Vicky van Dyk takes her seat at the top table

In April 2013, Vicky Van Dyk joined Emeraldsand Platforms (ESP) Group as an executive personal assistant to the CEO Albe Botha.

More than a decade later, she serves as executive director of NRH Network Rental & Logistics Hub, having built her career through perseverance, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace new responsibilities.

Her rise through the ranks of the organisation was not defined by one dramatic turning point.

Instead, it was shaped by the opportunities she received, the challenges she faced and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone.

“As I gained experience, my responsibilities expanded beyond my own tasks,” she told Careers. “I became more involved in coordinating teams, solving operational challenges, making decisions and understanding how different parts of the business work together."

Working across the ESP Group allowed Van Dyk to gain experience in different areas of the business, including operations, administration, people management and customer service. Each experience gave her a broader understanding of how different parts of an organisation connect and strengthened her confidence as a professional.

“There have been times when I had to step into unfamiliar situations, make difficult decisions, manage competing priorities and find solutions when there was no straightforward answer,” she said.

The strength of a team

Those challenges became important lessons in leadership.

"I have learned that you cannot always make everyone happy, but you can always communicate clearly, act fairly and make decisions based on what is best for the organisation," Van Dyk said.

For her, effective leadership starts with people.

“I believe that a successful business is built by a strong team,” she said.

She also believes that leaders should recognise the value of the people around them rather than trying to carry every responsibility alone.

A new chapter

Today, as executive director of NRH Network Rental & Logistics Hub, Van Dyk is responsible for the overall direction, performance and growth of the business.

Her role encompasses operations, people management, financial performance and customer service, as well as positioning NRH for sustainable growth.

“A strong leader knows how to surround themselves with good people, trust their team and make use of the knowledge and experience within the organisation.”

Her proudest achievement is reaching an executive level, not simply because of the position itself, but because of everything it represents.

“It represents the years of hard work, learning, challenges and opportunities that brought me to this point,” she explained.

For Van Dyk, reaching an executive position does not signal the end of her development. She continues to believe in learning, improvement and creating value for the organisation.

She encourages young professionals to build their reputations through integrity, consistency, accountability and hard work while remaining open to mentorship and new opportunities.

“Believe in yourself, be willing to learn and never be afraid to take up space at the table,” she advised anyone aspiring to leadership positions.