Gondwana’s Leadership Academy Programme

“Leadership Academy is a journey to yourself, to understand the guidelines, to understand the history of Gondwana.” - Ume Goldbeck (Team Trainer & Leadership Coach). 

The Leadership Academy Programme at Gondwana Collection Namibia is a comprehensive 10-day training initiative tailored for Gondwanians in supervisory or assistant management roles. This programme aims to equip participants with essential human and business skills crucial for effective team leadership and management, while also deepening their understanding of Gondwana's rich history, core business principles, and guidelines.

Programme Structure

The training is divided into two distinct segments, each lasting five days, with a three-month interval in between. This break is strategically designed to allow participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge through an on-the-job project at their workplaces. Such an approach not only reinforces learning but also enhances practical skills in real-world settings.

Key Topics Covered

The Leadership Academy Programme encompasses a wide range of topics critical for personal and professional development:

• Self-Awareness and Personal Values: Encouraging participants to reflect on their values and their influence on leadership style.
• Gondwana’s History and Guidelines: Offering a comprehensive overview of Gondwana's heritage and operational principles, ensuring leaders align with the organisation's mission.

• Environmental Management and the Gondwana Care Trust: Emphasising sustainable practices and environmental stewardship within the tourism sector.

• Service Excellence and Body Language: Training participants to deliver exceptional service and understand non-verbal communication cues.

• Leading Yourself and Mindful Communication: Fostering self-leadership and effective communication skills to enhance team dynamics.

• Team Dynamics and Conflict Management: Equipping leaders with strategies to navigate team interactions and resolve conflicts effectively.

• The History of Tourism, Brand and Marketing: Providing insights into the tourism industry, including branding strategies that resonate with the Gondwana's values.

• Work-Based Assignment: A practical project that allows participants to implement their learning in a tangible way, reinforcing their leadership capabilities.
  

Commitment to Team Development

Gondwana Collection Namibia demonstrates a strong commitment to team development, as reflected in the establishment of the Gondwana Training Academy in 2015. This academy aims to promote service excellence, positioning Namibia as a premier tourist destination. It offers various training opportunities, including in-house programmes at different properties, focusing on both professional skills and essential soft skills such as leadership and communication.

The Leadership Academy Programme is more than just a training course; it represents a vital investment in the future of Gondwana Collection Namibia and its employees. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the programme ensures participants not only grasp Gondwana's ethos but also enhance their roles within the organisation, ultimately contributing to Gondwana's mission of excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry. Through such initiatives, Gondwana continues to empower its workforce, fostering a culture of growth, sustainability, and exceptional service.

Ume Goldbeck, facilitator of the Gondwana Leadership Academy.

On the final day of the 10-day training, each participant drew a name earlier in the week, and had the opportunity to share something positive about the individual they had drawn. They shared touching moments, interspersed with humorous anecdotes. Toward the end of this final session, each participant answered two questions: What was your eye-opening moment? And what learning will you implement at work?

The general consensus for learnings to implement included: inclusivity in decision-making, adapting to changing work environments, growing together as a team, and leaving a legacy. Eye-opening moments shared included: the importance of giving oneself a break, the idea that "we are all coffee beans blended together to make the best cup of coffee," and the understanding that one doesn’t always have to be an outspoken leader; quiet, shy, yet observant leaders can also be exceptional, akin to the leopard. And finally, discovering oneself is often a challenging journey.