Block One of the Advanced Certificate in Management Practice with Henley Business School has been more than just an introduction to the programme, it’s shifted how I think about both my career and my personal growth.
When I walked in, I just expected to learn. What I didn’t expect was how much the experience would challenge me. It wasn’t just about learning and taking in new information, it was about questioning it, unpacking it, and sometimes completely rethinking what I thought I knew. That’s probably been the most valuable part so far.
A big part of that experience came from the lecturers. Their ability to bring the content to life, challenge our thinking, and create an environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing made a real difference. They didn’t just teach, they engaged, listened, and pushed us to think a little deeper. That made the experience even more valuable.
The cohort I met along the way made a big difference too. Being in a room full of individuals who are so ambitious, curious, and driven creates a kind of energy that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. The conversations didn’t stop when the sessions ended, they carried on in between, over shared experiences and different perspectives. It reminded me that learning isn’t just about what’s being taught, but also about who you’re learning with and that really does make all the difference.
This experience has also reinforced something I’ve always believed but maybe haven’t fully lived out: the importance of continuously working on yourself. Sometimes, we get too relaxed in our comfort zone. Things change quickly, and staying the same isn’t really an option. Growth takes effort, honesty, and sometimes a bit of discomfort. This programme has already pushed me in that direction, and I can see how it will continue to do so.
What stands out most is that this isn’t just about getting a qualification. Of course, that matters, but the real value is in the experiences along the way: the lessons, the shifts in thinking, the people you meet, and the way you start to see things differently. With five blocks in total and the journey running through to February 2027, I’m starting to realise that each one will bring something new. Block One has set the tone, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s next.
Looking back, I feel grateful—for the opportunity, the people, and the experience itself. It’s already started to shape how I think about my goals and what I’m capable of.
I’m going into the rest of the programme with a real sense of purpose. If this first block is anything to go by, it’s going to challenge me—but in the best possible way.
I’d like to thank Sasria SOC Ltd and the Insurance Institute of Gauteng for their passion in developing leaders showed through sponsorship and investment in programmes like this. Opportunities like these make a real difference, and I’m truly grateful.
I would also like to thank my employer, Hamtern Financial Services for sponsoring and supporting me on this journey. It’s not something I take for granted, and I’m committed to making the most of it—not just for myself, but in a way that adds value to those around me.
