Earning a qualification while navigating the complexities of work, life, and personal aspirations is no small achievement. For Nazlee Van De Rhede, a recent Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management graduate at The DaVinci Institute, this journey became a profound chapter of self-development, resilience, and leadership growth. Her story reflects not only academic accomplishment but also the inner transformation that comes with perseverance and purpose.
A Passion for Business and a Drive to Lead
Van De Rhede’s inspiration to pursue her BCom in Business Management stemmed from a longstanding curiosity about how organisations operate, grow, and create value, especially within the dynamic world of financial services.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in understanding how businesses build efficiency and deliver value. I wanted a qualification that gave me both strategic insight and practical skills I could apply in real workplaces like Capitec,” she shared.
Her studies shaped her on multiple levels. Personally, she grew in discipline, resilience, and confidence. Professionally, the programme deepened her understanding of financial principles, leadership, decision-making, and operational excellence.
“Overall, the degree helped me become more capable, structured, and purpose-driven in how I approach work and leadership,” Van De Rhede added.
Exploring Internal Mobility at Capitec
Van De Rhede’s Work-Based Challenge, “Scaling internal mobility challenges to enhance workforce agility at Capitec Bank,” was inspired by her keen interest in people development and organisational agility.
Having observed the need for structured career pathways in high-performance environments, she wanted to understand why some employees struggle to transition into new roles and how organisations can support growth more effectively.
“I’ve seen how important internal opportunities are for both employees and the business. When mobility is well supported, it strengthens career development and builds a future-ready workforce,” Van De Rhede explained.
Her research uncovered key insights:
- Employees often have the capability to move into new roles but face barriers such as low visibility of opportunities and inconsistent coaching.
- Supportive leadership and clear development pathways significantly enhance internal movement.
- Organisations benefit from transparent communication, structured upskilling, and tools that give employees access to internal roles.
“These findings show that mobility is not just about creating opportunities, but removing blockers and supporting people through transitions,” she said.
Balancing Pressure With Purpose
Like many working students, Van De Rhede faced the demanding task of balancing academic deadlines with professional responsibilities and personal life. Research required deep thinking, time management, and emotional endurance.
“There were moments where I questioned whether my findings were strong enough or if my approach was correct. Staying committed meant sacrificing weekends, seeking guidance from a life coach, and breaking my work into manageable tasks,” she recalls.
Her resilience, strong values, and commitment to growth carried her through.
Lessons That Shaped Her Future
Reflecting on her journey, several lessons stand out for Van De Rhede:
- Discipline and consistency remain essential to managing pressure.
- Critical thinking transformed how she approaches challenges and decisions.
- Perseverance through difficult moments-built confidence and mental strength.
- Business knowledge broadened her understanding of people, processes, and organisational development.
“These experiences shaped not just my academic success, but the professional I am becoming, disciplined, analytical, values-driven, and hungry to learn,” Van De Rhede said.
Support That Made the Journey Possible
Van De Rhede attributes her success to a strong support system: her family, who encouraged her through overwhelming periods, and DaVinci lecturers who guided her with constructive feedback. This combination of emotional and academic support kept her motivated and grounded.
A Future Built on Purpose and Impact
As she celebrates her achievement, Van De Rhede is excited about stepping into roles where she can meaningfully apply her knowledge. Her passion lies in leadership, business operations, and people development, spaces where she can grow, guide others, and contribute strategically.
“I’m entering the next chapter with purpose and confidence. I want to build a career that aligns with my values, develop people, and take on greater responsibility,” Van De Rhede said.
Advice to Students on Their Own Journey
Her message to other students is one of encouragement and truth:
“Growth happens in the moments that feel the toughest. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to stay consistent. Break the work into smaller goals, lean on your support system, and believe in your potential. Challenges prepare you for future opportunities. Keep going, you are capable of far more than you think.”
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Nazlee Van De Rhede joins the growing community of DaVinci alumni who continue to rise in leadership, resilience, and purpose. Her journey embodies the spirit of determination and the transformative power of education. Through her commitment, insight, and unwavering values, she stands as an inspiring example of what it means to learn, grow, and lead.
