1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
Oh, the dreaded interview question… I see myself as one of those women who wanted it all – home, family, a fulfilling vocation, a career. Surprisingly, even to myself, I got it all! I have six children (3 birthed by me, and 3 married to them), and 3 grandchildren. I am incredibly proud of them all! They are amazing young people who are carving out their own pathways in life. So I am mother and grandmother, but I am also a teacher, academic, researcher, policy professional, manager, and leader.
On the other hand, I like to dabble in a bit of creative crafts and writing. Being creative is energizing – even if it is not very good (fortunately, my children and family have no option to give me high praise for my efforts, even if they hide it when I am not there 😊). I can also be quite serious about life, work and everything else, but I must admit, I can’t help laughing at myself at times, which brings me down to earth just when I need it.
2. What work do you do?
I am the Academic Dean at REGENT Business School. This role involves providing strategic direction in relation to the core academic activities of the institution, namely teaching, learning and assessment, research, and community engagement. It requires a critical stance, questioning the assumptions on which certain practices have become entrenched, and testing the assumptions against sound educational concepts and theories. It also requires the ability to adjust and the flexibility to experiment with new
ideas and approaches. REGENT Business School is proud of its reputation for innovation, which makes for an exciting environment to work in.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
Forever: I started my career as a teacher and lecturer, and I still enjoy teaching very much. This was followed by a career in the regulatory and education policy environment when I joined the South African Qualification Authority in 2000. I also had a tour of duty at Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, and Higher Education South Africa (now known as Universities South Africa), before taking a full-time position as senior researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand. After a stint as a research consultant with Consider That Research Consultancy, I joined REGENT Business School. This is my second year at the institution.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Absolutely! Why? Because I have something to say! I have a voice, and I intend to use it for good.
This passion also compelled me to further my studies, always seeking to find out more, to gain a better understanding of my chosen field. Thinking back on it, it took a 15-year journey, and 5 qualifications, to fulfil the passion. The learning has sustained and keeps on sustaining, my interest in the sector.
Education is the bedrock of societies, and in many ways, is the only answer to all our problems. That is why I always say education comes with a health warning: once your mind has been unlocked, you cannot lock it up again; once your eyes have been opened, you cannot unopen it – my own education has been liberating to me, and it is my passion that it should be liberating for our students too. Armed with education, every individual has gained the power to do better, and my passion is to enable that empowerment.
5. Being a women in the industry – what does it take?
I am always surprised by this question. Not because I am supremely self-confident, quite the opposite – those who know me will confirm that I can be very shy. But, I don’t believe being a woman in a profession should even be an issue. I have held many senior positions in my career, and this stemmed from an attitude that ‘I can do this’ (even where I didn’t have all the facts at the time). I think women are often their own worst enemies by believing that they do not have the wherewithal to shoot for the stars.
Women throughout the ages have done extraordinary things in any field imaginable – and they certainly would never have achieved these accolades believing they can’t do something. Instead, they had a ‘can do’ attitude more than anything else. I think what has helped me most is the willingness to keep on learning, and to be resourceful in finding things out that I don’t know. You see, if you keep on learning, you are always going to be at the cutting edge of the latest in the field. Professional curiosity and interest shines through everything you do.
However, in a strange way, each of these experiences have also engendered in me a sense of humility – a humility to know that I cannot possibly know everything – which is good because it keeps you grounded – the moment that you think you are too clever, then you have stopped
learning. I am not afraid to say ‘I don’t know’, but this is always followed up by ‘I will find out’.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
To decide whether I should be a Jack of all trades or a Master of one. The field of education is incredibly varied, and because I am intellectually curious, I am interested in many aspects of the field, For example, I have worked in basic education, further education, and higher education; in classrooms and in boardrooms. I have worked at the coalface of education and at policy and regulatory levels; in practical, as well as abstract settings.
Each of these areas could have become my main area of interest, where it was possible to become an expert – a master if you like. Instead, my inquisitiveness has always led me to wanting to find out something new, wanting to look at the world from a different perspective – so I guess I am a Jack of all trades in the field. However, I am not sorry. Each of my experiences, from my very early career to now, has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the sector as a whole – something which is quite helpful and useful in my position as Dean.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Don’t be afraid! Remember when you were a little girl when you outperformed all the boys in the class? When you did not know about being shy, or doubtful of your abilities? That is still you! Remember that fearless little girl, who was competitive and clever? You are still her! Be true to your own best and fierce self, and don’t let anybody tell you it is not good enough, because it is, and you can – if only you could let yourself imagine it. Imagine what it is that you want to achieve, and then put things in place for your to achieve it. This doesn’t come without hard work and dedication, or even without failures and set-backs, but you will achieve it if you set your mind and heart on it and then, take step after step as if it
is the beginning of a journey, not the end. Keep walking…
8. Plans for the future?
Oh, I am already planning my next career (I told you I am curious!) With Covid-19 and all the implications for higher education in having to migrate learning to online platforms, I have become very interested in digital teaching and learning – in my view, this is the next generation distance education. In many ways, education, and higher education, in particular, have not fully come to realize the monumental changes that have taken place due to the pandemic – many of which will change the face of education forever. Many of the practices that in the past, were embraced by small, niche providers, will soon become mainstream. To be honest, I would love to be contributing to it – I see myself as part of that revolution: higher education version 4.1. Absolutely looking forward to it!
Dr. Ronel Blom
Academic Dean
A: 35 Samora Machel Street l Durban l 4001 l South Africa
P: P.O. Box 10686 l Marine Parade l 4056
T: +27 31 304 4626 l F: +27 31 304 7303
