Henley Alumni Stories - stories from our community
Arnold Werbeloff, an Executive MBA graduate, reflects on applying Henley’s leadership and people-management insights to nurture the next generation of South African business and investment leaders.
I am a consultant and Head of the Vunani Coronation Training Academy based in Johannesburg which I assisted in forming in 2004. The trainees undergo a 12-month intensive programme in Equity Analysis. We have 40 alumni and among them are a fund manager who is responsible for R600bn assets under management, the leadership coach of the decade according to the International Association of Professionals, the CEO of FNB Private Wealth and an alumnus who has been rated one of the world’s great equity analysts by Institutional Investor. Many others are in leadership positions. The aim has always been to develop untapped talent in the disadvantaged community of South Africa.
This vision was pursued from the beginning by Kagiso Trust Investments, whose patron was Bishop Tutu. There were many struggle figures on its board. Vunani Securities then acquired Kagiso Securities in 2010 and since then we have expanded the Academy. Coronation Fund Managers has been the main sponsor since 2007 and has been instrumental in the Academy. Henley has helped me to visualise how to assist in the development of gifted young graduates and also how to relate to the management and shareholders of companies I have analysed. In addition it has provided many insights into managing people, for which subject I won the class prize.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a current student at Henley to inspire them in their career journey?
Be curious, read widely and try to relate everything you learn to your organisation, industry and the global environment.
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