of employment age needs to develop a flexible mindset and a great career strategy. They need to realise that skilling and reskilling themselves is the very best way to remain someone who is an asset to the world of work. Here is a four-pronged strategy to help you remain an employable asset in the face of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.

    Be Open-Minded

    Every human on earth right now is being asked a lot. Suddenly, we’re required to be quite amenable to working with and talking to robots. It can be tempting to shut down and long for the ‘good old days’ when things were a lot simpler. However, remaining a highly valuable asset in the workplace will require you to be open-minded and able to accept fast-paced change. The sooner you realise that things are changing and embrace this change, the sooner you can figure out how you can fit yourself into the bold new world!

    Be Curious

    Stay curious about how the world and your industry are ‘pivoting’ due to technological advances. Be the expert on new trends, opportunities, and skills. This will allow you to: a) Add real value to your organisation with depth of knowledge b) Plan how you need to adapt to stay relevant c) Keep you fresh and interested in your role

    Be Bold

    Building on point two, being bold and courageous in your workplace will be a very powerful tool. This is about knowing how things are changing in the world around you – it is about boldly planning how you can bring those changes into your environment and how you can make a big impact. So put together that innovation strategy and march into the CEO’s office with it! Be that person, the one that helps fundamentally shift an organisation into the future – and helps keep it there.

    Be Studious

    Lifelong learning is perhaps the most critical part of your career strategy. It’s about regularly immersing yourself in study – whether through long or short courses, online or physical study – in order to constantly enhance your knowledge and skills. Today, we are more fortunate than ever before because online learning allows people to study in their own time and in their own homes. It is also delivered in fun, modern, easy-to digest bite sizes.

    There are some excellent courses available to help people build the skills they need to stay adaptable, lead through change skilfully, and develop a mindset of growth, change, and success.

    Of course, we are big fans of our own industry-led programmes at all levels, facilitated by industry experts. Check out our accredited programmes and industry-aligned electives from which you can choose.

  • Celebrating Dr Kwanele Ngwenya: A Visionary Leader Honoured in CEO Today’s Africa Awards

    Celebrating Dr Kwanele Ngwenya: A Visionary Leader Honoured in CEO Today’s Africa Awards

    At DaVinci Business School, we proudly congratulate Dr. Kwanele Ngwenya, CEO of NBS Bank, on his recent recognition in CEO Today’s Africa Awards! His exceptional leadership and dedication to driving financial inclusion in Malawi exemplify the remarkability that we celebrate in all our alumni.

    Dr. Kwanele Ngwenya.

    With over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, including leadership roles at Nedbank, FNB, and NBS Bank, Dr Ngwenya continues to pave the way for innovation and empowerment. Under his leadership, NBS Bank’s Bank Pafupi agent networks have transformed access to financial services for marginalised communities, profoundly impacting Malawi’s socio-economic landscape.

    Dr Ngwenya’s commitment to co-creating sustainable societies also extends to his academic journey. His doctoral research at DaVinci explored groundbreaking models for financial inclusion, offering strategies that continue to shape policy and practice in Africa.

    Congratulations, Dr. Ngwenya, on this well-deserved recognition! Read the full feature here: https://africaawards.ceotodaymagazine.com/winners-edition/18/