Staff Interview with Ruan Viljoen
Get to know Warriors Academy's staff!
Ruan Viljoen is responsible for adventure-oriented activities and safety at Warriors Academy.
What inspired you to work for Warriors Academy?
Warrior Academy is a family-owned business and I love working with my family. I work at Warriors Academy because, I believe, it is important to make a difference in this world.
It gives me opportunities to make a difference and live a life of significance. When you love what you do you never have to work another day in your life and I love what I do.
Ruan on a river rafting trip. The students brought the colors and vibes!
Describe a typical day at work.
Warriors Academy and typical is an oxymoron, they just don't fit. Every day is an opportunity to inspire and lead. when it comes to leadership, the most important thing is leading by example.
So every day is an opportunity to better myself and inspire others to do the same. Warriors Academy we love the power of Exercise, Positive Thinking, Love, and living life to the max.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is seeing the difference in young people that spend time with us. I love being outdoors and leading g by example by constantly bettering myself.
I am in charge of developing the program so I spend a lot of my time dreaming about new adventures and looking at how I can make things better.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
In Warriors Academy the O stands for Opportunity. So anything worthwhile doing is worthwhile doing right. Make the most of every opportunity and get uncomfortable intentionally because that is where the magic happens, in our courage zone.
The adventure in life is not about seeing new places, BUT INSTEAD IN SEEING OLD PLACES WITH NEW EYES.
Ruan’s son and his wife travel with him.
What makes Warriors Academy special?
Warriors Academy has been voted the number one gap year program in the world for 6 years in a row. That vote comes from participants and industry experts. We have the perfect combination of, Travel, Self Mastery, Adventure, and Community Service. Why look further when you can have it all with the best in the industry?
Why should someone choose Warriors Academy over competitors?
With our award-winning program and services, along with our dedicated staff, and rewarding community, it is a place that welcomes anyone who is motivated to try their hand at traveling, self-mastery, adventure, and being a part of a community.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Warriors Academy is growing very fast. Our second-year program that trains the best guides in the world has been a resounding success and the feedback we are getting from experts in the industry is phenomenal. If you want to develop into an outdoor expert then our two-year MAI Multi Activity Instructor program is for you.
On the Drakensberg Mountains doing a 10-day hike.
What is Warriors Academy's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to make a difference in the world and be the best at what we do. We achieve this by never settling for second best and never getting complacent. Everything we do we do with passion and the X factor. When others think it is good enough we keep pushing and keep upping the ante. Being the best and most professional is an obsession for our organisation.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope that participants take away a toolbox of skills to complete their Self Mastery. Self-mastery is not a destiny action but rather a way of thinking, and therefore, we want participants to walk away with an attitude and positive mindset that will continue their growth into the future. Love and respect are two major principles of the Warriors Academy.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open. By being exposed to a variety of people and experiences your mind will be stretched and your perspective will be broadened. with a broader perspective, you are better able to make informed decisions about your future that form the foundation of a happy healthy human being.
Ruan and family.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Choosing a structured professional gap year like Warriors Academy is the best thing you can do to ensure you are safe and gain the most from your experience. If you want the best experience and are not willing to settle for second best, why not go with a proven and predictable system like Warrior Academy?
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is traveling with the idea of bettering myself. It involves positive thinking, it involves introspection. Introspection is something that does not come naturally to people so having the right environment and people to facilitate introspecting is important. Self-mastery should be the goal of meaningful travel.
