Dr Heather Goode provides some insights into Da Vinci alumnus, Ross Sauders book, titled: This is not what I signed up for: A survival guide for first-time managers Of course, no company intends to promote someone incompetent or to promote someone until they are incompetent in their new position (the Peter Principlei), nor is it any managers intention to promote someone likely to fail. At least not usually, and if it does happen, there’s a story to tell. The sad truth is, that being an accountant doesn’t actually prepare you to manage accountants. That being a good programmer doesn’t prepare you to manage programmers, projects or diverse multi-skilled teams. Similarly, no one works for promotion in order to fail in their new role. And yet, research conducted by CEB shows that 60 per cent of new managers fail within the first 24 months of their new position. In today’s increasingly dynamic time,…

His measured personality exudes a serene quality about him, touched with a deep humbleness – this is how we describe our experience of Avesh Sundarlal’s character during his research period at the Home of Remarkability. Beneath the quiet demeanour in him is an unquenchable obsession for research, and his analyses are of a careful and even painstaking nature. These, perhaps, may be the sorts of qualities that could be associated with a mind that is constantly engaged in abstract matters of an academic kind and, by his own admission: “I love to learn … [and I am constantly] listening in to new ideas and simultaneously augmenting my own.” According to Mr Sundarlal, a day in his life without any learning engagement or new experiments is an opportunity wasted. The love for learning and the intellectual wherewithal that Mr Sundarlal possesses is something made evident in his research project titled: “A…

Researching for, but not limited to, a Doctoral Degree, and timeously having it completed, is the culmination of years of toil and is no easy feat. The trepidation that comes with it, nonetheless, may also be the much-needed occasional reminder and motivation for the researcher to keep on track with the researching momentum, as the journey evolves and ideas flow over time. This is the process that one of our newest Doctoral graduates, Dr Yusuf Adeojo underwent, and was rewarded at our recent 2021 graduation ceremony when he was conferred with his Doctoral degree from The Da Vinci Institute. The path to the attainment of his apex qualification may have not been a walk-in-the-park, but Dr Adeojo marched on and saw the journey leading through to its ultimate maturity and fruition. Dr Adeojo likens his PhD journey to the DNA sequencing process that fellow researchers and scientists often use when…

Today we celebrate with one of our own, recent Doctoral graduates, Dr Reginah Masete. Dr Masete describes herself as a highly inspired and focused person, who has a tremendous zeal for whatever projects she takes on. She is also passionate about seeing those around her harness their remarkability, leading to their successes in both their lives and careers, as well as in Academia. Dr Masete’s passion and pride for education make her an ideal encouraging force to her own community, motivating those in her circle to further their studies, as part of their continuous learning and development. Today, however, is about Dr Masete, as we share her own stride in education. Having completed her apotheosis qualification, as one of The Institute’s newest Doctoral graduates. Upon completing her Doctoral thesis, Dr Masete in her own words expounds that she is “so excited and can finally be at peace with my [curious]…

In 2017 Ntokozo Mahlangu graduated with a Master’s degree from The Da Vinci Institute. Little did he know at the time that two years down the line, after he had graduated, he would be appointed as The Institute’s Vice-Chair of The Da Vinci Institute Council. Sometimes meaningful engagements with brilliant souls tend to take their own direction and move swiftly at their self-regulated momentum – remarkably abiding, as it were, to their own accord. This, in fact, was how The Institute’s relationship with Mr Mahlangu began and over the years soared, and continues to do so, to this day. In his own words, “I [still] treasure my connection with The Da Vinci Institute”. The Home of Remarkability is a safe space, where all diverse minds merge in unity as one – as fellow Davincians. Mr Mahlangu’s energy and charismatic character have always led to wonderful and robust co-creations at The…