In a world shaped by rapid technological and systemic change, why do capable people still struggle to thrive? This reflection explores my journey over the years from learning and development into governance, systems, and leadership —revealing a central insight: transformation does not fail because of capability, but because of misalignment.
The Dance of Technology and Humanity One cannot deny the profound impact technology continues to have on our lives. Our reliance on technology increases continuously and has become so integral to our being that it reminds me of the Tango with its passionate and intricate movements. This beautifully symbolizes the interplay and dynamics between technology…
As a result of the COVID-19 crisis accompanied by the lockdown, economists predict the global economy will be in a recession for the rest of 2020 and most likely into 2021. The South African GDP will slow from 0.2% to -1.9% in 2020. Whether you are already unemployed or about to lose your job, you…
Non-governmental organisations, known as NGO’s, play an integral role in today’s society for the improvement and drive of sustainable development. The NGO sector aims to educate and uplift members and organisations of communities and society at large. In this context, I am busy with an exciting project that serves to formalise an engaging forum for…
I was recently asked by Metro Minds to be a guest speaker at their recent High Tea. The aim of the High Tea was to raise funds for their Changing Minds Education Trust. Established in 2016, the trust focusses on one of our country’s burning issues: education. The event involved an array of successful women…
Research is a fundamental element of exploring the world and its challenges. It involves the investigation of solutions and ways to implement such solutions in mitigating these complex challenges. It is also about the creation of new knowledge. Academic institutions all over the globe place strenuous focus on the cultivation of research output. As such,…
This being Woman’s Month, I pay special tribute to a special woman whom I have come to admire over the past ten years. She is a colleague who I served with at the National Skills Authority, have worked with on a project with the Human Resource Development Council under the then Deputy President Mr. Cyril…
The rapid rise of technology has changed so much in such a short space of time that young aspiring entrepreneurs and established companies need to ensure that they keep up with these changes or face the challenge of becoming redundant with an ever-growing market of competitors all offering the same services with no differentiating factors.…
As promised, this week I bring you another element of the B-BBEE Scorecard to consider. In terms of the Revised Codes of Good Practice, non-profit organisations (NPOs) and social enterprises are tweaking their operations to access donations within the B-BBEE scorecard business spend. Whilst Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been in existence for a long time,…
52% of South Africa’s youth are unemployed. The unemployment rate amongst the youth is on the rise and we need to work together to achieve transformation. Here’s how…
We can assist you with very specific and specialized BBBEE solutions on all BBBEE elements: We provide you with a two-hour presentation at your premises. Contact us if you need further information: rrajab@resonance.net.za
The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a key role in the process of analysing Workplace Skills Plans submitted by companies. This results in the publication of the national list of occupations in high demand published by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. Despite the process, there is still a skills match and…
“Governance is a journey it is not a destination” Professor Mervyn King I was recently invited to the Life Time Awards evening for Professor Mervyn King at Regenesys. A committed South African, dedicated campaigner for justice and fairness, an accessible and selfless man, Mervyn King has consulted, advised and spoken on legal, business and…
In recent weeks, we have explored the importance of having a clear vision for any purpose. Further to this, we have noted that the empowerment of oneself and each other enhances the whole process of collective vision. This only improves the potential to reach the ultimate purpose that is set out. This purpose or goal…
As discussed in last week’s post, building a collective vision, promotes a process that deepens and reinforces clarity amongst the parts in order to enhance the whole. In this context, empowerment serves as a powerful enabler to build a collective vision. “There is power in support and encouragement. There is power in lifting one another…
I can relate to Steve Jobs when he said: “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” However, I believe that you must have a clear vision to start with before you even attempt to work on it or even share…
The Wo-men of Influence event is specifically tailored to support a deep developmental exploration for women and are geared to assist them with the high-pressure challenges they face on a daily basis and to allow them to access their own inherent strengths. Come and connect with other women of influence and spend some time thinking about your…
I recently also had an opportunity to attend the latest Curiosita Colloquium hosted by The Da Vinci Institute, at the Da Vinci Hotel. Part of the visit was to listen to a guest discussion presented by Mrs Teryl Schroenn, CEO at Accsys (Pty) Ltd. in view of their recent win of the Management of People…
The CIE Thabiso Skills Institute, in collaboration with JET Education Services and MSC Artisan Academy and with support from J.P. Morgan, is implementing a developmental project to up-skill unemployed youth in a number of areas across South Africa. This initiative is South Africa’s first global innovation for workplace-based learning as part of the New Skills…
In an early blog post, I spoke about the importance and role of research in making well-informed decisions that influence an organisations innovative and competitive approach toward sustainable business performance and accountability. This is applicable to any organisation and is especially pertinent today in organisations that are accountable to donor funders and key stakeholders for…
We recently attended the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Summit. We had a great time meeting colleagues and old friends and the input into the Summit’s objectives was truly valued. The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) is a national, multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder advisory body chaired by the Deputy President of the Republic of…
We have spoken before about the way of the world and its position toward complexity. Although the human civilisation has come a long way in understanding the world around us, developing, and implementing structures to make life easier, there is no doubt that chaos still looms around the corners of our everyday lives. Over the…
The concept of transformation brings meaning to the process of change. In nature, we see how the caterpillar cocoons itself, and through this process of change, transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Similarly, the world of business views transformation as a process of profound and radical change that orients an organisation in a new direction for…
A combined article by: Dr. Rajab (MD) and Lorretta Barbours (Associate) Of recent, Resonance Consulting has had several requests to assist organisations interested in developing their own in-house academies to offer training to both employees and new entrants. Companies see the benefit of changing and keeping up with the digital age whilst developing their…
There is no doubt that our connected world has challenges, and we experience it, no matter our culture, belief system or background. Technology is a driver for change, connectivity and communication, which pushes the world to respond to an ever-changing and agile environment. But, can it replace the connectedness between people? As a people, we…
Dr Rooksana Rajab and Janet du Preez co-facilitate at the launch of the Wo-men of Influence event held on 9 April 2018 at Morrells Boutique Venue. Mahatma Gandhi wisely said that we should be the change we want to see in the world. As a people, this has never been as relevant as it is…
It is no surprise that life has become busier for us, with more pressures and less time to complete our tasks. Every day, we are faced with millions of choices to make. Some of these choices are easier to make as we have had similar experiences before, whilst other choices are a little more…
Are you… A woman executive leading or aspiring to lead in a corporate, non-profit, governmental or entrepreneurial environment? Come and connect with like-minded women of influence and spend some time focusing on your personal leadership growth and the next steps in your business journey. This unique event is specifically tailored to support a deep developmental…
The world in which we live has transformed into a digitally connected reality where people can engage with one another from all around the globe. As related to business, organisations need to remain competitive in a world of digitization, globalisation and access to knowledge. In this context, the role of leadership in an organisation has…
Another great article from our Associate: Lorretta Barbours Reshaping our monitoring and evaluation practices Why do so many people feel trapped in their work? Why do our existing practices not work? We diligently set goals, work out the steps we need to take and somehow our projects still come off the rails – WHY? We…
Accepting the Transformation Challenge This week, our Associate Ms Lorretta Barbour continues with discussions on asking questions. To our followers: Here are more questions to consider. What if …? What if we were sold a myth? What if development is not continuous, stable and steady? Many of us still picture the growth in our organisations,…
Written by DR ROOKSANA RAJAB There is no doubt that South Africa faces serious challenges in our current education and training system. Despite public spending on education is 6.4% of GDP (while the average share in EU countries is 4.8%) several challenges facing the education system in South Africa remain. Of the approximately one million learners…
Using questions to build positive relationships Author: Lorretta Barbours, Associate at Resonance Consulting Services The rules for engagement are changing. The increased social awareness means that we are learning to be present, to give each person an opportunity to be as they are. We are moving towards a more collaborative workspace in which diversity is truly…
Some advice from Dr. Rooksana Rajab In South Africa, as in many other countries around the world, women leaders are scarcer at the upper levels of organisations. The premise is that women have not been socialized to compete successfully in the world of men, so they must be taught the skills and styles their male…
We are really excited to announce the launch of the Women of Influence event in partnership between Dr Rooksana Rajab of Resonance Consulting and Janet du Preez of Engagement Dynamics. This is not a training programme, nor is it another conference or seminar. This unique event is specifically tailored to support a deep developmental exploration…
While we have been around since 2007, Resonance Consulting Services has been of recent, actively working towards a stronger tomorrow. We believe that South Africa needs innovative ways in which to effect transformation. This is an imperative to growth and involves inclusion, engagement and finding collaborative solutions together. We have also recently improved on our…
