Tourism leaders of the future
Gondwana Collection celebrated the exceptional achievements of its 2024 Go4Gold Academy participants during the final project presentations.Held at The Weinberg in Windhoek on 28 November 2024, the event marked the conclusion of a year-long leadership development journey.
The Go4Gold Academy, an intensive leadership initiative, combines structured learning with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Its structure of six modules and hands-on project is designed to inspire growth, innovation and resilience among Gondwana’s future leaders.
Programme leader Ume Goldbeck described the journey as “a transformative process that pushes participants out of their comfort zones and challenges them to grow not only as leaders but as individuals. It’s about embracing The Gondwana Way and making the impossible possible.”
The 11 participants’ presentations showcased measurable results and actionable strategies, reaffirming Gondwana’s position as a pioneer in leadership development within the tourism sector. The projects further emphasised implementation and real-world impact, with participants addressing a range of topics from optimised recourse management to innovative people development plans.
Gondwana CEO Gys Joubert commended the group for their perseverance and innovation, emphasising the broader vision of the programme: “Leadership development is a process of choosing courage over comfort. By embracing this journey, these leaders are shaping the future of Gondwana and the tourism industry. The results we’ve seen today testify to the power of investing in our people.”
The success of the Go4Gold Academy is built on collaboration, with 13 mentors and 9 facilitators offering invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the year. From strategic visioning to practical skill-building, the program ensures participants are left equipped to lead with purpose and impact.