Maccauvlei congratulates the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research employees who successfully completed our tailored management skills programmes.
Maccauvlei’s Practice Leader, Paula Teigao, attended the graduation ceremony in May to congratulate the graduates in person and award certificates. Read the speech she delivered below.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests.
I’m thrilled to be here today on behalf of Maccauvlei Learning Academy, especially on such a celebratory occasion. We have achievements to acknowledge and certificates to hand out. But, first, let me say a few words. Don’t worry: I keep my speeches short and sweet – just like me!
At Maccauvlei we firmly believe that education is not just a means to an end, but a lifelong pursuit that enriches our lives and equips us to succeed in an ever-changing world.
In the words of Henry Ford:
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”
You know, they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I firmly believe that age is just a number when it comes to expanding your horizons. Lifelong learning isn’t about hitting the books 24/7; it’s about embracing new ideas, challenging yourself, and growing every step of the way. So, whether you’re at the beginning of your career or a seasoned pro, there’s always room to add a few more tools to your belt.
Through our two-year partnership with the CSIR, many of you have successfully completed a number of our management courses. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill trainings; they’re like Swiss Army knives for the modern professional. We’re talking about skills that’ll help you lead like a boss, understand yourself better than your therapist, and turn those business dreams into reality.
But you know what’s the secret sauce behind all of this? Effective communication. It’s the glue that holds teams together, the magic ingredient in every successful project, and, dare I say it, the key to surviving family dinners during the holidays.
Most of us already instinctively know the importance of communication and the difference it makes in the workplace, but we all benefit from a refresher course and some motivation to implement this knowledge.
In closing, I would like to leave you with this thought: Lifelong learning is not just a choice; it is a mindset. It is a commitment to continuous improvement, a willingness to embrace change, and a belief in the limitless potential of human capability. As we celebrate the achievements of today, let us continue to learn, to grow, and to stay young!
Thank-you.
Paula Teigao