The Department of Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Pretoria recently hosted an inspiring guest lecture by Claudio Chistè, international award-winning author of Rise of the Warrior Leader, as part of the Leadership module (HRC803) in the master’s degree programme. The session focused on warrior leadership, a leadership philosophy rooted in discipline, resilience, and authenticity, which are qualities crucial for navigating today’s complex world.

The lecture was organised by Prof Karel Stanz, who has an outstanding international academic record, having served as international visiting faculty at the University of Chandigarh, India (2023), visiting scholar at UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, Australia, and visiting scholar at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. His efforts ensured the event was both academically rigorous and highly impactful. Prof Alewyn Nel, Head of the Department of Human Resource Management, attended as well and welcomed the students and delegates to the event.

The lecture drew an esteemed audience, including Admiral Bravo Mhlana, the current Deputy Chief of the South African Navy; Admiral (retired) Dr Kubu, former Chief HR of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); and Goodnews Cadogan, former Head of Strategic Planning at the South African Revenue Services (SARS). Their presence underscored the importance of the theme and the growing relevance of warrior leadership in both military and civilian contexts.

Powerful words came from the current Deputy Chief of the South African Navy, Bravo Mhlana, who attended the talk. He remarked:

“Self-discipline is the cornerstone of a stable character. The concept of warrior leadership, as presented by Claudio Chistè, resonates deeply with the Navy – where commanding a ship in uncertain and often unforgiving conditions demands unwavering discipline. There is no room for softness when both the elements of the sea and the crew must be led with strength, clarity and resilience.” 

The impact of Chistè’s work was also highlighted by Goodnews Cadogan, who reflected on Rise of the Warrior Leader:

“Carl Gustav Jung once said: ‘The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.’ That is exactly the message I got from Claudio’s book – a powerful call to wholehearted leadership that honours both the individual and the collective.”

Through his lecture, Claudio Chistè demonstrated how his model bridges the wisdom of military leadership traditions with the needs of contemporary leaders in business, government, and society at large. The Department of Human Resource Management at UP is proud to have hosted this influential session, which left students, academics, and distinguished guests with a deeper appreciation for what it means to lead with strength, spirit, and authenticity.