Mike Boon Bio

Mike Boon, CEO of Vulindlela, launched his first company, which later became Group Africa, in 1983. He developed an enterprise that at the end of 17 years operated in 25 countries with several thousand employees. It set out to be highly efficient, effective, and non-discriminatory with its values determined by the people that worked in the business. This, at the height of apartheid! In the year 2000 Mike chose to step away from his position as CEO of Group Africa and extend his expertise into building South Africa as a nation. One of the vehicles he created in order to achieve this through business, is Vulindlela™. His work unashamedly acknowledges and deals with the inherent racism, prejudice, anger, fear and denial that is ubiquitous amongst South Africans (and indeed humankind). Mike's vision is, through the transformation of individuals and organizations, to position South Africa as an example to the rest of the world. Mike was used as a resource in the Amalgamation of Armed Forces in the post struggle period, and worked with senior officers of all the various military groupings at the time. He himself experienced the tragedy of war as an officer in the South African Defense Force. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Mike developed deep friendships with rural people (continuing to this day), which transformed into a drive to create better understanding between the people of South Africa. His knowledge and experience of tribal life is personal and extensive, and he married his wife Annie in both a traditional Zulu wedding and an inclusive Western-style ceremony. A pioneer and adventurer, Mike has climbed in the Himalayas and reached the summit of Kilimanjaro twice: once with his teenage daughter. In 2002 he became the first person in history to paddle the length of the Zambezi River from source to mouth, solo and unsupported. Mike was priviledged to be the host facilitator in the visit of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, to South Africa. He shares in the search for inner truth. Mike's interest in history, culture and leadership led to the writing of "The African Way" now in its 3rd edition. This title explores interactive leadership, workplace communities, and groundbreaking management philosophy