USB-ED is fortunate to have access to more than 300 part-time faculty, consultants, business leaders and industry experts who facilitate on our programmes.
Today we would like to introduce you to Doris Viljoen, Senior Futurist at the Institute for Futures Research (IFR), Stellenbosch University.
What is the toughest leadership challenge businesses face today?
To be okay with being very unsure (of everything)
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a student to date?
To never stop learning – we had a 76-year old student last year!
Who inspires you and why?
Two big men in my life – my dad and my husband and for the same reasons. 1. They are willing to think with me and distill some sense-making about any possible topic. They are my favourite soundboards.
2. They are the most modest people I know; will never try to ‘impress’ you with what they know.
What attracted you to work with USB-ED?
The people in the room. We have the most exciting people on our courses and a LOT of learning happens through insights shared during the facilitated sessions
Do you have a mantra or slogan that you live by?
Be honest. Always.
What career advice would you give yourself looking back to when you started out?
Don’t listen to the critics that could not understand your career path. It only has to make sense to you.
Tell us about a book you have recently read?
See Sooner, Act Faster. George S Day and Paul JH Schoemaker created a piece of work that should be on the desk of every decision maker in any kind of organisation. The whole book is about vigilance, or the lack thereof. Day and Schoemaker described different aspects of vigilance as a collective capability that an organisation can and should develop.