13ADVERTWEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2 2015

The Harold Pupkewtiz Graduate School of Business (at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, NUST) has officially launched its Alumni Association. The Association was launched during a gala dinner on the 26th of November at Safari Hotel by HP-GSB Director Professor Grafton Whyte. Speaking at the event, Whyte noted that the Alumni would be run by HP-GSB graduates and serve as a platform for high-level networking, the development of a ‘think-tank’ for solutions to industry, and ensure lifelong relationships between students and the school. Speaking about the developments of the institution, Whyte noted that in 2015, the School had taken in its first Executive MBA cohort, successfully run the 2nd Customer Service Management Africa Awards & Conference, launched the Customer Service Association of Namibia, and become the country’s centre for Insights Discovery, a psychometric tool on which the school would base its Individual Targeted Learning initiative. In 2016, the HP-GSB will launch its PhD program and postgraduate diploma in management. Whyte also announced that plans were in progress to build a new teaching facility for the HP-GSB.The evening featured speakers from captains of industry including: Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Tarah Shaanika, who touched on overcoming challenges in Namibian business; University of Ghana Professor Robert Hinson who spoke about Personal Branding, as well as Standard Bank’s Isdor Angula and Arrie Hougaard of NMH who both spoke about leadership and management. EMBA student and Manager Public and Corporate Affairs at NDTC Helena Mootseng was MC for the night. The event was sponsored by Namibia Media Holdings, Agribank, Roads Authority and Standard Bank.

HP-GSB LAUNCHES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

From left: Isdor Angula, Head Human Capital: Standard Bank; Arrie Hougaard, General Manager Publications: Namibia Media Holdings; Prof. Grafton Whyte, Director: HP-GSB; Helena Mootseng, Manager Public and Corporate Affairs: NDTC and MC for the evening; Mr. Tarah Shaanika, CEO: Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Prof. Robert Hinson, Professor of Marketing & Social Responsibility: University of Ghana; Dr Isaac Randa, Director: MLCM, HPGSB; Prof. Errol Tyobeka, Special Advisor to the Vice Chancellor: NUST

Prof. Robert Hinson, Professor of Marketing & Social Responsibility: University of Ghana. Personal Branding for Success. “There are several ways in which you can kill your brand. Letting it go stale: taking your brand for granted. Your personal brand, no matter how well-crafted is, is never ‘done’. Staying on top of your brand is a way to set yourself apart from others in your market. Keep your brand fresh by continuing to grow and serve your target market. Neglecting consistency: Being inconsistent is a brand killer. People like to know what to expect; it gives them comfort and solidifies what they can count on. You need to maintain a brand identity and follow it steadily. Consistency is key so that people know what to expect from you and can trust what you stand for. Ignoring politicsL Being a savvy personal brander means you show an awareness that your colleagues don’t. You notice your sur-roundings and have your antenna up for the nuances of behaviour (politics) that takes place in your office.”

Arrie Hougaard, General Manager Publications: Namibia Media Holdings. Managing Diversity.“Make time to actually understand the people around you. We always think others need to behave in a certain way but have you ever thought about how people see you? I want to challenge you that managing diversity in the corporate world has a lot to do with what you do and the actions you take. You need to understand who you have in your team. Do you have the right people in the seats on the bus? You must understand what everyone brings to the team and their different strengths. When it comes to leadership gaps in Namibia, I would say that leaders don’t understand how to provide services. They also often don’t develop and mentor people. Finally, you need to trust your creative thoughts. If it just stays there, then it means nothing- without action. If you want to achieve something you have never achieved before, you must do something you have never done before.”

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Prof. Whyte, Arrie Hougaard and Prof. Tyobeka

Esme belting out sweet sounds

Ndapanda Haulofu and Jacobina Shipana (HP-GSB masters students)

Paul Hatani Kisting on instrumentals

Visiting lecturer Mark Peters (Wits) and Dr. Esi Acquah (MD)

HP-GSB’s first MBA cohort

The HP-GSB was proud to have Mrs Meryl Barry present at this prestigious event. She is the daughter of the late Harold Pupkewitz and was there to hear that the School is now planning to build a world class teaching facility to which the endowment left by her father would be used