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29 August 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Harmse Photography
Ross van Reenen
Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs.

The Business School at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted the CEO of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, Ross van Reenen, for a guest lecture. Van Reenen presented the guest lecture in the Business School Auditorium on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus on 21 August 2024.

Reflecting on Van Reenen’s address

In a lecture addressed to an auditorium filled with UFS staff and students, Van Reenen’s talk was divided into several sections. Firstly, he spoke about the concept of the ‘black swan’ in reference to the book written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, titled The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. Referring to Taleb’s book, Van Reenen defined a ‘black swan’ as a rare event that has a severe impact, and the occurrence of which people try to explain. He used some examples to explore this concept as well as its implications, including COVID-19 and its impact on the world, and the tragic death of the people in the Titanic disaster. However, he delved deeper into 9/11 and the extent of its impact, saying that “9/11 was a major wake-up call in the world economy”. Van Reenen highlighted how some companies such as Barclays, for which he previously consulted, had to work to be up and running after the collapse of the Twin Towers in 9/11.

In addition, Van Reenen’s lecture also touched on the importance of the first ninety days of a job after an individual has been employed. “Those first ninety days are crucial, as you have to establish yourself in a company where you are paid less than you are worth,” Van Reenen said. As such, he gave the audience insight into what they could focus on in that time frame. This includes focusing on the small wins, as well as ensuring that you are working at keeping the team together, as the team is an integral part of an organisation. 

Van Reenen concluded his address by speaking about his time as the CEO of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, including some of the decisions he took to ensure the success of the organisation.

News Archive

Musical Evening with FS Youth Symphony Orchestra
2006-06-02

FS MUSICON & UFS Music Department:
A Musical Evening with FS Youth Symphony Orchestra with conductor Sjoerd Alkema and alumni Dorette Roos (cello) & Francois Henkins Jr (violin)

Date: Thursday, June 8, 2006
Time: 19:30
Venue: UFS ODEION
Admission: Free (You have to book)

Sjoerd Alkema, conductor of the FS Youth Symphony Orchestra conducts Tchaikovsky 's famous violin concerto with Francois Henkins Jr as soloist.

This also gives Dorette Roos the opportunity to perform Boccherini's virtuoso Cello Sonata in A, single movements from Barber and Shostakovich's cello sonatas and the well known Elegy by Fauré, with Dana Cilliers at the piano.

Dorette Roos en Francois Henkins, has now become confident young musicians since they have left Bloemfontein to further their studies in the United States. They are currently on holiday and are eager to show their progress to their home audience.

Tickets available from Ella Kotze (Odeion) 051 401 2810/051 401 2342
and Zelda Erasmus (Musicon) 051 430 8831/051 430 6603

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