Ian Kantor / GSB MBA ’69, Founder of Investec // As a business leader, it is useful to have a combination of traits. I cannot limit this to a single attribute. To begin with, character, drive and integrity. Secondly, an understanding that building a business goes beyond just the money. It is also about an awareness and a determination that is socially motivated. Thirdly, an ability to take an idea and turn it into reality, but also to figure out what ideas there could be when confronted with reality. Next, an ability to move quickly where necessary, but also to have the patience and strength to wait for things to develop, with all that that entails. Finally, interpersonal skills. To be able to listen to others and empathise in order to find a common ground with others and an ability to build collective will with counter parties both internally and externally. Running a business is top sport, and it is really tough without good health. In my opinion, these traits are universal no matter where in the world you do business.
The GSB Foundation Board of Trustees joins the academic community of the University of Cape Town (UCT) in congratulating Dr Catherine Duggan on her appointment as Director of the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB). We extend a warm welcome and look forward to an inspiring new chapter at the school.
Dr Duggan joins the UCT GSB as Director on September 1st 2020. With a background in political science, Dr Duggan has spent more than 20 years working on the African continent. She comes with a wealth of experience of various countries of the continent, their market and business environments as well as research in business and development.
Before joining the GSB, Dr Duggan held the position of Vice Dean for Strategy and Research at the African Leadership University School of Business (ALUSB) in Rwanda, where she was a Professor of Management and Political Economy. Dr Duggan also taught at Saïd Business School, UK and Harvard Business School, USA during her career.
Dr Duggan is currently in New York and – considering the COVID regulations on international travel and local university life – we hope to greet her soon in person at our beautiful Cape Town campus.
