First and foremost a Father - a Consultant by vocation, a Rotarian to serve and a Scout at heart!
Hey there! I'm Damian, and I want to take you on a journey through my life - one filled with service, leadership, and adventure. But first, let me tell you about the core of my existence: being a devoted father. My children, Joseph and Hannah, are my world, and they constantly remind me of the importance of compassion, kindness and setting a good example.
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It all started back in 2001 when I joined the Knysna High School Interact Club. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a life-changing path. I dove headfirst into leadership roles, participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, and even became a Rotary Short Term Exchange Student in Istanbul, Turkey. These experiences shaped my perspective and ignited a fire within me.
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With the support of Rotary Bursaries, I pursued my studies in Chemical Engineering. But it wasn't just about hitting the books. I actively contributed to charity fundraising through the Reach-out And Give (RAG) group and made my mark on campus as a member of the student council. Those were some wild and unforgettable times!
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Driven by my thirst for knowledge and making a tangible impact, I became a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar. That's when I found myself studying applied ethics at Linköping University in Sweden. I once again got the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and got involved in local charity projects. One project close to my heart was a successful fundraising initiative for an AIDS orphan support organization in Knysna, the GoGo-Getters.
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My dedication to Rotary led me to become a Rotarian at the age of 24. I started in the Rotary Club of Knysna and later made my way to the Boksburg Lake Rotary Club. In 2013, I took on the role of club president, and boy, did we make waves in the community!
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But I couldn't stop there. I had a burning desire to make an impact on a larger scale. So, I became the District 9400 Rotaract Chair in 2014. Together with a passionate team, we witnessed an incredible 300% increase in Rotaract membership throughout the district. It was an honor to serve as an Assistant Governor and contribute to various district committees. This dedication earned me the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2015.
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In 2017, I embarked on a brand-new chapter by chartering the Midrand NexGen Rotary Club. This community of young professionals is like a breath of fresh air, full of vibrancy and dynamism. I'm devoted to nurturing the next generation of Rotary leaders and empowering them to create lasting change in their communities.
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Now, let's talk about another passion of mine—Scouting. I've achieved some pretty cool milestones along the way, like earning the Springbok Award for Scouting, the BP Award for Rovering, and the Wood Badge for adult leadership. Being out in nature and experiencing personal growth align perfectly with the values of Scouting. And let me tell you, summiting Kilimanjaro in 2023 was a dream come true!
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These days, I call Pretoria home, and my work as a management consultant takes me all across Africa. I get to solve complex problems with simple and impactful solutions, all while connecting with diverse individuals and organizations. It's a job that keeps me on my toes and constantly broadens my perspective.
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But here's the thing—I firmly believe in the power of youth to shape the future. That's why I'm dedicated to empowering and supporting young leaders. Whether it's in corporate settings, Rotary clubs, or the Scouting world, I'm all about helping them unleash their full potential.
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So, join me on this journey of service, leadership, and empowerment. Let's make a positive change in our own lives and the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a world that's filled with compassion, kindness, and endless possibilities. Let's do this!