Coffee with Gerald
Strong leaders are vital to AfroCentric’s success in making a sustainable impact in the area we know best – healthcare. They provide direction and vision, motivation and inspiration. Their experience and guidance sets us on a course for success.
In this edition we get to know our Group CEO Gerald van Wyk, who tells us more about who he is, what he envisions for our business and what inspires him.
Q: Tell us more about your career journey so far – some of the highlights?
A: My career journey has been filled with incredible experiences, challenges and meaningful milestones. From my humble beginnings as a claims clerk, I’ve had the privilege to take on various opportunities and learn from remarkable individuals who took an interest in my career development. Some of the highlights include becoming a GM at the age of 23 and an Executive at age 29, which illustrates the steep learning curve that has characterised my career journey, with several lateral moves, which gave me a broad perspective and solid foundation.
Q: You have been in the CEO role for five months now, what has the experience been like?
A: These past five months have been a transformative journey for me. Taking on the role has been both exhilarating and demanding. I’ve gained valuable insights into the intricacies of leading such a diverse company, navigating complex decisions and adapting to the ever-changing landscape. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience thus far.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I draw inspiration from various sources, including industry pioneers, thought leaders and individuals who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve greatness. However, my primary inspiration comes from my mother, Kathy. Her dedication and hard work as a single mother, working not one, or two, but three jobs to get us through school have instilled a high work ethic within me.
Q: What is your vision for the Group over the next few years?
A: My vision for our Group is to foster innovation, sustainable growth, and a strong sense of purpose. I want us to be at the forefront of industry trends, driving positive change in our society, and making a lasting impact by cultivating a culture of collaboration and caring, embracing innovation and technology, and pushing boundaries by leading the industry’s evolution for the next five to ten years.
Q: What is your favourite part of your job?
A: I enjoy the strategic planning process and charting the course for our Group’s future. It’s invigorating to tackle complex challenges head-on and to see the growth in our team as part of this process. I gain great satisfaction and motivation when I see the “aha” moments when others choose to lean in and embrace the art of what is possible and set on a course of action to deliver on our ambition.
Q: And your worst?
A: While I thoroughly enjoy most aspects of my job, I must admit that the long hours and the constant pressure can sometimes take a toll. Balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being can be a challenge. However, I’m fortunate to have a supportive team and I’m constantly encouraged to look after my personal well-being.
Q: What is your top productivity tip?
A: Prioritise effectively. Try and understand what truly matters, both in terms of short- and long-term objectives, and use that to allocate your time and energy wisely.
Q: What do you do to relax?
A: My best job is that of Chief Executive Husband and Father. I absolutely adore my wife and kids and find relaxation in spending quality time with them and being present in the moments that bring them joy, such as a being a crazy parent next to the sports field or being more cultured at a school concert!
Q: What are you reading or watching right now?
A: Board Packs! But on a more serious note, I’m always looking out for inspiring documentaries and recently watched Jeen-Yuhs a Kanye Trilogy and Beckham. To see the hard work and absolute belief that these individuals had in pursuit of their dreams is inspiring.
Q: On a three-hour road trip, what is likely to be on your playlist?
A: It would feature a diverse range of music genres and would be totally dependent on the mood and atmosphere of the journey. The first hour would be the Eddie Zondi Romantic Repertoire type vibes like Lauren Wood, Teddy Pendergrass, Anthony Hamilton. The middle part would be for my passengers, which usually are my kids and their amapiano and what I call “doof doof” dance music that I can’t always make out, and the last hour to keep me awake would be old school hip hop like Tupac and Dr Dre!
