Leadership has always been about courage, compassion and creating opportunities for her. As director of the Kovsie Phahamisa Academy at the University of the Free State, she has built a career rooted in impact, innovation and lifelong learning.<\/p>\n
If the academy had a personality, she says it would be bold, brave and benevolent, three words that mirror the way she leads. \u201cThe academy within the UFS brand has tremendous potential,\u201d she says. Unlocking that means rethinking how universities connect with industry, government, people and communities.<\/p>\n
Her journey has been shaped by defining moments, from funding surprises and system breakdowns to policy concerns. \u201cThere were many moments of uncertainty, but I chose to see every challenge as an opportunity to change, learn, grow and pay it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stepping into leadership at the academy was one of those opportunities. \u201cWe had to build credibility, develop new partnerships and create a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining academic excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n
When she first started, success looked like numbers, more programmes, participants and revenue. Today, it has transformed into something deeper. \u201cSuccess is seeing a short learning programme change someone\u2019s career, watching a community benefit from new knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shirly says many misunderstand the academy\u2019s role, believing it simply coordinates programmes, when in reality it is an entrepreneurial hub, focused on governance, strategy, partnerships and lifelong learning that has real life impact.<\/p>\n
She credits much of her growth to mentors who were her line managers \u2013 Professors Engela van Staden and Anthea Rhoda \u2013 who shaped her resilience and authenticity as a leader.<\/p>\n
Her go to power move on a difficult day is engaging with her team. \u201cWhen decisions become difficult or challenges seem overwhelming, the team reminds me why the academy exists and that is to create opportunities for people to learn, grow and improve their lives,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Her advice to her younger self? \u201cBe bold, brave and benevolent! Don\u2019t wait until everything feels perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside of work, Shirly finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and dogs, gardening, baking and travelling, but after a long day, it\u2019s always a walk in the fresh Free State air to recharge.<\/p>\n
Get in Touch: 082\u00a0563 0452<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Text: SIBONGILE SELOMANE Photograph: KALEIDOSCOPE\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bold, brave and benevolent, Shirly Hyland drives lifelong learning through innovation, resilience and a passion for empowering individuals and communities. Leadership has always been about courage, compassion and creating opportunities for her. As director of the Kovsie Phahamisa Academy at the University of the Free State, she has built a career rooted in impact, innovation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":21006,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-people","category-sponsored"],"yoast_head":"\n