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Young Leaders Lab 2014
unlocks potential
G
rain SA is the biggest agricultural commodity organisation
in South Africa (some people even say in Africa). In society,
“big” also means responsibility and leadership.
As part of their leadership role, the Grain SA team consciously
decided to make the “next generation” part of our strategic focus
areas. To give effect to this focus area, Grain SA implemented a
few initiatives, e.g. “The Next Generation” being the theme of the
2014 Grain SA Congress, the founding of the Grain Academy in
partnership with Syngenta and the Young Leaders Lab sponsored
by Santam Agri.
The 4th Young Leaders Lab was held on 15 and 16 September 2014
at a game lodge outside Pretoria. The purpose of the Young Leaders
Lab is to expose young leaders in agriculture to each other in the
presence of some seasoned mentors.
We invite a group of middle management from government
departments, young leaders from the private agricultural sector as
well as some young producers to this annual event. You will find
a mentor at each of the round tables. This mentor will be a senior
person who has gone through the mill to show the younger people
the way. For some it was the first time to attend and some were keen
to come back for more.
In 2014 we also included a personal profile analysis which resulted
in a lot of fun in discovering yourself and to understand why people
behave like they do. Investment in any individual’s soft skills can
never be wasted.
The purpose of the Young Leaders Lab is also to allow the leaders
of tomorrow to build relationships. It is always refreshing to observe
people who act like sponges – absorbing every bit of advice,
naively give an honest, uninformed opinion only to be advised to
think differently. In some instances the younger generation helps
the mentors to recalibrate their views to get it in line with modern
technology and new ideas.
The value of relationships and investment in our youth is something
that Grain SA treasures. Thank you Santam Agri for supporting us to
unlock the potential of our future leaders in agriculture.
41
January 2015
RELEVANT
JANNIE DE VILLIERS,
CEO, Grain SA
1: Attendees’ undivided attention
captured by Brand Pretorius, the main
speaker.
2: Enjoying a pleasant braai after a very
informative and fruitful day.
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