Lidia du Plessis is a firm believer in celebrating and developing each individual's unique potential. This also underpins her work as programme manager of staff internationalisation in Stellenbosch University (SU) International's Unit for Partnerships.
In this capacity, she develops and facilitates internationalisation opportunities for academic and professional administrative support services (PASS) staff, enabling them to collaborate, engage and benchmark with global peers. “I am passionate about providing opportunities for staff to engage with global peers," she says. “It not only helps them develop as internationalisation practitioners, but also gives them an opportunity to shift their own boundaries and move beyond their comfort zones. This builds on the University's aim of being an employer of choice, while also promoting purposeful partnerships."
Internationalisation opportunities include the Lund University-SU blended staff development programme and the trilateral staff development programme with SU, the University of Hambu rg (Germany) and Northwestern University (United States). Then there are also virtual programmes, training weeks and research opportunities such as the Erasmus+ staff training and teaching programmes.
Cultivating internationalisation practitioners
Du Plessis says it has been a joy to witness how these programmes build staff's understanding of their role as internationalisation practitioners. “Staff engage with international guests in a more purposeful and intentional way. The feedback from our partners and staff alone speaks volumes. Staff are also seeking out their own opportunities to grow and travel for work."
She adds: “I love seeing someone return from an opportunity abroad all enthusiastic and excited, especially when they were first-time travellers. It makes my heart happy to see them challenging themselves to move beyond their safe space, try something new, and grow."
According to Du Plessis, there has been a spike in interest from SU staff enquiring about PASS programmes specifically. “We had over 30 applications for the Lund-SU programme last year. And this year, more than 25 people applied for the trilateral programme. For the Erasmus+ programmes, we typically receive eight to ten applications for each of the training and teaching options," she says.
A keen traveller herself, she enjoys accompanying staff on their mobility opportunities. “Travelling with them challenges me to learn more about our partner institutions, but also about my colleagues," she explains. “For me, it's about the professional engagement as well as about connecting as humans – having fun while we wait for a train, or trying to figure out how the ticket machine works."
Prepared by prior experience
She studied Languages and Philosophy at SU and worked at the Stellenbosch Business School before she joined SU International in 2006. Without realising it at the time, her past experiences prepared her for the demands of her current role, she says. “Studying at SU and holding a leadership position in my residence taught me early on how to work with different people with different views and backgrounds. Philosophy taught me to think outside the box and to see the world from a slightly different angle, and that all angles are important. And the Business School formed me professionally: I worked with and learned from very skilled managers and colleagues. I learned to take responsibility for tasks and projects assigned to me, and that integrity goes a long way."
She has the following advice for women in leadership positions: “Trust your gut and believe in yourself. Make mistakes and learn from them, but be part of the solution. A good leader is not always the most popular person, and that's okay. Take responsibility, but also keep your team accountable."
As a single mom to a pre-teen, Du Plessis says flexibility is key in trying to balance one's work and personal life. “The ability to work from home some days allows me to watch the odd netball game or help with some homework. I also try to switch off as much as possible over weekends." She concludes philosophically: “Life has taught me to live each day to the fullest. So, apply for that job. Say 'I'm sorry' and 'I love you' often. Smile. Be kind. Go the extra mile. Take that leap of faith."
Photo by: Stefan Els.
