Niël Terblanché
Through its rigorous training and focus on real-world application, the Gondwana Collection’s Go4Gold Academy lived up to its reputation as a trailblazer in leadership development.
The spirit of leadership and innovation took centre stage in Windhoke recently when Gondwana celebrated the accomplishments of its 2024 Go4Gold Academy participants.
The event was the culmination of a transformative year-long leadership development journey for 11 rising leaders within the organisation.
Programme leader Ume Goldbeck said the Go4Gold Academy is an intensive initiative aimed at equipping participants with the skills to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change.
According to Goldbeck, the course combines six structured learning modules with hands-on projects.
“The programme pushes boundaries to inspire growth, resilience, and innovation among Gondwana’s future leaders,” she said.
Goldbeck described the experience as profoundly transformative while also stressing its holistic approach.
“It is a transformative process that pushes participants out of their comfort zones and challenges them to grow not only as leaders but as individuals. It’s about embracing The Gondwana Way and making the impossible possible,” she said.
The final project presentations showcased a blend of measurable results and actionable strategies, underscoring the academy’s emphasis on real-world impact.
Participants tackled a variety of pressing topics, ranging from optimised resource management to innovative people development plans.
Gondwana’s chief executive officer, Gys Joubert spoke about the broader vision of the initiative, lauding the participants for their courage and creativity.
“Leadership development is a process of choosing courage over comfort. By embracing this journey, these leaders are shaping the future of Gondwana and the tourism industry. The results we’ve seen today are a testament to the power of investing in our people,” he said.
He said that integral to the success of the programme were 13 mentors and nine facilitators, whose guidance and expertise proved invaluable.
“From establishing a strategic vision to enhancing practical skills, these mentors played a key role in preparing participants to lead with purpose and impact,” he said.
He added that the Go4Gold Academy is not just about developing leaders; it is about creating a culture of innovation and collective growth that echoes across the tourism sector.
“Participants will return to their respective roles armed with new insights and strategies to ensure the future of Gondwana as well as the Namibian tourism industry,” he said.
