From Disruption to Purpose: Luxolo Kentane’s Leadership Journey with GLS

For Luxolo Kentane, a Johannesburg-based leader, husband, and father, the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) has been a defining influence for more than a decade. But his journey began in an unexpected way—through a teacher who saw potential in a disruptive high school student.

A Teacher’s Words That Changed Everything

Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo was often known as the student who disrupted class. But one teacher noticed something different: leadership potential.

“Do you know that you’ve got leadership capabilities?” the teacher asked. “Whenever you are disruptive in school, the whole class follows.”

That single conversation altered the course of his life. Instead of just seeing himself as a troublemaker, Luxolo began to recognize the influence he carried.

First Encounter with GLS

At age 17, in Grade 11, Luxolo was invited to attend his first Global Leadership Summit in East London in 2011. That experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of leadership and helped him think deeply about his decisions, his influence, and his future.

“I left GLS inspired and encouraged, realizing that even as a high school student, I could make a change in my school and even in my country.”

That moment ignited his passion for leadership and set him on a path of personal growth and impact.

A Calling to Serve and Inspire

Now 31 years old, Luxolo lives in Johannesburg with his wife Ntsiki and their one-year-old daughter. He works with Alpha South Africa, serving hundreds of churches across the nation. His mission is to help create safe spaces for people to explore faith, build authentic conversations, and grow spiritually and relationally.

Through this work, he has the privilege of inspiring and equipping leaders—pastors, church teams, and community influencers—to think about how they can better serve their congregations and communities.

“I don’t view my world as something just for me to benefit. I want to see how we can change this nation.”

The Lifelong Impact of GLS

Having attended five Summits, Luxolo describes each one as a moment of fresh perspective and renewed vision. What started as an invitation from his teacher has grown into a leadership journey that now shapes communities across South Africa.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Mr. Daniels, my teacher, and to the Global Leadership Network for making it possible for someone like me to attend GLS.”

Words to Live By

Luxolo draws strength from Maya Angelou’s wisdom:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

And his prayer for other leaders in the GLS family is simple but powerful:

“Lead with the end in mind—focused, intentional, and inspired by purpose.”

Watch Luxolo’s Summit Impact Story

Luxolo’s story is a powerful reminder of how one moment, one invitation, and one opportunity can change the trajectory of a life—and by extension, a nation.

👉 Watch the full video now to see how GLS transformed Luxolo’s leadership journey and discover how you, too, can be part of raising the next generation of leaders.