Thomas Holtz, the Managing Director of the Multotec Group of Companies and member of the Citizen Leader Lab Board, fondly recalls his experience over a decade ago as a participant in Citizen Leader Lab’s school leadership programme, Leaders for Education.  

By pairing public school principals with private sector business leaders, the Leaders for Education programme is designed to improve the confidence, competence and leadership skills of participating principals. Participating business leaders are able build their leadership skills and gain insights through involvement in the unfamiliar complexity of South African public schools. 

Holtz was paired with Elizabeth Seema who has been the school principal of Rembrandt Park Primary since 2008. The school is located in the East Rand, Gauteng, and is home to more than 1200 learners and some 40 teachers.   

From the outset, Holtz realised the importance of intentional relationship building.  

“You’re invested in a person, not just the school or the leadership development programme,” he explained.  

As a white male entering the world of a black, female school principal, he quickly learnt that Seema, a competent leader, didn’t need his help; rather she valued his investment in her ideas and challenges and his support in navigating challenges at her school. 

This reciprocal relationship allowed Holtz to reflect on his own dynamics with power. A major revelation for him was transitioning from a “power over” to a “power with” dynamic. This shift, though simple in concept, was transformative in practice. It encompasses a collaborative, empowered and engaged approach to leadership. Through his relationship with Seema, Thomas saw first-hand how nurturing growth and connection has the potential to drive significant change on a personal and organisational level. 

“The essence of the programme lies in the personal connections formed between people who wouldn’t usually meet, have an opportunity to learn together, work together as partners, take appropriate action or witness each other becoming better leaders,” he says.  

Thanks to Citizen Leader Lab, Holtz’ was exposed to the likes of Brené Brown, a renowned American professor and author known for her work in leadership, and Peter Senge, one of the world’s pre-eminent thinks of organisational learning and systems change. 

Even today, Brown’s narrative about being on the ‘’pitch versus sitting on the grandstand’’ deeply resonates with him. 

‘’Engaging actively, despite inevitable criticism, has made me appreciate the value of agency, and the profound impact of being a thinking partner and conversational ally,’’ he explains.  

Holtz adds: “Senge talks about the core of any community being the relationships people create. Business marketing campaigns for example, or tangible outcomes, often pale in comparison to the power of genuine human relationships and what these enable.’’ 

Since his time with Citizen Leader Lab, Holtz’ has continuously challenged traditional business norms focused solely on shareholder value. By adopting a more conscious leadership approach in his own business, he strives to recognise diverse stakeholders and engage with communities meaningfully. This holistic perspective, he believes, is essential for sustainable business practices. The shift from a control-centric approach to one that values collaboration has successfully facilitated the growth of Multotec.  

He recounts the very strategy session where the transition became clear: “Who are we waiting for?” he asked himself and his team. This question marked the start of a conscious move from a patriarchal to partnership leadership style, rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. 

Being an engineer by trade, Holtz understands that solving complex problems requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that is adaptable in an ever-evolving business landscape. 

“No one has all the answers,” he says, emphasising the need to understand social systems and behaviours. 

Holtz believes that a focus on human connection, empathy and creativity is all the more essential in an era of AI and automation. These elements, he argues, distinguish effective leaders and businesses. 

 ‘’The future lies in the ability to connect on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and purpose,’’ he says. 

Holtz’ involvement with Citizen Leader Lab was more than just professional development—it was transformative for his life. It reshaped his leadership philosophy and approach to business, engendering the power of connection, collaboration and conscious leadership.  

‘’My personal journey from patriarchy to partnership has equipped me with the tools to navigate modern business environments more effectively and sustainably,’’ he concludes. 

About Citizen Leader Lab 

Citizen Leader Lab, a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in both the public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. 

To this end, we offer a variety of programmes and workshops that work towards large-scale social change in South Africa, that empower individuals to be effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With over 14 years of experience, we continue to grow our presence in the education sector and extend our influence into critical public sectors, promoting cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion.