I am Prof. Dr. Thea van der Westhuizen, an award-winning academic leader driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to transforming lives through knowledge, mentorship, and impactful research.

Over the past two decades, I have worked across both corporate and academic sectors, collaborating with high-impact leaders, municipality managers, and CEOs of multinational companies. My greatest passion, however, lies in empowering youth entrepreneurs—helping them navigate the challenges of business and innovation in an ever-evolving world.

I founded SHAPE (Shifting Hope, Activating Potential Entrepreneurship) to foster entrepreneurial thinking among students and communities. This initiative earned international recognition at The Innovative Youth Incubator Awards, reinforcing my belief in the power of education to drive change.

Beyond academia, I have been a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and youth empowerment as the former International Director of Paddle for the Planet. Through this platform, I championed global initiatives to protect our natural world while creating opportunities for young minds to thrive.

Currently, I serve as an Academic Leader at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Management, Information Technology, and Governance, where I continue to shape the future of education, research, and leadership. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the entrepreneurial spirit—qualities I aim to instill in every student, professional, and entrepreneur I work with.

This space is where I share my research, insights, and experiences—a place for thought leadership, academic engagement, and impactful conversations. Join me in shaping the future of entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable innovation.