HomecomingEx - Executive Search

Please join us in congratulating Karabo Moloko in her exciting new role as Head of Portfolio with Imagine Worldwide:-) With an impressive career spanning Accenture, FirstRand and Anglo American, Karabo brings a unique blend of strategy, finance, and impact-driven leadership to her new role. At Imagine Worldwide she is now driving efforts to scale and optimize tech-enabled learning solutions that empower children across the globe. Comments Karabo  on working with HomecomingEx - Executive Search "It’s rare to work with a talent partner that prioritizes both the candidate’s journey and the organization’s needs. HomecomingEx does exactly that.” Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide Rapelang Rabana says, “Finding the right leader to drive impact was critical - HomecomingEx delivered with precision and insight.” Well done, as always, Gia Kalk! And congratulations, Karabo, on this exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have in your mission to ensure that every child, no matter where they are, has access to literacy and numeracy through innovative and scalable digital learning models. #heartAfrica #ExecutiveSearch #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #ImagineWorldwide #TalentPlacement #Leadership Sally Jones Claire Peters Angel Jones

My 13 Takeaways from the KR HR Business Partner Conference: 1.       MICRO-MOTIVATION: Even the smallest rewards and moments of recognition can boost motivation. Tarryn Naidoo MTN 2.       5 NINJA STARS: The stars of success are Confidence, Adaptability, Clarity, Inspiration, Relevance Londiwe Mncube Competition Commission SA 3.       RESILIENCE BEGINS WITH REST: Setting boundaries, building routines, and prioritising time for rest, creativity, and self-care are ways you must look after yourself so that you can show up strong for others. Mbali Maseko Absa Group 4.       EVP IS EVERYTHING: Countless highly-skilled graduates have chosen to start their career at Nedbank because of their green brand. Shaun Tooray Nedbank 5.       AUTONOMY OVER AUTHORITY: Renske Coetzee shared how at Redefine Properties they have a flat structure. Full transparency happens at all levels & they truly let employees own their own careers. 6.       INTERVIEWS GET REAL: For Talent Acquisition, Nyameka Semenya said that National Basketball Association (NBA) uses situational assessments to test leadership potential in real-life scenarios. 7.       CHANGE IS CONSISTENT: We’ll always be in change mode - we need to get used to it. Vanisha Balgobind Accenture 8.       FUTURE OVER FAMILIAR: “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday’s logic.” Drucker via Londiwe Mncube 9.       THE SILENT STRAIN: There is a tragic phenomenon of the loss of male colleagues to suicide, driven by the intense pressure of financial instability - where hours and headcount are reduced, but productivity expectations remained unchanged. Seipati Tsotsotso of Momentum Group Limited 10. INCLUSIVE INTELLIGENCE: Empowering HRBPs with data-driven talent strategies to boost performance and engagement — even in a workforce where most are not formally qualified. JP Van Zittert (CPsychol, AFBPsS, RS) Mukuru 11. DEADLINE MEANS DEADLINE: Hold hiring managers accountable for timing delays: give 48 hours for feedback, then follow up with reminders and escalate if needed. No response is not an option. Rowena Lalla (she/her) DSV - Global Transport and Logistics 12. FIVE GENERATIONS, ONE TEAM: These days we have 5 generations in the workforce who all want different things. Lazola Sikupela Diageo 13. TEAM DNA: Culture must be co-created by all levels, it's not something handed down, but something built together. Rishaveri Naidu Standard Bank Group Big thanks to Knowledge Resources and all the great new connections. Mbuso Mlagisi Keren-Amy Laughton Wanda T. Amanda Khoza Namy Masondo Zamokwakhe Simelane Chandre Combrinck Virginia Motsepe Katie van der Schyff  Wilhelm Crous Magdeline M. Nokubonga Nzama Kristen David HomecomingEx - Executive Search #heartAfrica

We’re proud to have placed Melenie Parsons as Head of HR at WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa)! With over 20 years of experience across Browns Jewellers, Nestlé Nespresso SA, Unilever, Nashua Mobile, and more, Melenie is a seasoned HR leader known for her passion for people, talent development, and building high-performance workplace cultures. Now, she brings that energy and expertise to WESSA, an organisation that’s been at the heart of environmental conservation and education in South Africa for nearly 100 years. From community-based conservation projects to eco-schools, youth training and citizen science, WESSA continues to inspire action for a sustainable future. Here’s what Melenie had to say about working with HomecomingEx: “What stood out was how invested HomecomingEx was in understanding me—my values, my goals, and where I could make the biggest difference.” OR And from our client, Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA: This wasn’t just a hire—it was a long-term investment in WESSA’s people and future. We’re so glad to have partnered with HomecomingEx.” Well done Sally Jones and welcome to the conservation movement, Melenie—we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have! HomecomingEx - Executive Search Sally Jones Claire Peters Gia Kalk Angel Jones #heartAfrica #HomecomingEx #TalentPlacement #WESSA #Conservation #PeopleandPlanet #HRLeadership #PurposeDrivenCareers  

Celebrating 4 Incredible Years! Join me in congratulating Sally Jones on her fourth year work anniversary as Engagement Manager at HomecomingEx - Executive Search. Sally’s dedication, sharp instincts, and uncanny ability to juggle multiple projects have been nothing short of inspiring. From search and marketing to tech, operations, and building strong relationships, Sally brings strength, insight, heart and a quirky sense of humour into everything she does. And yes, I’m extra proud because Sally also happens to be my sister. Working with family isn’t always easy, but with Sally, it’s been a gift. We challenge each other, laugh a lot, and most importantly, we’ve got each other’s back – how lucky to have this! Thank you, Sally, for everything you’ve brought to all of us Gia Kalk Claire Peters Martine Schaffer Roy Masamba Stephen Okelo-Odongo Karl Gebhardt Paul Salvage Here’s to the next chapter of building something amazing together! #heartAfrica

Searching for a unique professional? Drop us a line at info@homecomingex.com and let's find your next game-changing hire:-) If the perfect candidate is out there, we'll track them down! At HomecomingEx, we've placed talent across 20+ African countries, and we've got a knack for finding those "unicorn” professionals everyone says are impossible to find. We’ve got the global connections, deep relationships and know-how to make it happen:-) #heartAfrica #ExecutiveSearch #AfricanTalent #RecruitmentAfrica #HomecomingEx Angel Jones Gia Kalk Sally Jones Claire Peters Martine Schaffer

My 10 TOP INSIGHTS from the Knowledge Resources HR Director Summit: 1. CHROs ARE COMMERCIAL INFLUENCERS - S’ne Magagula emphasized the pivotal role CHROs play in shaping key business decisions at the executive level. The HR seat at the table must incorporate people, profit, performance, and progress. 2. LEARNING BY DOING - Tswelo Kodisang emphasized that 70% of learning happens On The Job, (20% through relationships, 10% via formal training). He highlighted how HomecomingEx - Executive Search’s fractional executive model is the perfect way to learn by doing. (Thanks, Tswelo!) 3. DIVERSITY DRIVES INNOVATION - Dr Sarah Babb Babb said neurodiverse companies boost productivity by 30%. S’ne shared how a mining engineer in HR and a farmer-turned-CEO drive innovation at Tiger Brands. 4. SPOIL YOURSELF WITH TALENT - Anita Carollisen spoke about how talent is the critical factor in Takealot's complex world of spanning logistics, e-commerce, tech, retail, and warehousing. 5. SUCCESS MEANS LETTING GO - Londiwe Mncube at The Competition Commission South Africa said we must mentally detach from the "old ways". She stressed including employees in scenario planning. 6. THE POWER OF QUESTIONS - Anita Carollisen of takealot.com shared that the biggest problem with AI is not asking the right questions. Elmen Lamprecht at Engen added that HR tech must have a clear strategy to unleash human potential, rather than just automation. 7. TRAILBLAZERS IN THE TRENCHES - Robin Murray (CHRO, Hisense South Africa) shared how his journey from Operations to HR and even Marketing has given him a unique, well-rounded leadership perspective. Similarly, Nontokozo Hoyana Rohloff Group KFC shared that she herself has cooked chicken in the kitchen. By working alongside frontline employees, leaders build relationships and a deep understanding of their business. 8. IT’S EITHER A “WIN” OR A “LEARN”- Tswelo Kodisang shared how FirstRand fosters a Culture of Experimentation. If something works, it’s a win. If it doesn’t, it’s a learn. Either way, progress happens. 9. NO TRUST, NO TRACTION - Shelagh Goodwin at Media24 (Pty) Ltd reminded us that HR plays a critical role in mental well-being, authenticity, and decision-making clarity. As anxiety and change fatigue rise, HR must act as thought partners, helping leaders navigate truth from noise. 10. CHIEF HUMAN SCIENTISTS - Morne Mostert suggested a powerful new name for CHRO's. It’s not just about managing resources, it’s about optimizing the fascinating potential of people. A big thanks to KR, the brilliant speakers, & the wonderful new connections. Gerhard Hartman Sage KG Bako Absa Group Mpume Pakkies nee Ngubane Mr Price Group Sheryll Kisten Priscilla Rampathi Bedelia T. Andrew Cook Esther Matlala Pamella Thusi, PDBA (GIBS), BSc Hon Psychology (UKZN) Arielle dos Santos Wilhelm Crous Nandipha Sishuba Nelson Mandela University Dagmar Artz #heartAfrica #HRLeadership #CHRO #FutureOfWork #TalentManagement #HRInnovation

Searching for a unique professional? Drop us a line at info@homecomingex.com and let's find your next game-changing hire:-) If the perfect candidate is out there, we'll track them down! At HomecomingEx, we've placed talent across 20+ African countries, and we've got a knack for finding those "unicorn” professionals everyone says are impossible to find. We’ve got the global connections, deep relationships and know-how to make it happen:-) #heartAfrica #ExecutiveSearch #AfricanTalent #RecruitmentAfrica #HomecomingEx Angel Jones Gia Kalk Sally Jones Claire Peters Martine Schaffer

We're looking forward to joining Knowledge Resources at their HRBP Conference in Jozi later this month. Book here: https://lnkd.in/dGTH8BtH

Shaping the future of learning: REGINA YILLAH JOINS IMAGINE WORLDWIDE We’re thrilled to celebrate Regina Mamidy Yillah, who has stepped into her role as Executive Director Sierra Leone at Imagine Worldwide, bringing a wealth of experience in education, technology, and impact-driven leadership. As the founder of the Institute for Development IfD(Sierra Leone), a leading research institute , Regina’s career spans engagements with global organizations like UNICEF and Oxford Policy Management, where she has driven transformative education initiatives, policy advocacy, and large-scale program execution. Now, at Imagine Worldwide, she is leading efforts to empower children in Sierra Leone with tech-enabled, self-directed learning solutions—providing children access to quality education, anytime and anywhere. Comments Regina on working with HomecomingEx - Executive Search: “The HomecomingEx team ensured the perfect match by making an effort to understand my experience, aspirations, and values.” Rapelang Rabana, Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide comments:  “HomecomingEx took the time to understand our vision, culture, and needs, ensuring a seamless recruitment process.” Well done Gia Kalk and congratulations, Regina, on this exciting new journey! We’re really proud to have played a part in connecting incredible talent with meaningful impact. #heartAfrica #HomecomingEx #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #ImagineWorldwide #TalentPlacement #Leadership

Where Will the Talent Go? The USAID Debacle and the Future of Non-Profit Leadership in Africa https://lnkd.in/d-v3G8uT The recent USAID funding crisis has sent shockwaves through the global development sector, particularly in Africa. As projects stall and organizations scramble for stability, we at HomecomingEx are seeing an influx of exceptional talent—experienced leaders with deep expertise in health systems, grant management, and impact-driven work—suddenly back in the market. If your organization wants to employ strategic thinkers, grant management experts, or development professionals who understand Africa’s evolving ecosystem, HomecomingEx can connect you with exceptional candidates. Reach out to us today to explore how we can help you secure the talent you need to drive your mission forward. Contact us at info@homecomingex.com and let’s build the future of impact-driven leadership together It's important that professionals in global development—especially in Africa—consider future-proof career paths that offer stability and growth. 1. Philanthropy, Private Foundations & African-Led Development Organizations With increasing African-led philanthropy and government-backed programs, local institutions are growing. Future-proof roles: Fundraising & partnerships, policy advising, program management in African development banks, CDCs, and regional NGOs. 2. Private Sector & Social Enterprises Many USAID professionals have expertise in grant management, program design, and impact measurement—highly valuable in the private sector. Future-proof roles: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) leadership, sustainability consulting, impact investment advisory. 3. Multilateral Agencies & Emerging Global South Funders Beyond USAID, the African Development Bank, UNDP, WHO, and regional blocs like ECOWAS are scaling investments. Future-proof roles: Policy advisory, health financing, economic development roles. 4. Alternative Funding Models & Blended Finance As traditional donor funding shrinks, innovative financing—like impact bonds, carbon markets, and development impact investing—is growing. Future-proof roles: Impact fund managers, blended finance specialists, carbon credit analysts. 5. Digital & Data-Driven Development The future of development work is technology-driven—AI in public health, fintech for financial inclusion, and digital monitoring for transparency. Future-proof roles: Digital transformation specialists, AI & big data analysts in public health, digital public goods advisors. 6. Policy & Advocacy Leadership Governments are stepping up to fill gaps left by donors, and they need local experts to design policies. Future-proof roles: Policy researchers, development consultants, public-private partnership strategists. #heartAfrica #ExecutiveSearch #USAID .