Louise van Rhyn is valued for her work with many of the world’s leading organisations, helping them to embrace change in extraordinary ways, as well as to reap the benefits of change in tangible ways. Through her unique style of facilitation, designed to celebrate human energy & leadership, both in the individual as well as the organisation as a whole; her work has profound results – as clients and collaborators enthusiastically attest.
Louise is engaged in social entrepreneurship as part of her deep commitment to advancing change in South Africa and throughout Africa. Drawing in equal parts on her career accomplishments and social commitment, and in the interest of advancing both – she is co-founding a Leadership Institute in South Africa’s Cape Winelands
My Definition Of Success | I know now that success means living a life of purpose – to know why you are on the planet. I did not always define success this way but since I’ve discovered my purpose, I’ve discovered that this is the real definition of success.
I Am Driven By | I have a strong need to make a positive contribution to the world – to leave the world a better place for the sake of our children and future generations.
My Highlights | I am most proud of the fact that I founded the Partners for Possibility leadership development and principal support process (business leaders in partnership with school principals to lead change in South Africa’s under-resourced schools). It’s not been an easy journey but it is an enormous privilege to feel that we are making a massive contribution to the most critical issue facing South Africa: Education.
The Difference Between Good And Great | Care, compassion and passion.
A Key Talent | I am tenacious and courageous – often stepping into situations that others would not because they believe it may be too difficult or too big. It is not because I am fearless. It is because I just don’t believe in accepting that things can’t be done or changed.
When I have a vision I pursue it even though it may be tough going.
People are quick to criticize people like me. I have therefore learned to surround myself by people who value my talents and gifts rather than criticize me for being bold and courageous.
Lessons I Have Learnt | The quality of everything we do depend on the thinking we do first and the quality of the thinking we do depend on the quality of the relationship – Nancy Kline.
The delivery vehicle of my expertise is my humanity – Peter Block.
My Future Dreams And Ambitions | I want South Africa to be acknowledged as a gift to the world. Through programs such as Partners for Possibility we are showing the world what is possible when business leaders share their knowledge and skills with people who have not been as privileged as they have been.
The Meaning Of Life | To live a life of contribution.
The Best Advice I’ve Received | “The answer to how is YES” – Peter Block.
I Am Inspired By | I am inspired by people who keep going despite difficulty. I am inspired daily by people who have little but do much and who don’t measure their contribution by how much they earn but rather what difference they make in the lives of other people.
The Legacy I Would Like To Leave | Quality education for all children in South Africa through adults who have the skills and knowledge to do this in our schools.
Useful Links |
Watch Louise Van Rhyn at TedX Cape TownED
