An academic at heart and with a heart

I grew up on a farm in the mountains of southern Mpumalanga. It was a remote area, bordering KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. My childhood was fairly isolated but peaceful. I have one younger brother, who is also an academic, and we were raised in a stable and loving home. My father was a farmer, and we enjoyed an idyllic life that instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and solitude.

I wanted to be an architect. I still have a keen interest in residential architecture and design. It’s a passion that never left me. I still visit websites like Architecture Daily and explore house design concepts for fun. But my career took a different, more pragmatic turn. At the time I needed to decide on a career path, South Africa's economy wasn’t supporting many new building projects. Architecture was a struggling profession, so I chose business instead. It felt like the more practical option.

I’ve always been an academic at heart. My first job after university was as a junior lecturer, and I slowly worked my way up to professor. I’ve taught at various South African universities before joining Henley Business School Africa four and a half years ago. Here, I head up Research, lecture Research Skills to MBA students, and serve as the South African module convenor for the Management Research Challenge, the capstone module of the MBA. I was recently appointed Programme Director of our new Doctoral in Business Administration (DBA), launching in October 2025. My official title is now Pro Dean: Research and Doctoral. The role is multifaceted and constantly evolving, which keeps me energised and engaged.

My first impression of Henley was its entrepreneurial spirit. I was immediately struck by how dynamic the environment was. I was given the space to develop and execute a unique strategy to build the Research department. That level of trust and support from leadership, both here in South Africa and from peers in the UK, has been unwavering.

My life and career have been shaped by people, not just moments. On a personal level, my mother, my daughter, my partner, and a few close friends have had a profound impact on who I am. Professionally, I’ve been lucky to work under and alongside leaders I greatly admire, including my former Dean at GIBS and my current Dean here at Henley. I’ve also had long-standing research collaborators who continue to challenge and inspire me.

My ability to connect people is one of my greatest strengths. I’m goal-driven and avoid burning bridges. I pride myself on building strong professional networks and enabling others to realise their potential. It’s deeply rewarding to see how these connections create real impact.

I am motivated by the ability to bring about change. Every day I get to help grow a department, shape a school, and launch new programmes like the DBA. I don’t see this as a routine job; it’s a chance to make a difference. The constant evolution of my role means I never quite know what challenges tomorrow will bring, and I love that.

My greatest inspiration comes from my students. Teaching research is my passion. Watching students grow from uncertainty to confidence as they complete their research projects is a thrill that never fades. No matter how small my role in their journey, it’s a privilege to be part of it.

I haven’t formally studied at Henley, but I’m always learning. I’m currently participating in the AI training programme rolled out across the school. Staying current, especially in today’s digital world, is essential to staying effective.

My advice to others? Build a career that allows you to live your passion. Believe in yourself. Don’t wait for permission to be who you are or to chase what excites you. That’s what I tell my students, and it’s what I’d tell my 20-year-old self too.

In my spare time, you’ll find me walking the Southern Cape beaches. Whether the sea is calm or stormy, those long, quiet walks help me reflect and recharge. I also enjoy travelling and find deep joy in solitude and stillness.

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Niels B. Christiansen. He’s the CEO of the LEGO Group, and I’d love to learn how he managed to elevate a plastic brick to global cult status. There’s something fascinating about that kind of creative leadership.

At the end of the day, I want my work to matter. Whether it’s through the success of my students, the growth of our doctoral programme, or simply helping a colleague bring a good idea to life, impact is what drives me. And Henley continues to be the kind of place where that impact is possible.