Gareth Kingston, change manager: organisational change management at Britehouse (a division of Dimension Data), has been named as the winner in the ICT sector at the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards.
The past four years have seen these awards grow from strength to strength, each year identifying, recognising and celebrating the young talent that South Africa has to offer. “We were thrilled to see the calibre of entrants this year – I am encouraged by the talent coming through the ranks across all industries in South Africa,” says Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions, organisers of the Rising Star Programme. “It has been wonderful to walk the journey with this year’s entrants, through the decision rounds and now to see them honoured as winners. I am proud of each and every one of them.”
The awards are for young, talented individuals in the 28-40 year age category, and form part of a unique platform where winners can go beyond just the recognition for work already done, and participate in a leadership and development programme throughout the year after winning. They also have a unique opportunity to network across industry sectors, with both their fellow winners, and top minds in the country through a mentorship programme.
Headline sponsor Standard Bank is a supporter of Rising Star, and has shown their commitment to developing young talent in their own sector through various initiatives. “We are always impressed with the young talent coming through the Rising Star programme, and we know that this year’s winners will go on to do great things,” says Standard Bank’s global head of resourcing, Amelia Muller. “Every single one of these winners deserves their spot on the podium, and has worked hard to be here. Their futures are in their hands, and many opportunities now lie before them for growth, development and achievement.”
Kingston has over 15 years’ experience in learning and human behavioural change, and has gained insights working across various industries and cultures around the world in managing organisational disruption more effectively.
He has previously held project management, change management and learning and collaboration roles at Trainiac and Accenture. He has a keen interest in blending design thinking, graphic facilitation and consulting in a way that brings people and technology closer together.
The awards were well-attended, with representatives from every industry excited to see which winner would represent their industry this year. Hosted by MC Siv Ngesi, the evening was opened by Standard Bank’s Lincoln Mali (Group Head of Card and Emerging Payments Across Africa in Personal & Business Banking), who encouraged this year’s Rising Stars to soar to great heights, but to always remain grounded and remember the lessons learned by those who came before them.
The guest speaker was Dr David Molapo, management consultant, educator and well-known motivational speaker, who shared his experience in dealing with challenges, and encouraging the audience to understand that a life without challenges is a life without strength, and that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
