LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE
From 2000 onwards, Jonathan worked in leadership development for African Enterprise and, in 2003, became their international VP for Training, with oversight of training directors in ten countries across Africa. He was also the director of the Africa Leadership Development Institute.
During this time he collaborated with a number of top-class consultants and designed a six month leadership development process, called Ascent. It employed adult learning methodology and serviced leaders in the business, church and government sectors.
Ascent intake multiplied exponentially between 2001-2003 (at which time Jonathan was promoted to the Pan African position). In the South African context of nation-building a new democracy, participant demographics were critical. Ascent consistently had a 1:1 ratio of men and women leaders, and successfully brought together participants from all the major racial groups of South Africa, and in proportional representation.
Commendations from Ascent:
“A tremendous learning experience that has broadened my thought patterns and taught me much about leadership – understanding change [in particular] made the biggest impact on my life and work.”
“Ascent was very informative … (intensely? I can’t find the word!). I have grown and have been stretched.”
“I’ve seen many workshops ‘handled’ in my years in this business. This team did a job that matched the best I’ve witnessed.”
“Ascent is truly very ‘different’ – the subjects presented were very well handled and personally took me by surprise, when I think of other leadership training events I have attended. Thank you for a well-presented, well-balanced programme ... that was truly inspirational”
“It has been one of the most enriching courses I have attended. I am going back home a new person with a much better understanding of myself, my strengths and my weaknesses.”