Reward for hard work and sharp insights
EL businesswoman gets prestigious award from Stellenbosch University
East London businesswoman Poonam Harry-Nana of Harry's Printers Group, a full-time MBA graduate at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), was recently awarded the prestigious USB Director’s Award.
The award is handed over to the highest performing student in any programme, who excels in both studies and leadership throughout the institution.
Harry-Nana, 35, said she didn't know about the award, but was extremely humbled about being the recipient.
“It truly meant a lot for me, I work very hard. But I really appreciate that it wasn't just about my academic work, but about my leadership abilities too, which is something I never perceived myself to be.
“To have been selected among so many other students, some of whom are from around the world, was just a huge honour for me.
“It also says a lot about the institution and the course – it's such an eye-opening experience and you get to discover who you really are,” she said.
Harry’s Printers Group is among East London's oldest family-based businesses and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
It has grown to five branches with four companies and more than 200 employees throughout the country.
“My dad has always been my role model and he did his MBA when I was young but it's something I always aspired to.
“It’s more than an academic qualification, but also comes with personal journey that is not just about business,” she said.
Her MBA research paper, entitled Exploring the perceptions of the value of reflective learning in the leadership development of MBA students, focused on how and if students felt that reflective learning techniques and interventions aided their leadership development.
The paper is currently being prepared and submitted for publication in the Teaching in Higher Education journal due to some unique insights that surfaced from the study which could possibly assist higher education practitioners in designing future reflective learning interventions in leadership and other curricula.
The Clarendon matriculant completed her degree in one year when she enrolled as a fulltime student, taking time off from the family business.
“I've never worked so hard in my life, I really gave it my all, but little did I expect any recognition for my efforts.
“I currently manage and oversee the expansion of Harry’s Photos and Copies which is the digital print, communications, advertising, signage, branding and photo-imaging leg of the business.
“The company has been running since 2009 but we have just launched our first retail concept customer experience store in March 2019 in East London aimed at the business to consumer market.”
The company has just launched their grand opening with the aim to add this arm of the business to their other stores. The company was founded by her great-grandfather and first operated as a general dealer before the business ventured into being a shoe repair facility.