JOHAN VAN DER MERWE
Applied researcher with a proven understanding of business strategy and leadership development.
+27 82 940 3319
johan@ascentgroup.co.za
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijvdmerwe
@johanvdmerwe
ABOUT ME
I am passionate about innovative strategy and leadership in business. Whether in strategy workshops, research reports or executive coaching, I customize my approach to fit individual customers’ needs and provide tools for immediate action and sustainable results. I believe companies could be good global corporate citizens. Business enterprises should do well, while doing good.
EDUCATION
2013
MBA (Masters in Business Management and Administration) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School
Graduated Cum Laude in the Top 10 of the class of 2012. Recipient of the Old Mutual Gold Medal for Exceptional Academic Performance.
Specialisation: Sustainable Value Frameworks, Executive Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, Global Leadership
1994
PhD in the Humanities
University of Stellenbosch
Specialised in ethical frameworks and moral formation.
1987 – 1993
BA BTh MTh
University of Stellenbosch
SRC vice-chairperson (public relations and international liaison)
Experience
2017-present
Director / Founding Member:
The Ascent Group
I spearhead Ascent People where I focus on Strategy Workshops, Team Development, Change Management, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching and Academic Mentoring Programs. Research focus areas include Leadership in Business, Sustainable Development, Change Management, Data Strategy and Ethical AI.
2012-2016
Director / Founding Member:
Concilio Consult
Worked with companies in different industries and of different sizes and complexities on their identity, market positioning and internationalization strategy execution. My exposure to industries include the wine, engineering, packaging, cargo securing, higher education, financial trading, retail, hospitality and data science industries. International experience include research in Germany and feasibility studies in Mexico, Thailand and Singapore.
2011-2013
Economic Ethics Lecturer:
University of Stellenbosch
Taught a variety of economic-related topics, including economic systems and indicators, economic policy, globalisation, business ethics, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.
Aug 1995-2019
Executive Director:
Coordinated all operations and set vision & strategy for a multi-generational public benefit organisation of 7,000 members. Involved volunteers in community projects and forged collaborative relationships. Managing 45 staff.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
2010-2012
Old Mutual Gold Medal: University Of Stellenbosch Business School
1995-Present
Published 13 academic research essays in international peer-reviewed publications
1995, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017
DAAD research grants for research projects in Germany
SKILLS
| YEARS EXPERIENCE |
|---|
| 1-4 | 5-10 | 11-20 | 21+ |
INTERESTS
QUICK FACTS
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME…
- In a recent research project I studied “happiness”. I wrote a primer for happiness studies and investigated the determinants of happiness
- I am an avid catch-and-release flyfisher because wild trout always swim in places of exquisite natural beauty
- I play classical and acoustic guitar
- I love a good Cuban cigar and Havana tops my list of travel destinations (I visited Cuba in 2015)