Leading the Herd with Corné van der Merwe

“Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili” is a Zulu proverb meaning “Guidance comes from those who have walked the path before you.” In a recent conversation with Corné van der Merwe, General Manager of the Cellular division at Flash, we delved into his leadership journey, uncovering invaluable lessons and golden nuggets for aspiring leaders.?

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Corné's leadership journey is about the transformative power of authenticity, self-awareness, and continuous growth. His insights serve as a guiding light for aspiring leaders, illuminating the path to impactful and meaningful leadership. Let’s dig in!?

The definition of leadership?

Reflecting on a 20-year long career, Corné attributes his leadership skills to being exposed to various leadership styles – the good, the bad and the ugly. He defines a great leader as “someone who can realise the potential of individuals by bringing the best out of every person they deal with, irrespective of where they come from.”??

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For Corné, leadership is about striking a balance – being firm when necessary yet authentic to oneself. To lead the herd, Corné believes in holding true to Flash’s principles of being “all in” while also “being brave” enough to have difficult conversations for the sake of betterment.?

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The power of self-discovery in leadership?

One of Corné's best decisions was seeking guidance from a life coach early in his career. This decision, though uncomfortable at first, led to a profound understanding of his limitations and strengths. According to Corné, self-awareness is key to effective leadership, as it enables leaders to navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.?

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Daily reflection: a path to improvement?

Corné's advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet profound - take time to reflect daily. This practice allows leaders to identify areas of improvement and make better decisions. He also emphasises the importance of driving an inclusive culture, where each team member's unique abilities are valued and leveraged.?

Shaping culture by walking the talk?

Leading by example is at the core of shaping culture, according to Corné. He believes that leaders must embody their values. He puts it this way: “I cannot tell my kids to pick up a piece of paper and bin it if I am not willing to do it myself. Leaders need to buy in and BE the culture or it will just be cool words on a wall with no significance.”?

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For Corné, this approach is not just about setting an example but also about creating a meaningful impact on the organisation's culture.?

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Embracing vulnerability?

Reflecting on a challenging leadership moment, Corné highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership. When faced with leading a team much older than himself, he learned that being open about uncertainties and challenges can empower others to take ownership and accountability. He recounts entering a space and having to shift the mindset from “old ways of working to a new strategy and purpose.”??

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The key to success: Be real?

Corné's best leadership advice was short, sweet and cut deep - keep it real. He encourages leaders to embrace their uniqueness and back themselves, emphasising that authenticity is the foundation of effective leadership.?

Join the Herd?

If there’s one thing to take away from this it’s that with leaders like this and a purpose that drives Mzansi forward, Flash is the place to work and to grow. From grassroots, we’ve built our company and culture on the foundation of making people’s lives easier; and it shines through all we do.??

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Ready to join a team where purpose meets great leadership? Check out our available jobs now.?