The Power of Visualisation: African Journeys of Purpose, Resilience and Reinvention

About the Authors

Dr Augusta Dorning

Dr Augusta Dorning is a trailblazing healthcare leader with over four decades of experience across public, private, consultancy, and non-governmental sectors. She is the Managing Partner of Extraordinary Hospitals of Africa, driving hospital improvement initiatives across the continent. Formerly Africa Strategy Lead for the Lenmed Group and General Manager of South Africa’s largest private hospital—the first woman to hold the role in its 120-year history—she has also been a pioneering figure in public service, becoming the first woman appointed as Director of Labour Relations, chairing the Education Labour Relations Council, and leading negotiations at the Health Sector Bargaining Council.

Her leadership has earned her multiple accolades, including the 2020 One Hundred Most Impactful Global Leaders in Healthcare Award, the 2021 Most Influential Healthcare Businesswoman Award, and the 2024 RMB Africa’s Fearless Thinker Award. An accomplished academic and speaker, she has delivered over 30 conference papers, served on numerous panels, and published widely, including her book The Case for Executive Coaching in Private Healthcare in South Africa. Recognised as one of South Africa’s most influential women in healthcare, she continues to inspire with her dedication to excellence, innovation, and empowerment.

Dr Shirley Zinn

Dr Shirley Zinn is a respected South African leader, celebrated for her contributions to education, leadership, transformation, and social justice. Beginning her career as a secondary school English teacher and later a university lecturer, she went on to hold senior executive roles, including Group Head of Human Resources at Woolworths Holdings and Head of HR at Standard Bank, Nedbank, SARS, and Reckitt (Africa & Middle East). She has served as an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town, and on multiple boards such as Sanlam, SpurCorp, and Spar Group. A Harvard graduate with a Doctorate in Education, she is also Chairperson of the V&A Waterfront and WESGRO, and the bestselling author of Swimming Upstream. She is an Independent Non-Executive Board Director: Sanlam, MTN (SA), VNA, Spur Corporation and Spar Group among others.

Recognised with numerous awards, including the 2024 Inspirational Leader award, Dr Zinn is a mentor to young women and an in-demand speaker at local and international events. Deeply committed to making a positive impact, she blends her professional expertise with her advocacy for dignity, equity, and opportunity. Her career exemplifies resilience, excellence, and the belief that education is a powerful force for personal and societal change.