UKZN’s AIA Hosts Strategic Leadership Seminar – ‘Leading in Times of Turbulence’
An online strategic leadership seminar aimed at equipping leaders with the tools to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment was presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), through the Aerotropolis Institute Africa (AIA) in collaboration with the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L).
Held under the theme: ‘Leading in Times of Turbulence – With Clarity, Foresight and Resilience’, the seminar brought together academic and industry experts to explore the impact of global instability on local and international systems, and the role of leadership in responding effectively.
Welcoming delegates, the Executive Director and Dean of the GSB&L, Professor Serestina Viriri, noted that one of the core objectives at the GSB&L was to proactively address contemporary societal challenges through innovative business models.
Viriri remarked: “The unpredictable global tensions in the Middle East have disrupted the usual modus operandi across sectors. As leaders in our respective spheres, we are called upon to guide our organisations through turbulence. This seminar enables us to share ideas on how best to navigate these complexities.”
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and ongoing global disruptions, discussions highlighted how interconnected economies such as that of South Africa remain vulnerable to external shocks affecting supply chains, energy security, trade, and investment. KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic position within global logistics networks further emphasises the need for proactive and informed leadership.
The seminar featured a range of topics, including the contextual framing of global disasters, transformational leadership approaches, and scenario-based resilience planning. Participants were encouraged to adopt forward-looking strategies and strengthen their capacity for risk mitigation and adaptive decision-making.
Speakers included Interim Director of the AIA Dr Rudi Kimmie, who spoke on the importance of institutional resilience and strategic foresight, Professor Cecile Gerwel Proches of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership who shared insights on leadership and organisational change, and Mr James Campbell who provided an industry perspective on managing volatility drawing from experiences within the diamond mining sector.
The engagement also created a platform for cross-sector dialogue, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building sustainable and resilient systems.
Through initiatives such as this seminar, UKZN continues to contribute to thought leadership, skills development and knowledge exchange, thereby supporting leaders in responding to complex global challenges with clarity and confidence.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Supplied
