Shaune Baaitjies recently announced her departure from the South African Hockey Association after holding the position of interim CEO since the departure of Marissa Langeni, and feels she has played a key role in improving processes and systems while at the federation.
She will now be focusing on her Leadership Coaching business, which she wants to grow into a recognised service provider in the sport and corporate environments.
With over 40 years of leadership in sport, and 25 years in senior management in the financial sector, Baaitjies is looking to use her experience and passion to empower individuals, teams, and organisations to help them thrive, creating environments where talent is nurtured, and leaders leave a legacy of impact.
Her latest offering is for new and aspiring leaders. Baaitjies also coaches individuals looking to pivot and uses the coaching model she calls “GAME”.
You announced your departure from SA Hockey. Congratulations on your time with the federation. What legacy do you feel you have left behind?
“I am proud to have contributed to a significant milestone in South African hockey by being part of the team that successfully hosted the first Indoor World Cup outside of Europe in South Africa. This event marked an important achievement for the sport in the country and showcased our capability to successfully host international competitions.”
What are some of the biggest improvements you feel have been made since you took over as interim CEO?
As someone who is always looking to improve processes and systems, I believe I have played a key role in streamlining various operations within the South African Hockey Association. In my opinion, a sporting federation’s strength is directly tied to the effectiveness of its operational support.
What does it mean to you as a woman to be in the position of Interim CEO of a national federation?
I felt truly honoured to serve in this role. My passion for hockey kept me engaged. Leading a national federation is no small task. My team included just four people, myself among them. There were always many moving parts. One must stay focused to keep everything running smoothly.”
What are some lessons that you have learned about leadership over the years?
As a servant leader, I have come to understand the importance of leading from the back. I realised long ago that my role is not about me, but about the people I lead.
I’ve learned that when you take care of your staff, everything else falls into place. They in turn will look after all the stakeholders for you.”
What more needs to be done to ensure women are given sports leadership positions?
A key opportunity lies in fostering meaningful mentoring relationships across genders. Men should take the initiative to mentor women, as we ultimately want to see women stepping into these roles. After all, who better to learn from than the men who have held these positions before? There are too few women leaders to help in this space.
Who are the female leaders you admire?
In South Africa: Thuli Madonsela.
Internationally: Sheryl Sandberg.
What advice do you have for young women leaders rising up?
Leadership can be a challenging role, and it can often feel lonely, especially for women. However, this is precisely why you should persevere.
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Recognise the unique strengths. and perspectives you bring to the table, and focus on making your contributions count. Always remember, you are a woman capable of driving meaningful change.
What are your career ambitions?
To see my Leadership Coaching business grow to become a recognised service provider in the sports and corporate environments.
How do you feel about the growth of women’s hockey, and what more needs to be done to ensure the sport stays on its upward trajectory?
Women’s sports still largely depend on men’s oversight, and as long as that continues, We will have to follow their ideas of what’s best for us. Women should take leadership roles in national federations, provincial organisations and government positions, so that real change can happen.
Main Photo Caption: Shaune Baaitjies recently announced her departure from the South African Hockey Association, after holding the position of interim CEO since the departure of Marissa Langeni. Photo: Supplied
