Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Research Activities
Awards
References
Courses Programmes
Professional Highlights
Timeline
Generic
LAETITIA ORLANDI

LAETITIA ORLANDI

Grootfontein Country Estates

Summary

Dynamic academic leader with extensive experience at Tshwane University of Technology, excelling in leadership, communication, curriculum development, and problem-solving to navigate complex educational environments. Proven track record in improving student success rates and fostering faculty professional growth. Adept at stakeholder engagement and strategic planning, driving innovative educational initiatives that promote excellence in teaching and learning. Known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Strong leadership skills with proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Notable impact on advancing institutional goals through continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Dean (Teaching & Learning)

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2023 - Current
  • Championed the incorporation of technology alongside innovative teaching methods within the curriculum
  • Acted as Dean's representative at meetings, conferences, and events.
  • Led initiatives to improve student success rates through advising support services.
  • Spearheaded committees focused on curriculum design and program assessment initiatives.
  • Evaluated academic programs and faculty performance to ensure excellence in teaching and learning.
  • Assisted in developing performance standards for faculty and staff.
  • Chaired and served on various committees to drive policy development and strategic initiatives.
  • Oversaw the development and implementation of academic programs to enhance educational quality and rigor.
  • Prepared reports using academic or institutional data and information.
  • Facilitated professional development opportunities for faculty to advance pedagogical skills.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Permanent Fulltime Lecturer

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2010 - Current
  • Facilitated discussion forums among students on topics related to course material.
  • Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, presentations, projects, or other assessments.
  • Engaged in scholarly research, contributing to the academic community through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Created a positive learning environment by actively engaging with all students during class time.
  • Incorporated technology and multimedia tools into lectures to enhance learning experiences and accommodate various learning preferences.
  • Participated in academic committees, contributing to departmental decision-making and policy formation.
  • Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and online discussions and providing academic advisement.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide academic support, career advice, and personal guidance to students.
  • Monitored and evaluated student participation and progress, providing constructive feedback to encourage academic growth.
  • Provided letters of recommendation and other referrals to students pursuing further education programs or postgraduate employment.
  • Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment, promoting respect, collaboration, and engagement among students.
  • Supervised dissertational research work to assist research publication process.
  • Developed syllabi, lesson plans and lecture materials for courses taught.
  • Collaborated with faculty members in curriculum development and revision processes to ensure course content remains current and relevant.
  • Facilitated stimulating class discussions to encourage critical thinking and debate among students on contemporary issues.
  • Maintained professional development through attendance at conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses in teaching methodologies.
  • Contributed to the accreditation processes by preparing necessary documentation and reports showcasing the department's achievements.
  • Involved in departmental activities such as curriculum development, faculty meetings, advising sessions.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.

Acting Head of Department

Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria
06.2024 - 02.2025
  • Monitored and reported on departmental performance metrics, adjusting strategies as necessary.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and team members.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to improve overall business performance.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Evaluated employee feedback surveys regularly to identify areas of improvement in customer service delivery.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting objectives.
  • Lead and manage a team of 15 employees in the Department, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
  • Developed and implemented strategic departmental plans to achieve company targets.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.
  • Participated actively in strategic planning sessions with top executives from different divisions.
  • Exercised discretion and judgment in managing fast-paced environment adapting to change with sense of urgency.
  • Led team meetings to communicate targets, share updates, and gather feedback.
  • Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Balanced workloads to meet targets without overtaxing employees.
  • Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and productivity.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.

Acting Executive Dean

Tshwane University of Technology
05.2023 - 06.2023

Acting Assistant Dean (Teaching & Learning)

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2022 - 01.2023

Academic Section Head

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Provided guidance and assistance to staff to ensure successful completion of tasks.
  • Maintained records concerning activities carried out by personnel within the sections.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Organized regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss progress and any issues arising from activities in the section.
  • Supervised daily operations of the section including planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling activities.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve operational efficiency of the section.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Ensured compliance with established policies, procedures, regulations and internal controls within the section.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.

Acting Executive Dean

Tshwane University of Technology
11.2022 - 12.2022

Acting Head of Department

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2018 - 07.2018
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Supervised, trained, and developed team members, enhancing their performance and professional growth.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across multiple teams.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Lead and manage a team of 15 employees in the Department, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
  • Initiated and managed projects aimed at operational improvements and efficiency gains.
  • Led team meetings to communicate targets, share updates, and gather feedback.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly and professionally.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and team members.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and productivity.
  • Developed and implemented strategic departmental plans to achieve company targets.
  • Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally in order to maintain good relationships with clients.

Department SHE Representative

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2010 - 01.2012

Part-time lecturer in Practical Musicianship

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2001 - 01.2009

Music teacher: piano and violin

Music Academy Hoërskool Menlopark and Music Centre Laerskool Magalieskruin
01.2001 - 01.2005

Music teacher: piano and violin

The Performers Academy
01.2009

Relief music teacher: piano

University of Pretoria
01.2003

Official accompanist

University of Pretoria
01.2002

Relief music teacher: piano

Pro Arte High School
01.1999

Relief music teacher: piano

University of Pretoria
01.1998

Education

Masters - Education Management Programme for TUT Directors and Supervisors

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
01.2024

D Mus - Performance

North-West University
01.2021

M Mus - Performing Arts

University of Pretoria
01.2009

Performer's Licentiate - Chamber Music

University of South Africa
01.2005

Performer's Licentiate - Vocal Accompaniment

University of South Africa
01.2004

B Mus Honours - Performing Arts

University of Pretoria
01.2002

Performer's Licentiate - Music (Piano)

University of South Africa
01.2000

B Mus -

University of Pretoria
01.1998

Teacher's Licentiate - Music (Piano)

University of South Africa
01.1998

Skills

  • Microsoft Word
  • Curriculum development
  • Educational technology
  • Performance evaluation
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Team leadership
  • Professional development
  • Academic advising
  • Conflict resolution
  • Effective communication
  • Time management
  • Strategic planning
  • Customer service
  • Self motivation
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Collaborative Problem-solving
  • Academic reporting
  • Organizational skills
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Professionalism
  • Excellent communication
  • Staff supervision
  • Leadership development
  • Attention to detail
  • Curriculum design
  • Change management
  • Higher education administration
  • Academic leadership
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Windows XP
  • Sibelius

Affiliations

  • International Society for Music Education (ISME)
  • South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)
  • National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
  • At-large board member of the South Africa Chapter of NATS (SANATS) (2023 - 2025)
  • Steering Committee Member of the International Network for Music, Spirituality, and Wellbeing (MSW)

Research Activities

  • International paper presentation: 'Musical Journeys and Memories: Unique Emergent Themes from an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Five Pianists' Spiritual Music-Making Experiences', 01/01/24
  • DHET Creative Output 'Songs and Saint-Saëns' by Laetitia Orlandi (Piano) and Johan Ferreira (Oboe), 01/01/23
  • Co-supervisor for doctoral student, 01/01/21 - 01/01/22
  • Book chapter: 'Connectedness and Sacred Experiences: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Five Pianists' Spiritual Music-Making Experiences' in Ritualised Belonging: Musicing and Spirituality in the South African context (Peter Lang), 01/01/21
  • International paper presentation: 'Exploring five professional pianists' spiritual experiences during music-making: an interpretative phenomenological analysis', 01/01/21
  • International paper presentation: 'Exploring Three Professional Pianists' Spiritual Experiences During Music-Making: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis', 01/01/19

Awards

  • Faculty Artistic Output of the Year, 01/01/17
  • Teaching and Learning Award, Best Lecturer, 01/01/12
  • SAMRO/UNISA/Brenda Rein Scholarship for accompanists, 01/01/04 & 01/01/05
  • Pretorium Trust Music Study bursary for post-graduate studies, 01/01/00
  • Getrude Buchanan Memorial Prize, 01/01/00
  • SAMRO prize, 01/01/00
  • Pretorium Trust Music Study bursary, 01/01/98
  • Du Toit-Van Tonder Music Study bursary, 01/01/94

References

  • Professor N Moodley-Diar, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts and Design (TUT), 012 382 6132, moodleydiarn@tut.ac.za
  • Dr R Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of Department, Department of Performing Arts, 012 382 6626, pashkevitchvr@tut.ac.za
  • Dr PT Nesamvuni, Curriculum Development Practitioner, TUT, 012 382 5761, nesamvunipt@tut.ac.za
  • Dr A Wissing, Curriculum Development Practitioner, TUT, 012 382 5746, wissinga@tut.ac.za
  • Mr Willem Vogel, Artistic Director, Brooklyn Theatre TV, 076 903 2969, willem@brooklyntheatre.co.za
  • Me M Hornsveld, Vocal Coach & Accompanist, 082 463 0809

Courses Programmes

  • 20th HERS-SA Academy, 01/01/22
  • License to Lead Academic Orientation Programme for New Academic Managers (TUT), 01/01/22
  • Women in Leadership Programme, 01/01/21
  • TUT Academic Leadership Development Programme, 01/01/21
  • Heads of Schools and Academic Departments Foundations of Leadership Programme, 01/01/18
  • Supervisory Management Skills - short course UP Enterprises (passed with distinction), 01/01/18
  • Workshop: Managing 'difficult/problematic' subordinates/peers or managers, 01/01/14
  • Mentorship Programme TUT Succession Plan, 01/01/14

Professional Highlights

  • Soloist, Clara Schumann Piano Concerto, Brooklyn Theatre, 01/01/19
  • Member of screening panel, 6th UNISA National Piano Competition, 01/01/19
  • Official Accompanist for the 35th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, 01/01/16

Timeline

Acting Head of Department

Tshwane University of Technology
06.2024 - 02.2025

Acting Executive Dean

Tshwane University of Technology
05.2023 - 06.2023

Assistant Dean (Teaching & Learning)

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2023 - Current

Acting Executive Dean

Tshwane University of Technology
11.2022 - 12.2022

Acting Assistant Dean (Teaching & Learning)

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2022 - 01.2023

Academic Section Head

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2021 - 01.2023

Acting Head of Department

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2018 - 07.2018

Permanent Fulltime Lecturer

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2010 - Current

Department SHE Representative

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2010 - 01.2012

Music teacher: piano and violin

The Performers Academy
01.2009

Relief music teacher: piano

University of Pretoria
01.2003

Official accompanist

University of Pretoria
01.2002

Part-time lecturer in Practical Musicianship

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2001 - 01.2009

Music teacher: piano and violin

Music Academy Hoërskool Menlopark and Music Centre Laerskool Magalieskruin
01.2001 - 01.2005

Relief music teacher: piano

Pro Arte High School
01.1999

Relief music teacher: piano

University of Pretoria
01.1998

Masters - Education Management Programme for TUT Directors and Supervisors

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

D Mus - Performance

North-West University

M Mus - Performing Arts

University of Pretoria

Performer's Licentiate - Chamber Music

University of South Africa

Performer's Licentiate - Vocal Accompaniment

University of South Africa

B Mus Honours - Performing Arts

University of Pretoria

Performer's Licentiate - Music (Piano)

University of South Africa

B Mus -

University of Pretoria

Teacher's Licentiate - Music (Piano)

University of South Africa

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LAETITIA ORLANDI