Stefan Nieuwoudt
Duke University, Fuqua School of Business
“Social entrepreneur driving African impact. After-hours I’m a superhuman, diaper wielding, spider-killing machine.”
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Fun Fact About Yourself: I lived in Australia for a year and sold all I had with some friends to buy a van (to sleep in) and cycle from Brisbane to Cairns. En route, we met cassowaries (survived!), savored endless mangoes, coped with scarce showers (those single years!), and triumphantly swam by the Barrier Reef. An audacious year Down Under, a pedal-powered escapade, quirky camaraderie, fruity feasts, shower scarcity, and reef revelry – all uniquely us!
Undergraduate School and Major: University of South Africa, Business
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Founder, Director of Corporate Services – Linkup Youth and Re-Solve Consulting, respectively
The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? “Supportive ambition” deeply resonates with me due to its harmonious blend of personal advancement and communal prosperity. By nurturing fellow students’ aspirations alongside my own, I embrace the philosophy of elevating the collective whole. This embodies my core belief in collaborative growth, making it a cornerstone of my journey as a Fuqua MBA. It would require not only excellence of myself to reach meaningful goals, but also require me to be a source of support and inspiration to those that have embarked on this journey alongside me.
Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Without a doubt Fuqua Partners – a community organization that supports the partners and families of students who are attending the business school. The support my wife has received has been phenomenal, many reaching out to her before our arrival!
What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. Upon first interactions with both students, alumni, and staff. the resounding realization emerges that “Team Fuqua” transcends rhetoric. It is a very real embodiment of unyielding commitment to succeed, and it is seamlessly woven into the very fabric of the Fuqua School of Business’s ethos and operations.
What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? The Venture Capital and Business in Africa clubs certainly get my attention as the symbiotic relationship allows me to leverage my venture capital knowledge to identify and support promising African startups. Simultaneously, Africa provides a real-world context for testing and refining venture capital strategies. This dynamic blend aligns perfectly with my goal of forging connections and improving my quant skills. On the more social side, FuquaVision has thus far provided some great entertainment, and I look forward to some highlights at the end of the semester.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Making an impact in Africa! Over the last three years, the company I founded has assisted over 1,500 youths to be upskilled by delivering accredited education and then finding them permanent jobs in structured workplace environments.
In addition, my employer, which has a focus on water sustainability has saved enough water (over the last four years) to supply a million individuals with enough water to meet their basic needs, maintain good health, and sustain themselves for a period exceeding six years.
Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Achieving a fulfilling experience at Fuqua during my MBA would involve establishing profound connections with entrepreneurs in the international social sector, thereby broadening my network across diverse countries. Additionally, I aim to significantly enhance my knowledge in the quant fields, especially accounting and finance, delving into its intricacies and gaining a comprehensive understanding will greatly assist my endeavors in the future.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? Embracing authenticity defined my application journey. I dared to unveil my path traveled, revealing aspirations for Duke while offering the admissions committee a glimpse into my intricate life and career. Amid this process, fear of diverging from norms loomed, yet realizing authenticity fuels innovation shifted my perspective. Duke’s recognition and celebration of individuality reshaped my perception. This experience not only redefined my journey but also reinforced the power of authenticity on the path of growth. My counsel: Embrace the unconventional; Duke values the unique narratives of non-traditional applicants.