Design Thinking Leadership Executive Programme

Co-creating leadership wisdom for a sustainable world

Programme Aim: Expose experienced and emerging leaders to problem-based experimental leadership learning in a wildlife setting in Africa

  • Design thinking is used as a methodology to generate ideas and enhance teamwork, specifically focused on addressing wicked problems related to sustainable wildlife.

  • The philosophy of Ubuntu leadership is a fundamental aspect of the program, emphasizing principles such as care, community, harmony, hospitality, respect, and responsiveness.

  • Nelson Mandela described Ubuntu as the profound sense that our humanity is intertwined with the humanity of others, and it includes ecological integrity, compassion, and sustainability.

  • The programme connects the concept of Ubuntu leadership with Nyenrode’s values of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Stewardship (LES) to promote responsible and caring leadership for a sustainable future.

This program is meant for you if you:

  • Want to reinvent your leadership style

  • Take up a personal responsibility in a fast-changing world

  • Want to learn more about connecting the old African philosophy of Ubuntu with western leadership styles

  • Looking for ways in connecting to yourself, connecting to new insights and ideas

  • Connect with a new network of likeminded people, connecting to a new future

  • Seek connection to nature - to the circle of life

Additional Information:

  • Programme is hosted at the Wildlife Forensic Academy, situated an hour’s drive from Cape Town, South Africa, in the picturesque Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve.

  • Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town International Airport) will be arranged. Participants are responsible for their own flight tickets to and from Cape Town.

  • Program includes several scheduled local excursions; however, any additional activities outside of the program are for the participants’ own expense.

  • Admittance to the programme is selection based, based on the participants’ unique contribution to the group and co-creation of the programme.

  • Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-serve basis after applying below via email.

Partners:

Kindly take a moment to view the embedded video above for further insights and information from some of our organizers.

Programme Date:

9 November - 16 November 2024

  • Nour, finance professional in corporate banking

    “As a finance professional participating in the Design Thinking Leadership Executive program, I initially saw forensic wildlife crime and conservation as a distant concern. However, through design thinking methodology and discussions with veterinarians, professors, and rangers, I came to realize the interconnectedness of all human activities and the devastating impact of wildlife crime.

    The program has not only sharpened my professional skills but has also fostered a deeper understanding of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. By embracing a design thinking approach and grounded by Ubuntu philosophy, we can work together to address the complex challenges facing our world, and our ecosystems' health is inextricably linked to humanity's well-being.”

  • Frank, strategic communications professional

    “I am, because you are. I find this summary of the African philosophy of Ubuntu very inspirational. It stresses the interconnectedness of humanity and that every human being has an individual responsibility for society and for life on this planet. We need this perspective more in western economies and we need new ways of thinking for solving the wicked problems we are facing currently worldwide.

    The Nyenrode-WFA program brought me this new perspective and these new ways of thinking. In a small and very diverse group of participants, you work with design thinking methodology on wildlife crime problems. By doing so, I have developed new personal and professional skills for being of added value in every project I work on. It’s all about the impact you want to make every day. And, by participating in the program, you also fund the education of wildlife crime fighters: we need these brave people. I am, because you are."