Emerging Leaders

Our commitment to a people-first culture,?elevating the customer experience and cultivating world-class leaders across the company is unwavering. We have always led authentically – staying true to the Colonel's original ethos – and building a workplace culture that unlocks the potential of our people.

In fact, thousands of KFC team members working in leadership roles have worked their way up from entry-level roles, either in the kitchen or behind the counter. Globally, KFC drives talent through various leadership programs, aimed at developing leaders at every level in markets around the world – and KFC Africa is certainly no different.?

Today we were proud to host our first ever cohort of emerging leaders on the pioneer program called the KFC Emerging Leaders' Circle in Sandton with esteemed guest speaker Dr. Siphokazi J. Ntetha. As the lead for the Millennial Council amongst other things, Dr Ntetha is no stranger to initiatives that humanise businesses. And as an award-nominated Organisational Psychologist and a scholar specialising in Organisational Leadership and Change it was only fitting that she addressed this select, cross-functional and diverse group of talented emerging leaders from the KFC Africa business.?The Emerging Leaders' Circle is a first of its kind in Africa. Sponsored by the KFC Africa General Manager, Dhruv Kaul, the aim of this 12-month program is to expose emerging talent to both local and global leaders where they can learn and grow by observing authentic leadership in action. The second aim is to expedite their growth through unique experiences that they wouldn't otherwise get in their day-to-day jobs such as participating in big strategic business projects. Thirdly this program aims to create unique experiences for this group of people, experiences that will help them build strong relationships with one another as they all grow together in their leadership journeys. Lastly, this program aims to build these individuals into externally focused leaders who are connected to their communities by giving their time and resources. This they will do by selecting a KFC Add Hope beneficiaries to work with and support over the next few months. KFC Add Hope works with 140 non-profit organisations across 9 provinces – serving over 250 million meals since 2009.

The passion in the room was unmistakable - passion for people, passion for learning, growth, and passion for sustaining Africa – and truly a platform for growing leaders that not only have the operational skills but the kind of people who also lead with heart, smart and courage.