Incredible CIO Journey puts IT execs behind the wheel and unlocks their explorer mindset.
The CIO South Africa community recently experienced a unique, unforgettable event described by participants as the “best CIO event ever” by its participants. IT execs were buzzing with energy and brimming with inspiration after the second instalment of the CIO Journey, made possible by Makwa IT.
Guided by the theme, “Explorer Mindset”, South Africa's top CIOs embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, participating in a unique 24-hour programme filled with discussions, networking, and engagement.
Whether splashing through the waves with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), learning to tap into their explorer mindset, CIOs felt challenged and inspired – and the journey that took place on 17 and 18 October 2024 received rave reviews from its participants, creating proper FOMO among colleagues and the anticipation that more CIO journeys will be in store next year.
A thrilling start: sea rescue simulation
Johannesburg-based CIOs flew into Cape Town early in the morning, and after meeting up with some local colleagues, hopped on a shuttle to the V&A Waterfront, the networking and laughter immediately kicked into overdrive. The IT executives received a warm and welcoming reception from the incredible team at the NSRI's oldest Station at the V&A – it’s not every day that volunteers get to host South Africa’s leading technologist. On the other hand, it’s not every day IT leaders get a behind the scenes seat into the inner workings of the NSRI and their selfless volunteers – it was a mixture of nerves and excitement all round.
From a once in a lifetime experience at sea launched from the V&A Waterfront, where CIOs had the opportunity to experience first-hand what a live rescue would be like. The team at the NSRI put together a simulation of a capsized vessel, and IT leaders who were brave enough were asked to go into the water and underneath that vessel in order for the team on the rescue boat could save them.
A journey to hope with RLabs
From the ocean the CIOs headed to Mitchell’s Plain to learn about an incredible initiative, RLabs, an award-winning South African non-profit, established in Bridgetown, Cape Town, in 2009.
“What I love about RLabs is that it is a place of sanctuary for young people to learn and explore their explorer mindset,” said Graham Fehrsen, executive transition coach and founder, Novo.
Graham then introduced the founder of RLabs, Marlon Parker, who shared an incredible story about how RLabs was started.
“My first introduction to the explorer mindset actually came from a young lady who was in love,” he said. “This young woman fell pregnant and had to make a difficult decision. The love of her life at the time told her that she had to terminate the pregnancy. She was young and still had to complete her schooling, but against all the advice she was given to terminate the pregnancy, she decided to keep the baby, and that was my introduction to the world. That young woman just so happens to be my mother, who chose me over her then love of her life.
“This was also my introduction to hope and people who went against all odds and choose to explore the unknown, which has been ingrained in my DNA,” he pointed out.
Marlon shared this story to showcase what the vision and identity behind RLabs was all about and how they interpret the explorer mindset, something that’s part of the initiative’s DNA.
“RLabs wouldn’t exist today had we not embarked on that explorer journey,” he noted. “The RLabs journey began in 2008 when the world was experiencing an economic crisis, a time I believe is a good time to start something new. Everyone is looking for hope and new opportunities, and I was working as a lecturer at the time, so I’m a recovering academic,” he joked.
It was during this period that Marlon had this inner call or yearning to provide digital skills and opportunities of hope for young people, specifically those from his neighbourhood. However, Marlon chose to use an unconventional example to showcase the power of the internet, a former gangster. He’d teach them how to use computers and they could share their story through the internet.
“The power of the explorer mindset was contagious because as this person attended these computer lessons, he also recruited young people, in fact, gang members in the neighbourhood to participate as well,” he explains.
“We are called RLabs or rather reconstructed living labs because we were created through an interesting group of people to start something with – that’s what you call an explorer mindset.
“The only reason we have a skills development academy today is that the small group of young people went off and told the entire community that there were free computer classes being offered in the neighbourhood,” Marlon noted.
Marlon didn’t have any teaching facilities at the time and had to convince the HOD at the university he lectured at to use their computer labs and from there the initiative grew extranomical.
Today, RLabs has expanded our model to 25 countries across 5 continents, impacting more than 60 million people through their work. The initiative’s main aim is to create environments and systems in which people are impacted, empowered and transformed through hope, innovation, technology, training and economic opportunities.
To date, more than 2.5 million people have accessed RLabs skills, training, and economic empowerment programmes. Their goal is now to impact two billion people by 2030 on the continent.
Once back on dry land, it was into the winelands, as the CIOs headed off to Stellenbosch to check into their accommodation at the award-winning Majeka House. Situated on the slopes of the sought-after suburb of Paradyskloof, the hotel and spa was a creative partnership with acclaimed designer Etienne Hanekom and resulted in the striking aesthetic of Majeka House, where premier facilities and warm country hospitality blend seamlessly with cutting edge award-winning interior design.
A dinner with an adventurer
The ‘explorers’ then headed to Mont Marie Wine Estate for a delicious meal in a special setting of an underground bunker wine cellar, featuring guest speaker and explorer Peter Van Kets. It was a unique opportunity to hear why a mindset of exploration, adaptability and endurance can help you conquer and navigate in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of a modern-day explorer.
Peter has a 20-year track record of embarking on the most challenging and gruelling expeditions and shared experiences from his expeditions, but all draw parallels to the mental and physical endurance needed in the explorations, just as one requires the endurance or rather what Peter referred to as ‘nyamezela’ needed to navigate the corporate world. Nyamezela is a popular isiXhosa expression that means ‘grit’ or ‘endurance’.
“Eighty percent of what we do happens in our mindset,” said Peter. He was driving home the point that a journey starts in one’s mind even before the physical requirements for it to begin.
“People are the essence of the explorer mindset and we are incredible creatures, however, we’ll only realise that once we come out of our comfort zone – put yourself to the test,” he stressed. “Impossible is being able to achieve anything: people can achieve incredible stuff if they simply believe they can, but there’s another important part to that: the ability to nyamezela.
The next inspirational speaker for the evening was Pieter de Villiers, the founding CEO of Clickatell. He told an inspirational story about a startup from twin brothers and two close friends.
Pieter’s story outlined what it truly means to embody the explorer mindset. His journey to success traversed a multitude of emotions: excitement, doubt, sacrifice and loss, as well as, ultimately, hope and success.
The following morning, the group of IT explorers gathered for breakfast to reflect on the activities that took place in the last 48 hours and it was clear that Peter’s tales of endurance over dinner the night before inspired the CIOs to step up their own game. Here were some of their key takeaways:
- Plan ahead, as preparing is everything: 80 percent is planning and 20 percent is execution.
- Purpose is everything; focus on the ‘why’.
- Stop with the excuses and make it a priority to employ your explorer mindset.
Graham, the gracious facilitator of the experience, also challenged the IT executives to make a pledge as they made their ways back home. Most were inspired to face their own fears and push themselves and their teams as hard as Peter pushed himself during his expeditions and tap into their own nyamezela.
