Dr Rica Viljoen is a master organizational development practitioner and strategist specializing in sustainable organizational transformation, strategy formulation and leadership optimization. She is founder and co-owner of Mandala Consulting (PTY) Ltd. With more than 16 years consulting & facilitation experience nationally and internationally her expertise lies in organizational culture change, cultural integration during mergers and acquisitions and translation of strategy. She consults in various industries such as mining, banking, financial services, health and transport. Before the start of Mandala Consulting, she held an executive position in Absa, responsible for organizational culture and transformation.
'This book embodies all the elements of managing in a complex world and emphasises the need for a systemic appreciation of all the elements within the containing system. Key to Viljoen's findings is a deep appreciation of the social system which is so often overlooked by leaders. If one accepts that the complexities which she has highlighted are not unique and are applicable to any sector anywhere in the world, and that the real challenge is how best to accommodate disparate views of people who through technological and other advances are becoming more empowered, then her model should become universal. As such one needs to ask the question as to whether the African Leadership Model which, in its own right, appears to provide an elegant way to manage highly complex situations, just might be that unique model which has been uppermost in the minds of leadership scholars around the world? Will the notion that it is now Africa's turn see the rest of the world discarding the linear Western style of management in favour of Rica's model?' Roy Marcus, Chairman, The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, South Africa 'This book is an expression of Rica's life and work and it exemplifies the breadth and depth of her insight. It lucidly reflects her ability to integrate diverse theories, models and perspectives in order to create profound individual and organisational transformation.' Henry Chamberlain, International Industrial and Organisational Psychologist, Hong Kong 'The book is a true reflection of the authentic and purposeful journey experienced by the author. Viljoen relates in the book to people in organizations at all levels through true understanding and exceptional knowledge. No one can be untouched by her ability to connect through passionately living her dreams and sharing it with all.' Rene de Beer, International Organisational Development Consultant, Metamor Consulting, South Africa 'Never in all my reading endeavours have I met a piece that integrates the human and corporate soul to this extent. It invites inclusivity, creates insight and intrigues the leadership mind in all individuals. The information, interventions and intent shared took me on an inherent spiral journey. The concepts are powerfully interwoven and form an integral part in all corporate transformation processes. The book succeeds in creating insight into the personality, culture, colour, intelligence and ability of man and the corporate brain.' Leon Lategan, Principal Consultant, Tsumkwe Consultancy, South Africa 'This book is an important contribution for those who work as managers at all levels of business and development. A must read at your peril.' Loraine I. Laubscher, Principal Consultant, Human Niches for Africa, South Africa