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Ten Top Tips: Evolving from Business Leader to Corporate Activist


The predicament of being born with the blood of an activist is that you are forever destined to get your hands dirty, work for free, see the angles and connections, stand up for what you believe, be lambasted and be different.

It also means that from time to time you have remarkable opportunities to be inspired by the real activists, the individuals putting their reputation and much more on the line to speak up and speak out, but above all do something about it!

The 10th of October was such a day with the Henley Panel discussion: “South Africa: Hero to Zero and Back Again?”

With an esteemed panel including Lord Peter Hain (Former British anti-apartheid leader and UK Cabinet Minister, visiting Professor at WITS business School) Lindiwe Mazibuko (Former leader of the opposition, political leader and writer), Bonang Mohale (CEO: Business Leadership South Africa), hosted by the broadcasting legend Tim Modise (Chairperson of Ga-rankuwa Forum of Excellence).

In conclusion to the discussions Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean of Henley South Africa, challenged the panel one last time by asking them to each list two tips for business leaders who want to take up the challenge to become corporate activists.

Here are their top 10 tips:

  1. Show courage

  2. Take risks

  3. Put some skin in the game!

  4. Be prepared to build a future that you might not see.

  5. Keep moving and keep moving forward.

  6. If you are a business leader, you are in a position of power. Use your influence wisely.

  7. Leaders are dealers in hope; it is your duty to be valiant, trustworthy and courageous.

  8. Be self-aware

  9. Be conscious

  10. Commit to make a difference in the fight for social justice.

The panel conlcuded that business leaders in South Africa have a responsibility to invest in the future of this country to ensure inclusive value for all. As an infant democracy we still have a long way to grow and it is time for business to nurture the green shoots of excellence: Growing "born-free" population; Empower and protect the valiant and brave media voices; Harness our 'green' natural resources; Small enterprise empowerment and development; and Tapping into the deep passion and energy of our people.

Best said in the words of the key-note speaker, Lord Hain: "Business Leaders need to show the same kind of courage that the anti-Apartheid activists did."

Join the A-SDA as a member to have access to more of these events and tap into the network.

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