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Think Like de BonoThe Fundamentals of Creative Thinking
#BuildingConfidence: life doesn't come with a rulebook, but the right mindset can change everything. We help young people think smarter, bolder and more creatively, building the confidence and critical thinking skills school doesn't always teach.
Cape Town · dates TBCJohannesburg · dates TBCPlettenberg Bay · dates TBC
We're in the Business of Confidence
At the heart of our programmes is a powerful idea: confidence isn't a personality trait, it's a skill that can be taught. We believe that learning how to Think Creatively and Think Differently™ is one of the most powerful ways to build that confidence muscle.
What Changes
When young people learn to think, they also learn how to...
Try New Things
Replace fear of failure with the curiosity to experiment.
Think Differently™
Break habitual thinking patterns and see fresh possibilities.
Make Tough Decisions
Use structured tools to decide clearly, even under pressure.
Bounce Back
Build the resilience to recover from setbacks and keep going.
Welcome Challenges
See problems as opportunities to learn, grow and lead.
Why Trust Us
Why trust The Thinking Academy?
- Designed by experts
- Delivered by experts
- More than 25+ years' experience
- Globally recognised methodology
- Trusted and proven methods
- Real-life examples
- Delivered in a safe, inspiring environment
- Peer referral incentives and coaching support
"What's the point of having a mind if you're not willing to change it?"
Why It Matters
Today, more than ever before.
We live in a world that's changing faster than we can blink. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, automation is replacing jobs, and the skills needed to thrive are no longer about memorising facts. They're about knowing how to think. At The Thinking Academy, we teach young people to think differently, make smarter decisions, and build confidence in their abilities, life skills that last far beyond the classroom.
"Creative thinking is seen as the number one skill for leaders today and in the future."
World Economic Forum (2025)
About Us
Empowering young minds to think, lead and thrive
The Thinking Academy is an education initiative focused on equipping youth aged 18-30 with the critical thinking and life skills needed for the modern world. Our purpose is to help young people think deeply, lead confidently, and transition successfully into academic, professional and personal life. We believe young people are capable of incredible things when equipped with the right tools: from critical thinking to communication, money management to confidence. We're on a mission to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world readiness, creating a community of resilient, resourceful and reflective youth leaders.
Our Vision
To train more than one million young minds in Africa through the direct teaching of thinking as a skill, giving them the confidence and capability to navigate life, take risks, start businesses, add value, and be solid contributors to a better future for the continent.
NT
Nicola Tyler
Founder of The Thinking Company and The Thinking Academy
Nicola Tyler is a global authority on strategic and lateral thinking, with over 25 years of experience transforming leaders and organisations. A protegee of Edward de Bono, she has trained thousands of executives and facilitated hundreds of strategy workshops across the globe. Known for her sharp intellect, infectious energy and disarming humour, Nicola has an uncanny ability to engage everyone from shop-floor staff to CEOs, turning smart ideas into extraordinary results.
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Foundational Thinking Skills Programme
A dynamic 3-day bootcamp grounded in the powerful thinking methods of Edward de Bono, designed to sharpen your mind and boost your problem-solving skills. For young people aged 18-30. All sessions are led by certified de Bono Thinking trainers.
Format
3-day in-person bootcamp
Daily Hours
Days 1-2: 09:00-16:30, Day 3: 09:00-15:00
Group Size
Max. 16 participants
Investment
R7,595 pp (sponsorship available)
Day One
09:00 - 16:30
Understanding Thinking
Why thinking matters, confidence, creativity and decision-making, different styles of thinking, and why we think like de Bono.
Collaborative Thinking
Six Thinking Hats, one of the world's best tools for team decision-making.
Day Two
09:00 - 16:30
Lateral Thinking
Random Entry: solving a world problem in a fun, creative way, plus the team exercise Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Selling Ideas
OPV, CAF and the Power of Three, with a team activity to generate, communicate and pitch a great idea.
Day Three
09:00 - 15:00
Decision Making
Structured decision tools: APC, PMI and C&S.
Taking Action
The Final Decision Challenge on a real personal choice, using the FIP and DOCA frameworks.
Daily reflection: at the end of each day there's time to reflect on the learning and share experiences.
"Life = energy + time. The trick is to have enough energy to have the time of your life."
"You cannot dig another hole by digging the same hole deeper."
Key Benefits
- Increased self-confidence in decisions and problem-solving
- Creative thinking tools to help you navigate a world of AI and secure your career
- Improved communication and collaboration through group practice
- A clear, personalised plan for what's next in life
- An official Certificate of Completion
What You'll Get
- A powerful thinking toolkit for life
- A certificate and digital badge from The Thinking Academy
- Access to an exclusive alumni network and WhatsApp group
- Merch including a pocket book, cap or beanie, notepad, pencil and lanyard, with hoodies available to purchase
- 24 hours of training
Good to Know
The practical details, sorted.
What to bring and wear
A laptop or tablet if you have one. Smart casual, comfort first.
Getting there
Street or visitor parking available on-site. Uber-friendly. Buchanan Square, Woodstock.
Food and drink
Lunch, snacks and hot and cold drinks included. Let us know about allergies in advance.
Small group, big attention
Maximum 16 participants per bootcamp, with room for real relationship-building and peer learning.
How to Enrol
Three steps to thinking differently.
01
Apply
Complete the application form and we'll get right back to you.
02
Pay
It's R7,595, or apply for sponsorship through our non-profit.
03
Attend
Show up, and discover how your thinking will change.
The Thinking Fund
R250 of every enrolment fee is donated to The Thinking Fund, our own non-profit, and for every 20 people trained, one more person gets to attend for free. It's how we open doors to The Thinking Academy for those who couldn't otherwise access it, investing in a future driven by creativity, critical thinking and community impact.
Get InvolvedTestimonials
Hear From Our Alumni
Byron
Programme Alumnus
Reece
Programme Alumnus
Bukho
Programme Alumna
Joshua
Programme Alumnus
Suzanne
Programme Alumna
Karan
Programme Alumnus
Siya
Programme Alumnus
Want to share your story? Get in touch and feature in our next testimonials.
Stay Connected
Keep Thinking
Helping you think smarter, bolder, and more creatively. Follow @thethinkingacademyafrica for thinking-tool breakdowns, behind-the-scenes moments and stories from young thinkers shaping their futures.
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Register your interest
Keen to join a bootcamp, sponsor a seat or bring the programme to your organisation? Send us a message and we'll get right back to you.
Visit Us
3rd Floor, Unit 306, The Hills Collective, 160 Sir Lowry's Road, Buchanan Square, Woodstock
Phone / WhatsApp
+27 (0)76 294 3769