Shadowmatch is more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to self-discovery and optimisation as a personal development tool that leverages advanced analytics to uncover an individual’s innate talents and behavioural tendencies. Shadowmatch is a well-researched system that measures and indicates an individual’s propensity towards certain selected habits and assists one in reflecting on how those habits can have a bearing on one’s work and the impact they may have on one’s managerial leadership style.
How Does Shadowmatch Work?
At its core, Shadowmatch operates on the principle that understanding oneself is pivotal to achieving peak performance. By completing an online assessment, students provide insights into their behavioural preferences and cognitive strengths. These inputs are then analysed to create a personalised profile, highlighting areas where an individual excels and where they may face challenges. The identified behavioural patterns indicate the prominence of the different behavioural patterns that emerge.
Benefits for Students
The Shadowmatch assessment as well as an analysis by a behavioural coach is included for free for all students as part of signing up with DaVinci.
Self-Awareness: Shadowmatch empowers students with deep insights into their unique behavioural traits and motivators. This self-awareness is foundational for making informed decisions about study habits, career paths, and personal development.
Students are encouraged to apply energy in developing the 18 habits identified as critical to their managerial leadership basket of tools.
Career Alignment: Beyond academics, Shadowmatch aids in career planning by aligning students’ innate talents with potential professions. This alignment not only enhances career satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of achieving professional success.
Integration into Student Life
Accessible through the DVBS platform, Shadowmatch integrates seamlessly into students’ lives. Its user-friendly interface and actionable insights make it a valuable companion throughout the educational journey, from orientation to graduation and beyond.
Embrace Your Potential
In a world where personal and academic growth go hand in hand, Shadowmatch enhances the opportunity to grow as a leader by honing existing leadership behaviours and enhancing others. By harnessing the power of self-awareness and data-driven insights, students can navigate their educational endeavours with confidence and purpose. Whether aiming for academic excellence, career advancement, or personal fulfilment, Shadowmatch equips individuals with the tools to unlock their true potential.
Get Started Today
Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and achievement? Explore the transformative benefits of Shadowmatch with Davinci Business School. Embrace your strengths, overcome challenges, and pave the way to a brighter future. Your potential awaits—seize it with Shadowmatch.
Embarking on a doctoral journey is a thrilling adventure filled with discoveries, challenges, and immense personal growth. However, it doesn’t have to feel like an endless marathon. With the right strategies, you can make the process enjoyable and manageable. Here’s how:
Read Daily
Dedicate just at least 30 minutes or an hour a day to reading articles and papers related to your research. This small daily commitment accumulates, enriching your understanding and naturally expanding your bibliography. Each insight you jot down builds a foundation for your thesis, making the research process less daunting and more rewarding.
Eliminate Distractions
In our hyper-connected world, distractions are plentiful. Turn off notifications, and let emails wait. Create an environment where focus thrives. The magic of deep, undisturbed focus is where your best work will emerge, propelling you closer to your goal with every distraction you eliminate.
Write as You Go
Don’t fall into the trap of saving all your writing for the end. Start writing as you gather data. This approach not only makes the process less overwhelming but also keeps your thoughts well organised and fresh. Writing consistently is key to maintaining momentum and ensuring steady progress.
At Least Thrive to Author 150 Words Per Day, Every Day
Consistency trumps volume. Aim to write just at least 150 words daily. This modest target ensures that you stay engaged with your thesis and witness its gradual growth. Over time, these small contributions add up, transforming into substantial progress without the pressure of marathon writing sessions.
Rest Strategically
Breaks are not just for resting; they’re for recharging. Think of breaks as essential pit stops in your race. Regular, strategic breaks boost your productivity and keep your remarkable doctoral journey vibrant and viable. Use these moments to step back, gain perspective, and return with renewed energy and clarity.
Develop Your Roadmap
Your table of contents is more than a mere list; it’s your doctoral roadmap. Develop it early in your research journey and let it guide you. A clear outline provides direction and helps you navigate through your thesis with confidence and purpose.
Stop Aiming for Perfection
Perfectionism can be a significant hindrance, often doubling the time it takes to complete your doctorate with little added value. Embrace the concept of “good enough.” Recognise that striving for perfection can trap you in endless revisions and delays. Instead, focus on producing high-quality work that is robust and reliable without falling into the perfectionism trap.
Embrace the Journey
Remember, a doctorate is not just about the destination but also the journey. Enjoy the process of learning, discovery, and growth. Celebrate your small victories along the way and stay connected with peers who can offer support and encouragement.
Always remember that by incorporating these strategies, you can transform your remarkable doctoral experience from an exhausting marathon into an enjoyable and productive journey. Keep your goals in sight, maintain a balanced approach, and above all, savor the intellectual adventure. Happy researching and co-creating new realities!
Executive Dean: Academic Operations, Student Support & Learning Experience
Making Time Count for Studies and Family
Global Family Day serves as a reminder of the significance of fostering harmony and unity in the midst of diversity, principles that are equally crucial.
when it comes to balancing academic pursuits with family commitments. In the grand scheme of things, time is our most valuable commodity, one that once spent, cannot be reclaimed. Therefore, it’s imperative that we make every moment count.
Spending hours on end engrossed in tasks doesn’t necessarily equate to meaningful productivity. To make the most of my time, I’ve adopted a structured approach, dividing my day into manageable chunks allocated to specific endeavours. Whether it’s work, research, study, family, or self-care, each aspect gets its dedicated time slot. By adhering to this strategy, even if I don’t tick off every task on my list, I still accomplish those I’ve earmarked for attention.
In the context of my PhD studies, implementing this method during the final year proved immensely beneficial. Setting aside dedicated hours from 5-6 am every weekday and a portion of one weekend day for my research ensured consistent progress without the pressure of playing catch-up later on. This disciplined approach not only alleviated feelings of overwhelm but also fuelled my motivation by fostering diligence and continuity.
The same principle extends to family time. As a single parent juggling work, study, and parenting responsibilities, I’ve come to understand that it’s not about the quantity, but the quality of time spent with my son. Amidst the chaos of daily life, I carve out one sacred hour each day exclusively for him. During this time, I disconnect from distractions and fully immerse myself in his world, letting him choose our family activity of the day. It’s a cherished ritual where we bond without interruptions, setting boundaries while instilling values of consistency and dedication.
As Marie Forleo aptly puts it, “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” This sentiment rings true in both my academic and familial endeavours. By prioritising quality over quantity and maintaining a steadfast commitment to my chosen pursuits, I’ve fostered harmony and unity within my home while pursuing my goals guilt-free.
This approach is adaptable and applicable to any area of life that holds significance. So, as we celebrate Global Family Day, let’s remember to cherish our loved ones and make every moment count.
Embarking on a doctoral journey is a monumental task that requires dedication, strategy, and a support system to guide you through its numerous challenges. At DaVinci Business School, our commitment to nurturing future scholars is epitomised by the wisdom shared by Dr Raymond Toga, our Learning Coordinator for Doctoral Programmes and an alumnus of our Doctorate of Management of Technology and Innovation. In this post, Dr Toga provides a roadmap with practical tips to support current and prospective doctoral students.
Dr. Raymond Toga’s Guide to Thriving in Your Doctoral Studies
1. Set Clear Yearly Goals
“Document your yearly goals as a project plan,” advises Dr. Toga. This structured approach is about setting objectives and charting a clear path towards achieving them. This methodical planning can significantly enhance your focus and drive, providing clear milestones and accomplishments to look forward to.
2. Enhance Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is pivotal in every sphere, more so in academia. Dr Raymond emphasises the importance of articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. “Investing in honing your communication skills can greatly benefit your journey,” he notes. Strong communication skills are invaluable, whether it’s writing your thesis, presenting your research, or simply interacting with your peers and mentors.
3. Be Present in Meetings
The interactions you have with your supervisors can greatly impact your doctoral experience. Dr Raymond Toga suggests making your presence felt from the start. “Make your presence felt within the first few minutes of starting a meeting with your supervisor,” he recommends. A proactive and engaged approach can foster a supportive and constructive relationship, making your journey smoother and more productive.
4. Establish a Personal Board of Directors
Navigating the highs and lows of a doctoral journey requires more than just academic support. Dr Toga advises establishing a ‘personal board of directors’ – a group of mentors who can provide guidance and support. This board should include individuals who understand your academic and personal aspirations, offering advice that spans the full spectrum of your life’s challenges and achievements.
5. Choose Your Associations Wisely
“You are the average of the people you associate with,” Dr Toga cautions. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive, and similarly motivated individuals can make a significant difference in your doctoral journey. Choose to spend time with those who inspire you, challenge you constructively, and support your goals.
6. Stay Motivated
Maintaining motivation over the years it takes to complete a doctorate can be daunting. Dr. Toga underscores the importance of having cheerleaders in your corner. “Have cheerleaders and hype masters who can keep you motivated and encourage you to consistently show up at your best,” he states. Remembering why you started this journey can help you stay focused and inspired through challenging times.
The Importance of Resilience and Curiosity
Dr Toga wraps up his advice by reminding students to stay resilient, focused, and curious. “Always remain curious, open-minded, and passionate about your remarkable doctoral research journey,” he encourages. This mindset not only helps you overcome obstacles but also makes the most of the learning opportunities that come your way.
Reach Out for Support
Lastly, Dr Toga reminds students that he is just an email away for DaVinci doctoral students who need further guidance or support. His willingness to assist is a testament to DaVinci Business School’s dedication to its students.
By taking these insights to heart, current and prospective doctoral students at DaVinci Business School can enhance their educational experience and pave the way for successful and fulfilling academic careers. Remember, the journey to attaining your doctoral degree may be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is also incredibly rewarding.
Ready to Elevate Your Academic Journey?
Are you considering a doctoral degree to advance your career and personal growth? DaVinci Business School is here to help you achieve your ambitions with our esteemed doctoral programmes. We offer two specialised degrees tailored for visionary leaders and innovators: a Doctor of Business Leadership and a Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation.
Embark on a transformative journey where you’ll gain knowledge and the strategic prowess and leadership skills necessary for the upper echelons of the business world. At DaVinci, you’re not just earning a degree but preparing to influence and innovate at the highest levels.
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, pursuing a postgraduate diploma in South Africa is becoming crucial for those looking to escalate their career trajectory and enhance their expertise. Various industries demand increasingly specialised knowledge, so professionals are turning to postgraduate diplomas to secure a competitive advantage. This prestigious qualification doesn’t just enrich your theoretical and practical understanding but paves the way for higher leadership roles and further scholarly endeavours.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the essentials of obtaining a postgraduate diploma in South Africa, examining its equivalence to other qualifications, detailing the admission requirements, and highlighting the unique benefits it offers to propel your professional and academic goals.
What is a Postgraduate Diploma Equivalent to in South Africa?
In South Africa, a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is a qualification equivalent to an honour’s degree. It follows a bachelor’s degree and is typically aimed at enhancing professional qualifications and expertise. The PGDip provides a focused approach to a specific field of study or professional practice, placing it between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in complexity and depth. An example of a PGDip is our Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership.
DaVinci Alumnus
What Level is a Postgraduate Diploma in South Africa?
A postgraduate diploma in South Africa is classified as an NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level 8 qualification, the same level as an honour’s degree. This level signifies advanced knowledge and skills, focusing on specialised learning. It prepares students to solve complex practical problems and think critically within their field of study.
Is a Postgraduate Diploma Equivalent to an Honours Degree in South Africa?
While both the postgraduate diploma and an honours degree are classified at NQF level 8, they serve different purposes. An honours degree is typically more academic and research-focused, preparing students for a master’s degree. In contrast, a postgraduate diploma is more practice-oriented, aimed at enhancing professional skills and practical knowledge. However, both a PGDip and an honour’s degree led to entry into a master’s programme, such as our Master of Business Leadership and Master of Management in Technology and Innovation.
Postgraduate Diploma vs Honours Degree in South Africa
Deciding between a postgraduate diploma and an honours degree depends on your career goals and educational needs. Both are postgraduate qualifications usually offered at NQF level 8 and provide entry into a master’s degree. However, If you’re looking to bolster your professional skills and apply knowledge directly to your career, a postgraduate diploma could be the better choice.
Moreover, a postgraduate diploma could be the perfect fit if you’re considering furthering your education while keeping up with a busy work life. It’s tailored for real-world application, giving you the skills you need to shine in your job right away. The flexible nature of a postgraduate diploma means you can often balance study with your current job, moving up in your career without a pause in your professional life.
Who Qualifies for a Postgraduate Diploma?
To qualify for a postgraduate diploma in South Africa, applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 or an advanced diploma. The DaVinci Business School, for example, also considers applicants through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, which evaluates an individual’s professional experience and previous learning.
Requirements for a Postgraduate Diploma in South Africa
The general entry requirements for a PGDip include a relevant undergraduate degree. Specific programmes, like the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership at DaVinci Business School, might also require a certain level of professional experience or previous exposure to business studies.
DaVinci Alumnus
Exploring Postgraduate Diploma Options Online in South Africa
With the advancement of digital technology, some institutions now offer online postgraduate diplomas, allowing for flexibility and accessibility. These programmes are ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers without compromising their work schedules.
In the digital age where adaptability is key, DaVinci Business School stands out as a beacon of innovation, providing a postgraduate diploma online via distance learning that seamlessly blends with the hectic lives of working professionals. With a history spanning 20 years, DaVinci has fine-tuned the art of distance education to prioritise the utmost flexibility and convenience.
This commitment to accommodating busy schedules is reflected in their learner-centric approach, where education moulds to fit your life, not the other way around. At DaVinci, education transcends the theoretical. By integrating work-based challenges into the study modules, the institution ensures a harmonious blend of academic theory with the practical demands of the business world. The curriculum is sharp and industry-focused, crafted to arm you with relevant, actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to your professional environment. Whether tuning in from the comfort of your home or between business meetings, DaVinci ensures that your educational journey is as dynamic and flexible as the industry it prepares you to lead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a postgraduate diploma in South Africa offers a practical and esteemed pathway to further education and career advancement. Institutions like DaVinci Business School provide robust programmes to equip students with theoretical and practical business leadership skills, contributing significantly to personal and professional development. For those interested in such programmes, understanding the prerequisites, structure, and outcomes is crucial to making an informed decision.
Navigating the academic landscape to enhance professional growth through a postgraduate diploma in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to specialise and excel in competitive business environments. Institutions like DaVinci Business School are at the forefront, providing tailored programmes that align with industry demands and personal career aspirations. Whether you are aiming to bridge the gap to a master’s degree or enhance your professional skills for immediate application, a postgraduate diploma is a worthy investment. With its blend of practical focus and academic rigour, the postgraduate diploma stands out as a valuable credential for aspiring leaders and professionals committed to personal and professional excellence.
If anyone were to invent a boot camp for dynamic leadership skills for business leaders, they would be hard-pressed to come up with something more challenging than what South Africa presents today.
Who could imagine dealing with a slow economy, intense political disagreements and money issues all at once? Then, let’s add a crisis that includes the collapse of a reliable national power supply and the near collapse of the national rail and port logistic infrastructure.
Under such circumstances, the well-worn observation that every crisis holds an opportunity might feel like somewhat empty, hopeful optimism. But, faced with these realities, business leaders are sure of one thing: doing nothing is not an option.
South Africa today offers a unique opportunity for leaders to gauge their fitness for adaptive leadership and test how well they can adjust to changing situations. For some, this might come instinctively, driven by experience, deep domain-specific knowledge and personal charisma. For others who do not have these attributes, the mantle of leadership might weigh heavily.
Businesses that train their leaders in these flexible skills will see benefits even in tough times. South African corporates that wish to succeed should invest in these dynamic leadership skills at the top of their executive development programme priorities.
Adaptive leadership involves creative problem-solving, quick adjustment to new plans and a solid grasp of economic conditions around the world and at home. Educational institutions, particularly business schools, play a pivotal role in preparing future leaders for these challenges.
A fascinating example of adaptive leadership was captured by The New York Times in its coverage of Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana and how it transformed into an all-female safari guiding group in what had traditionally been a male-dominated space.
The change was driven by managers who observed an economic phenomenon. They saw that the costs of guide vehicle maintenance dropped when women were drivers, that they used less fuel, and that vehicles lasted longer.
Female guides also brought a different approach compared to men. When no big game was around, they focused on other things that male guides would often overlook, like interesting bird life or fascinating stories about the game park.
This adaptive leadership showed thinking that led to fundamental organisational change, which resulted in a more profitable business and an enhanced experience for guests.
Locally, such resilience was apparent in the lockdown years of the Covid-19 pandemic, where leaders showed they were able to adapt to unfathomable challenges. A shining example, although by no means unique at the time, was that of NetFlorist, which was able to pivot its flower and gift delivery business into a fruit-and-vegetable delivery platform within 36 hours, ensuring the business survived.
We continue to see this today as critical sectors like mining and telecommunications find transformative solutions to problems like loadshedding.
South African mines, which account for some 30% of the country’s energy consumption, are developing a combined 6,500 megawatts of renewable power, according to the Minerals Council. They are expected to generate 2,294 megawatts of their own power by 2025, with more expected onstream by 2030.
Thanks to load-shedding South Africa’s major telcos have arguably become world leaders in the use of alternate energy sources to maintain the functioning of the country’s digital economy, showing how adaptation in the face of adversity builds resilience for the future.
These examples show the value of adaptive leadership thinking, which can be formally taught as much as instinctively applied with significant bottom-line rewards.
Hewlett-Packard was faced with unprecedented competition and disruptive technological innovation globally. In 2001, it launched a dynamic leadership programme to equip managers to handle rapid changes. The programme trained more than 8,000 managers in its first year and yielded a 15-fold return on investment.
This outcome was achieved even during the HP-Compaq merger, one of the largest reorganisations in corporate history.
To succeed, leaders must look forward and not simply to tomorrow, and that requires a skill set that is grounded in resilience and the ability for the successful leader to maintain continuous learning, scenario planning, and embrace change.
When this is done successfully, particularly in a crisis, the results can be profound. A celebrated case study is that of Howard Schultz, who returned as chief executive of Starbucks in the storm of the 2008 financial crisis.
At the time, Starbucks was a brand in decline, battered by the hurricane of a crisis-shocked economy. It was associated with what many thought of as the excesses which had brought on the financial crisis. Through strategic closures and product innovation, Schultz revitalised the brand and its performance. This included bold moves such as shutting every one of their thousands of stores for a day and shipping 10,000 store managers off to New Orleans to be part of a plan to refocus the business.
We believe that the lessons learned from crises such as the pandemic demonstrate the power of flexible business models alongside adaptive and crisis-resilient management, which the modern leader should embrace.
To future-proof our economy and businesses, it is crucial that organisations appreciate that such resilient leadership DNA cannot always be “bought in”. Indeed, there is a compelling business case to be made, as HP and others have proved, to invest in and teach leaders the tools needed to navigate SA’s challenging reality.
Frik Landman is the executive chair and acting chief executive at DaVinci Business School, which has been specialising in advanced academic programmes in innovation management, business leadership and technology management for about two decades.
This article first appeared in the Mail & Guardian as a thought leadership piece on 10 April 2024.
We are excited to announce a significant addition to our Strategic Advisory Board at DaVinci Business School. Professor Thuli Madonsela, a renowned professor of law and an influential figure in social justice, has joined our team of esteemed advisors. Professor Madonsela brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication that promises to enhance our institution’s mission and strategic direction significantly.
A Stalwart of Justice and Education
Professor Madonsela occupies the prestigious Law Trust Research Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and founded the Thuma Foundation for Democracy Leadership and Literacy. Her contributions to law and social justice are extensive and profound. As the former Public Protector of South Africa, she played a critical role in drafting the South African Constitution. She co-architected several constitutionally mandated laws, including the Equality Act, Employment Equity Act, and Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Her work has not only reshaped the landscape of South African law but has also had a ripple effect on international human rights practices. Professor Madonsela’s efforts in investigating improper conduct in state affairs have established new benchmarks for transparency and accountability in governance.
An Educator and a Leader
In her academic roles, Professor Madonsela is deeply involved in teaching and research, focusing on Constitutional Law, Social Justice Law, Administrative Law, and Constitutional Governance and Ethical Leadership courses. Her extensive publication record further underlines her commitment to advancing legal and social discourse. An advocate of the High Court of South Africa, she also holds eight honorary law doctorates and has received over 70 awards for her service and achievements.
Beyond the Professional Realm
Professor Madonsela’s commitment to social justice extends beyond her professional endeavours. She is an avid mountaineer who has twice summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in campaigns to raise awareness and funds for social causes, including the #Trek4Mandela and the Social Justice M-Plan. Her dedication to these causes speaks volumes about her character and commitment to making a tangible impact on society.
Looking Ahead
As we welcome Professor Thuli Madonsela to our Strategic Advisory Board, we look forward to the insights and inspiration she will bring to our school. Her unparalleled expertise and ethos of service will undoubtedly guide our strategic initiatives and help mould the future leaders we are committed to developing.
Stay tuned for more updates as Professor Madonsela begins her journey with us, and join us in embracing the wealth of opportunities her involvement is set to bring. We are confident that her presence on our board will be transformative, and we are eager to see the fruits of this new chapter in our school’s history.
Welcome, Professor Madonsela, to DaVinci Business School. Together, we will strive towards a brighter, more just future in business education.
When we think of gearing up to compete in the global knowledge economy, we tend to think about the need for universal access to the internet and broad-based digital education. Few of us think about the role that doctoral graduates have to play – or why they’re so important.
Dr. Pheaga Jacob Moasa, DaVinci doctoral graduate.
To gain some insight into this, we need to test our knowledge of exactly what a knowledge economy is. Unlike an industrial economy, which depends primarily on manufacturing output, a knowledge economy relies on the production, distribution and use of information and ideas. This is a radical shift in focus from what we have always seen as the source of value in an economy and is the concept that lies at the very heart of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), the technology-driven tectonic shift that’s changing everything about the way we live, work, learn and play.
At an everyday level, this means that most jobs in today’s world require a well-developed ability to assess, analyse and apply knowledge in order to serve people in some way. Whether this is in banking, healthcare, education, retail or, indeed, manufacturing, the long and the short of it is that the greatest value a company or organisation has is the knowledge of its workforce. And that knowledge needs to be nurtured at every level. From a strategic point of view, the ability to be agile and to innovate quickly and successfully within the context of constantly evolving technologies and shifting levels of interaction can make or break a business.
Banks, for example, now have to offer not just a physical presence and an internet presence but also technologies that deliver a host of added values and an easy, user-friendly customer experience. Retailers, in turn, are rapidly having to adapt to the burgeoning demand for a seamless and convenient online purchasing experience that is backed up by a high level of customer service. Even in farming, the use of AI-driven technologies like drones and rain monitoring systems are essential if farms are to be efficient and remain competitive.
The role of doctoral graduates
This is where the need for doctoral graduates comes in: graduates who have the skills required to innovate and lead enterprises of all kinds into the future. And, if their qualifications are to be relevant in the contemporary working environment, studying towards a doctoral qualification means much more than proposing an area of study and writing up a lengthy thesis that few people beyond the academy are destined to read.
This applies especially in South Africa, which has such pressing transformation and development needs, the measure of a doctoral degree lies in the impact it has, both in the graduate’s field of study and on society as a whole.
The government has recognised how important it is to promote doctoral study and has set a target of producing 5 000 doctoral graduates a year from 2030, nearly double the number of candidates who graduated annually just five years ago. It is also aiming to ensure that 75% of all academics in universities across the country hold a doctoral degree by 2030, again double the number who held this qualification at the turn of the decade.
Dr. Raymond Toga (left), DaVinci Doctoral Graduate, and Kgalalelo Hlaoli (right), DaVinci Graduate
The motivation for this is to equip academia, government, business and industry with suitably qualified individuals to drive the development of a robust and sustainable knowledge economy characterised by a future-focused mindset and what can only be described as extreme technological proficiency. In a context such as this, knowledge is the new form of fuel and doctoral graduates are the engines.
A new breed of doctoral graduate
With this in mind, it’s clear that we need to cultivate an entirely new breed of doctoral graduates and that studying towards a doctoral degree needs to go way beyond the acquisition of specialised knowledge.
In short, doctoral degrees need to deliver graduates with a set of highly transferable skills in problem-solving, critical reasoning, in-depth analysis and original thinking. Above all, doctoral qualifications need to strengthen the graduate’s capacity to consider every challenge in a multidisciplinary way and to take many different variables into account when finding and implementing solutions to those challenges.
If South Africa is to be able to compete with developed economies driven by knowledge, the value of doctoral education can’t be underestimated. And it is for this reason that candidates need to adopt an entirely different approach to study — and to apply their learning.
Dr. Ilse Smuts (center), DaVinci Doctoral Graduate, and Her Family
A unique approach to doctoral study
The nature of business schools should be such that they require doctoral candidates to interrogate the nature and role of their area of study while still in the process of writing their degree proposals — and to find a unique voice before undertaking the degree itself.
Once equipped with a doctoral degree, candidates need to be able to make a significant contribution to change and development, both in their field of study and in society as a whole. They also need to be able to demonstrate a meaningful return on the investment they or their companies have made in advanced education.
They have to test and defend their theses before they are accepted for doctoral study, and throughout this initial process, they need to engage with faculty and other students in a way that reflects the real-life working environment.
What kind of doctoral graduates do we need?
There is a growing need for graduates who are equipped to take a multidisciplinary approach to the management of technology, innovation, people and systems. This is because there’s a need for learning programmes to support the goals of both the National Development Programme and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The aim of all institutions of higher learning is, therefore, to do more than impart knowledge; it’s to empower future leaders with the capacity to change the world based on the universal values and teachings of visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Nelson Mandela.
Like these and other historic leaders, we believe that education is the most powerful tool for effecting positive change in society. And if we boil it down to a single deliverable, as institutions of higher learning we need to contribute to the pipeline of excellence that will enable South Africa to compete successfully in the global knowledge economy.
Professor HB Klopper, Executive Dean: Research, DaVinci Business School
Prof. Edward Kieswetter (left), President of Da Vinci Business School, and Dr. Kwanele Batshele Ngwenya (right), CEO of NBS Bank in Malawi
Welcome to The DaVinci Institute, where your journey of learning and leadership, with a focus on global impact, doesn’t end with graduation. Our alumni, leaders in various fields, are making big changes worldwide, focusing on solving Africa’s unique challenges.
We’re excited to start the #DaVinciAlumniVoices campaign, a weekly feature showcasing the valuable insights and experiences of our alumni. These individuals, who have led the way in business, technology, and innovation, are now using their skills to make a difference in their fields to improve conditions across Africa.
Each week, we’ll share a quote from one of our alumni that inspires action and innovation and highlights the importance of leadership and co-creation.
Stay tuned for our first highlight, and join us in celebrating the impactful stories from the DaVinci Business School community.
We invite you to engage with us, share your thoughts, and be part of our continuous journey of growth and innovation. At DaVinci, we’re more than just a business school; we’re a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and making a real difference in Africa.
In her enthusiastic address, “Let’s Innovate for Life and Stay Young at Heart”, at the 2024 academic year opening, Dr Marla Koonin emphasises the importance of staying connected to our hearts to foster innovation and sustain youthful enthusiasm.
Drawing on Tom Kelley’s insights from the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Series at Stanford, she outlines five habits to enhance creativity: thinking like a traveller to stay observant and curious, treating life as an experiment where failure is a step towards success, nurturing an attitude of wisdom by questioning what we know, using our ‘tortoise mind’ to allow subconscious processing and creativity, and following our passions to align our strengths with what we love doing. Dr Koonin’s message encourages embracing a mindset of continuous innovation and curiosity as keys to a fulfilling and impactful life.
Innovate for Life and Stay Young at Heart with Dr. Marla Koonin: Academic Year Opening 2024
Let’s Innovate for Life and Stay Young at Heart! By Dr Marla Koonin
If you are to believe Hallmark, then this is the month of love, the month of the heart. The heart is the essence of what keeps us alive and connected, and so today, I would like to connect us back to our hearts.
As part of the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Series at Stanford, Tom Kelley, General Manager at IDEO, presents five habits that enhance creativity, and he describes how they can help us be more innovative and successful in every part of our lives. His podcast is titled Young at Heart: How to be an Innovator for Life. It is also eloquently summarised by Guadalupe de la Mata.
For centuries people have wondered about what the elixir is to remain young at heart, perhaps one of the ways we can do so is to be an innovator for life, and in the process, we can influence more humane sustainable societies. Kelley, in his podcast, speaks of five habits for being an innovator for life and staying young at heart that I want to share with you on this quest to stay young at heart and innovate for life.
1. Think Like a Traveler
Take your mind to a place you have travelled to, a foreign place, something that is new to you. When you travel to somewhere new, you are in a heightened state of reality, you notice things differently and your brain is on elevated alert, your senses are enhanced, and you become more aware of the things that are happening around you.
Kelley explains that in these moments of newness, you observe your environment in more detail, and you switch off the autopilot that takes you through everyday life. He encourages us to keep that part of our brain switched on as often as possible.
We need to breathe, pause, and engage in life as if our senses are heightened, like we are travellers in our own life. We need to, as he says, “turn up the traveller part of our brain to capture the deep and up-to-date knowledge of what is happening around us.”
2. Treat Life as an Experiment
Kelley prompts us to succeed, we will have to fail. He reminisces that “unfortunately, failure is seen as undesirable in our society; however, people forget that most innovations are preceded by a number of failures.”
At DaVinci, as part of the Mode 2 approach to knowledge discourse and our approach to learning and teaching, as well as in the TIPS™ Managerial Leadership Framework, we highlight the importance of promoting experimentation. We explain that if you want to truly be agile as a managerial leader and for organisations to embody agility, they need to Manage their Technology and Innovation through several competencies and practices, one of which is to promote experimentation.
As a Business School DaVinci’s position on promoting experimentation is viewed through the lenses of Kolb (1984), Gelb (1998) and Leonardo DaVinci himself. To sensitise society about the benefits of experimentation in learning and working, experimentation should occur at both the individual and organisational levels. Underpinned by the principles of divergent thinking, assimilated thinking, convergent thinking and accommodative thinking and substituted by Gelb (1998), with reference to Leonardo Da Vinci’s principles of Curiosita (seeking the truth), Dimostrazione (taking responsibility), Sensazione (sharpening awareness), Sfumato (engaging the shadow), Corporalita (nurturing integration), Connesione (embracing holism) and Scienza (cultivating balance), individuals could develop an awareness of the power of integrating different modes of thinking, thus, successfully co-creating lasting solutions and innovations.
The competence to promote experimentation and to take risks in a safe-to-fail environment encourages self-reflection, stimulates novel and adaptive thinking, and assists in overcoming habits that may restrict creative thinking. Applying effective communication strategies (adult, parent, child relationship), consciously supports the expression of ideas and aspirations, which allows business leaders to find their voice. This competence of promoting experimentation tends to optimise collaboration and facilitates and grows cooperative mindsets (DaVinci 2020).
So continually remind yourself that no matter how young or old your heart feels, it is ok to fail, as long as you take lessons from the failure and refine your thinking, shift what you are doing, continue to grow and keep moving forward. If you want to stay young at heart and innovative, then never stop treating life as an experiment.
3. Nurture the Attitude of Wisdom
Kelley states that it is “not what you don’t know that gets you into trouble, it is what you know for sure that is not so.”
To nurture the attitude of wisdom, we need to keep an element of seeking and discovery in front of our minds. We must always distrust what we know, just enough to prompt us to keep searching. We need to think outside what is in the box and cast our minds to what is beyond our understanding and socially constructed reality of truth to see what is yonder and the possibility of what we cannot see but is out there to be discovered.
4. Use your Brain and your Tortoise Mind
Kelley tells us to think with our tortoise mind. Yes, that’s right, slow and steady even wins the race in innovation! Kelley positions the tortoise mind as a part of our subconscious mind that works in the background of our consciousness. It is the part of our mind where, even without knowing, we mull over thoughts, ideas, problems, solutions, etc., for days, weeks, months, and years as they tick away. It reminds us to stop thinking that the moment of innovation is that “aha” moment that seems to come like a bolt of lightning to one’s mind. Instead, the “aha” moment is the result of engaging the tortoise mind. It is just the moment of us stepping across the finish line, not running the race.
The tortoise mind needs time to process – so turn off your music and calls the next time you are driving home from work and give your mind time to daydream, think and be creative. Go on and engage that tortoise mind and stay young at heart!
5. Follow your Passions
We all get told to follow our passions to be successful, and then we will never work a day in our lives, but how does one put this into practice? Kelley encourages us to think about following our passion in three circles, as summarised by de la Mataas follows:
Circle 1: What are you good at?
It is important to keep in mind what you are good at. However, just because you are good at something doesn’t mean that this is the only thing you can do in life.
Circle 2: What are you born to do?
People have a good idea about what they are good at. But it’s harder to figure out what you are born to do. Take the time and reflect, even for just a few minutes a day on what it was in your day that you felt the happiest doing. Start reflecting over time on what that is to trace what it is you are passionate about and born to do.
Circle 3: What would people pay you to do?
Finding ways to get paid and live on what you love doing is the best blessing: you will never work again.
If you live your passion, you will naturally do so with more energy and invest more time into it and leverage your strengths by doing so. Innovators cannot be stuck in their ways; they must be flexible, creative, and continuously evolving to make an authentic change, and that requires us to give ourselves the space to reflect and engage our tortoise minds. I implore you to keep innovating and stay young at heart and mind no matter how your body ages.
Executive Dean: Learning Operations and Governance: DaVinci Business School
*The views expressed in this speech present the personal insights of the speaker, which are not intended to represent DaVinci Business School’s official positions or beliefs.
Short Bio: Dr Marla Koonin
Dr. Marla Koonin
Dr Marla Koonin stands out as a visionary leader in the field of higher education, boasting an illustrious career that spans over two decades. Her journey began with a solid foundation in journalism and public relations, which paved the way for her ascension to senior roles in academic administration, institutional research, and program development.
Dr Koonin’s expertise extends to the intricate process of accreditation, underscoring her dedication to maintaining high educational standards.
At the heart of her professional narrative is her role as Executive Dean of Learning Operations and Governance at DaVinci Business School, where she has been instrumental in shaping innovative educational practices and policies. Her academic credentials are impressive, with advanced degrees in Communication, Journalism and a PhD focusing on the nuances of Organisational Communication Culture and Climate. This academic prowess complements her practical experience, providing a strong foundation for her leadership and governance roles.
Dr Koonin is also celebrated for her contributions to scholarship and public discourse. She is a prolific writer, with her works published in esteemed academic journals and mainstream media outlets, and is a respected author and editor in her fields of expertise. Her writings not only reflect her deep understanding of public relations and journalism but also her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering informed discussions.
Her vision for education is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Dr Koonin’s leadership philosophy centres on enhancing the student experience, ensuring that educational programs are not only academically rigorous but also accessible and relevant to a diverse student body. Her efforts to streamline operations and governance at DaVinci Business School have been pivotal in creating an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Beyond her administrative and scholarly achievements, Dr Koonin is a mentor and advocate for students and educators alike. Her dedication to education extends beyond the confines of her institution, influencing educational policy and practice on a broader scale. Dr Marla Koonin’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of higher education through leadership, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of learning.
