It’s not every day that a mother and daughter walk the same academic path, and graduate from the same institution. But for Ingrid Du Boisson and her daughter, DaVinci Institute has become more than just a place of learning, it’s where two generations found purpose, clarity, and growth.
Discovering a New Way of Thinking
Ingrid is an experienced leader and executive with a solid background in education and human capital development. She holds a Master of Science in the Management of Technology and Innovation from DaVinci and is currently pursuing her Doctorate at the same institution. But her academic journey didn’t come easy, it was filled with both discovery and difficult decisions.
“When I started my journey with DaVinci I was still employed at the Transport Education Training Authority heading up the Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain sector,” Ingrid explains. “I spent 21 years facilitating development of skills and strategies for capacity building in the sector nationally, and I thought I was doing a great job. Starting my Masters was an eye opener for me; it took my thinking to another level. I slowly began to realise whilst applying the TIPS Framework that I was working in a very dysfunctional organisation, and in fact it became clear to me that our country’s entire skills development system and strategy was dysfunctional. In that I became very frustrated with my reality.”
The Power of the Cohort
Despite the frustrations, Ingrid found joy in the classroom.
“What I enjoyed most was attending classes, we had a great cohort, and excellent lecturers who allowed us students to have the most phenomenal discussions and debates on the application of concepts and theories. The discussions and debates were often contentious, depending which lenses were applied and on the background of individuals in our cohort, this is where a lot of my learning occurred, listening to different perspectives which lead to rigorous research on topics I wouldn’t have thought of.”
A Tough Balancing Act
Balancing work, studies, and parenting was no small task.
“The challenges I must say were few, doing my master’s whilst working fulltime and being a parent was not an easy feat. The assignments almost killed me, but after each one was submitted my reality became worse! But my journey going forward became clear. I realised that working in my environment at the time was no longer feasible, my input in the work environment was ignored and seen as controversial, and so there was no improvement in the entire system. I decided it was time to move on where my thinking and contribution in co-creation would be accepted and embraced.”
A New Chapter with DHL
Her next chapter took her to DHL International.
“My journey after the Transport SETA took me to DHL International as Director for Learning & Development for 4 years, this was an environment that embraced innovative thinking. I found a space to co-create and develop within the business. Again, once I had implemented innovative strategies within the company, I began to get involved in external industry initiatives at a national level, and as they say the rest is history.”
Today, she serves as the CEO of the Institute for Customs and Freight Forwarding (ICFF), and credits DaVinci for sharpening her leadership lens.
“It has given me the ability to look at an organisation or an industry from a strategic perspective and through different lenses, as a system and which has become 2nd nature to me. This has enabled me to understand that integration and collaboration across the industry’s value chain is the only way to address its current challenges, and address identified risks.”
A Full-Circle Moment: Her Daughter Graduates Too
On 29 May, Ingrid proudly watched her daughter graduate from DaVinci with a BCom in Supply Chain Management, a full-circle moment.
“My experiences taught me to think differently and more effectively, and I wanted my daughter to learn and experience just that, to be innovative and to co-create, to make a difference in her life as it did mine and to my career. ‘Be the change you want to see’,” she says. “I have seen so many graduates come out of university that found adapting to the world of work very challenging. They had no practical experiences and suffered from death by textbook syndrome. No free thinking and curiosity to learn outside the norm.”
Learning That Sticks
“DaVinci’s mode 2 methodology was different, and it challenges students to research and to find solutions to their challenges for themselves, it encourages co-creation within society. My daughter started her degree straight out of school, and she adapted to this methodology and was fortunate enough to get an internship with a logistics company for most of her studies. The workbased challenges is where most of the learning happened, as its practical and research based. Suffice to say my daughters way of thinking and applying herself has grown significantly, in my opinion very different from a traditional student.”
What Sets DaVinci Apart
After experiencing DaVinci as both a student and a parent, Ingrid is certain of what sets it apart.
“What sets DaVinci apart is their mode 2 methodology and their collaborative approach to industry, which makes their programs focused and which addresses industry realities. They customise offerings that address specific skills in industry as well as management leadership development which is crucial in the business reality.”
“The TIPS Framework is a phenomenal tool which students are taught and apply during their studies and into the real world, and which I have witnessed being applied in the corporate world and how it changes students’ way of thinking. Ultimately, the return on investment from a business perspective is phenomenal.”
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Students
“As an alumnus I have absolute belief and trust in the institute and its ability to develop people, and in so doing related industries. I have experienced this first hand. Students should allow their minds to be opened, as was mine and not be stuck in doing the same thing and expecting results, especially in the changing world we live in. Students should be the change they want to see in which ever environment they find themselves.”
“Being a student at Da Vinci allows you to think innovatively, creatively outside the box. The different lenses they apply will also contribute to the outcomes of their learning journey, embrace the challenges, and make the difference. My parting words are continue developing yourself, the future changes continuously, you need to innovate and change with the world or be left behind.”
Leave a Reply