Earlier this month, Unashamedly Ethical, in partnership with the Global Leadership Network, brought the prestigious Global Leadership Summit (GLS) to the Western Cape. They selected the outstanding conferencing facilities of the Protea Hotel in Technopark to host the event.
Despite severe weather conditions forcing the closure of local schools for the day, the summit saw attendance from nearly 100 business leaders from across South Africa and as far as the UK. The turnout, with many attending for the first time, spoke volumes about the renowned value of the GLS.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Gerry Couchman, Regional Director of the Global Leadership Network, and Gary Power, Managing Director of Unashamedly Ethical. Their opening remarks set a tone of collaboration and inspiration, setting the stage for the day’s sessions. Delegates were treated to a series of insightful and motivational videocasts from international leaders, including Craig Groeschel, Condoleezza Rice, and James Clear, covering topics ranging from leadership development to team efficiency and ethics in business.
Refreshments were offered throughout the day, providing valuable networking opportunities for attendees. The breaks were abuzz with discussions, as participants eagerly exchanged ideas and experiences, further enriching the collaborative spirit of the summit.
Attendee perspectives
Among the attendees was Smartryk Calitz, Head of Forensics at Mubesko Africa. With a keen focus on the ethical dimensions of fraud, Calitz emphasized the importance of integrity and accountability within his team. His goal is to ensure that both clients and those accused are treated with respect and justice throughout investigations.
Another distinguished guest, Lester Sedras, the General Manager at a cargo logistics company, shared his insights. In addition to his demanding professional role, Sedras volunteers as the Lead Disaster Management Facilitator for The Warehouse, where he is responsible for training volunteers. Despite his busy schedule, the Summit provided him with a rare opportunity to reflect and gain fresh inspiration to become more effective in his various roles.
The event provided a platform for business leaders to reflect on their roles and responsibilities, encouraging them to lead with integrity and purpose. The discussions ensured that attendees left with actionable insights and a renewed sense of commitment to ethical leadership.
The significance for Technopark
Selecting Technopark as the venue for the Summit highlights the accessibility and suitability of this business park for events of this nature. It aligns with Technopark’s vision to establish itself as a vibrant hub for innovation in Stellenbosch and the larger Helderberg basin, bringing world-class events to the local business community. For inquiries about hosting future events at the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch, contact Deleur Stander.
The Global Leadership Summit in Stellenbosch was a resounding success, bringing together leaders dedicated to making a difference. It served as a reminder that ethical leadership is not just a lofty ideal but a practical necessity in today’s complex business environment. The value of the event will be carried with those who attended for a while to come, as they return to their organizations with a renewed commitment to ethical and effective leadership.
About Unashamedly Ethical
Unashamedly Ethical champions ethics and moral values through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Their mission is to inspire a culture of ethical behavior in both personal and professional spheres, particularly in environments prone to corruption. By hosting monthly networking events and facilitating valuable in-house training for corporate teams, they provide a platform for continuous learning and ethical discourse. Contact Bertram Davids to sign up.
About the Global Leadership Summit
The first Global Leadership Summit was held in Chicago in 1995, with the aim of equipping business leaders to become more effective in their roles, thereby inspiring transformation within their teams and communities. Over the years, the Summit has grown exponentially, now reaching hundreds of thousands of leaders in over 123 countries. The GLS is renowned for its high-caliber speakers and impactful sessions, which consistently deliver valuable insights and practical takeaways.
