Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: The Evolution of Alida Scholtz

Alida Scholtz has rewritten the blueprint for modern leadership. With more than two decades of experience as a senior executive, including Finance Director and Managing Director, her career reflects an extraordinary blend of ambition, emotional intelligence, and an unyielding commitment to learning. As someone who has navigated the complexities of corporate strategy and organizational transformation, Alida’s story is not just one of professional success but also one of aspiration to educate the next generation of leaders.

Alida was born and raised in South Africa, where her professional journey started early. Well-equipped by this academic ground, she completed her MBA in Innovation and Technology and set herself in the appropriate toolkit required to gain success under dynamic business world conditions. Equipping technical experience with insight of human science has really become a highlight of her entire career span. She feels that leadership is not about taking decisions but knowing people, developing relationships, and inspiring people to achieve perfection.

Education has always been the part of Alida’s life. She has always strived for academic excellence since she was 18 years old and pursued a PhD program that is supposed to connect research with practical leadership skills. Such continuous learning, she believes, is a foundation for any leader. The reason she chose ISM was that it was flexible and global, and she could pursue academics with a demanding career. Courses such as Emotional Intelligence, Change Management, and 21st Century Leadership provided Alida with insights into the nuances of modern management. These programs not only enhanced her technical expertise but also honed her ability to lead with empathy and agility, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout her career, Alida has shown an unmatched ability to deliver organizational growth. At G4S, she has earned the position of CEO and Managing Director, and she’s regarded as one of the top 50 most influential expats in the UAE, alongside being one of the Top 100 most influential women in the Middle East. It speaks to her level of influence in the corporate world, especially in places that require innovation and adaptability.

Her role in transforming ALEC into a $1 billion company and her leadership during pivotal moments, such as the COVID-19 crisis, highlights her capacity to navigate uncertainty with resilience. Alida credits much of her success to the lessons learned through ISM, particularly the importance of emotional intelligence and social interaction in the workplace.

For Alida, leadership is not only about individual accomplishments but also about paving the way for others. Her desire to teach young MBAs and share her wealth of experience speaks to her dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Teaching courses in International Finance and interacting with students has been a deeply fulfilling part of her journey, enabling her to pass on insights she has gained over the years from navigating the corporate world.

Her approach to mentorship is based on empathy and understanding, which she believes are essential for any leader. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, Alida prepares future leaders for the challenges that lie beyond the pages of a textbook.

Behind Alida’s professional achievements is a strong personal foundation. She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her husband and son, who have been instrumental in helping her maintain a balance between work and family commitments. Sundays are reserved exclusively for family time, reflecting her belief in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With plans to take on a new MD role after completing her tenure at Hertz, she is determined to continue her journey of transformation and mentorship. Her experience at ISM has not only enhanced her leadership skills but also ignited a passion for teaching, which she plans to pursue alongside her corporate responsibilities.

Alida’s advice to upcoming leaders is simple yet profound: stick to your goals, embrace a challenge, and celebrate every minute success. Her journey would remind one that true leadership, more than professional achievements, is about inspiring others to drive change and leave some kind of legacy.