Answers Part 5 submitted by

Vinolia Direro

I look for opportunities to deepen my understanding and insightConsistently
I believe that people are more than their work and I am spiritually emotionally and socially considerateConsistently
I take time to think about work and the changes happening around usOften
I see how the work done today affects work that may be required tomorrowConsistently
I consider and discuss how decisions and actions could affect other work groupsConsistently
I share information and listen to others to make better decisionsConsistently
I pay attention to local and international current affairs which impact our businessConsistently
I take time to understand the rest of our businessConsistently
I look for ways to improve our business processes and for reducing siloesOften
I am very aware listen really well and notice important clues that are not obvious to othersConsistently

Please provide examples of how you demonstrate systems thinking and sense-making ability in your career

(Approx 100-300 words)

Throughout my career, I have consistently applied systems thinking and sense-making to navigate complex organisational environments and deliver effective marketing and people-focused solutions. In my current role at a 104-year-old company, I approached the Marketing department as a connected system, mapping processes, workflows, and dependencies to identify gaps and inefficiencies. This enabled me to implement KPIs, performance tracking, and briefing systems that improved alignment, accountability, and communication across the team. I also ensured that digital content creation and product stock updates were integrated seamlessly across platforms, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a holistic view of our marketing ecosystem.
Previously, at a Fortune 200 global commercial real estate company, I managed marketing, events, sponsorships, CSR, and employee engagement across multiple countries. To make sense of diverse stakeholder needs, regional variations, and shifting priorities, I applied a systems perspective, linking digital campaigns, content strategies, and internal communications to broader business goals. I analysed performance data, drew insights, and adjusted strategies in real time, ensuring that local initiatives aligned with global objectives while maintaining relevance to specific markets.
In every role, my approach to systems thinking involves understanding interdependencies, anticipating ripple effects, and making informed decisions that balance short-term outputs with long-term organisational impact. By connecting people, processes, technology, and strategy, I ensure initiatives are coherent, sustainable, and contribute meaningfully to overall business success.

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The Rising Star Programme, operated by BlackBark Productions, has been established for the purposes of recognising, celebrating and connecting young talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of our nation. The qualities that elevate Rising Stars to the top go beyond performance and technical excellence. Rising Stars are polished, brilliant individuals with tremendous promise and great talent who excel for reasons that go far beyond their technical abilities alone.

Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value (for companies and/or themselves) when their talent is spotted and harnessed.

The Programme aims to be a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent.

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The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent.