Cattle Herder to Corporate Leader: The Learning Journey of Les Rance

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw sit down with executive and non-executive director Les Rance for an insightful discussion on leadership development, professional transitions, and the lifelong journey of learning. Les shares his fascinating personal trajectory, moving from a rural upbringing in Zimbabwe to dynamic corporate executive roles across the globe, eventually transitioning to his current work on non-profit and corporate boards in the UK. The conversation dives deep into the distinct differences between performance coaching and transformational mentorship. Drawing from personal experiences and the pioneering research of Les's wife, Dr. Dudu—whose upcoming book explores the often-overlooked perspective of the mentor's own growth and vulnerabilities—the trio discusses why the corporate world must move past rigid "command and control" models. Instead, they advocate for a systemic, curious, and empathetic approach to leadership that balances organizational structure with genuine, heart-led human connection. Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/