From Unemployment Struggles to Leadership: Randall Josephs Champions Growth at the H.W.G.J. Schweickerdt Herbarium
“Life rewards effort.”
Randall Evan Josephs, a First Technical Assistant at the H.W.G.J. Schweickerdt Herbarium (University of Pretoria), brings a wealth of passion, purpose, and professionalism to the world of plant collections. With a BSc Honours and over eight years of experience, Randall has transformed from a curious student into a reliable mentor, dedicated curator’s assistant, and rising leader in the natural sciences sector.
What Sparked His Passion?
Randall’s journey began with a fascination for the process of collecting specimens: from collection and preservation to identification and cataloguing in various forms. What struck him most was how a single specimen can act as a time capsule, telling stories of past environmental conditions. This appreciation laid the foundation for a career built on curiosity and purpose.
Climbing with Confidence
Despite early challenges with employment, Randall never lost sight of his goals. He remained committed, even accepting voluntary roles to gain experience. Today, he proudly reflects on those sacrifices as stepping stones that prepared him for greater responsibility:
“I believed that hard work would eventually pay off—and I’m thankful to say that it has.”
Core Responsibilities
Randall thrives on the variety of his role and especially values the energy brought in by students.
“They often provide a fresh perspective—and loads of energy to the herbarium.”
His core responsibilities include herbarium curation and administration, providing teaching and laboratory support, overseeing financial processes, and chairing the Health and Safety Committee.
Leadership Philosophy
A self-described servant leader, Randall believes in growing the entire team:
“When people thrive, the project thrives. My goal is to help everyone become leaders in their own right.”
He sees himself as someone who is ready to take on more responsibility, continually improving his leadership approach by integrating emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and clear communication.
Workshop Goals & Takeaways
Returning to the Emerging Leaders Workshop, Randall aims to further develop key skills he was first introduced to, particularly in creating psychologically safe workplaces, improving effective communication, and adapting to dynamic environments while continuing to champion the integration of traditional knowledge by documenting local plant names and uses during specimen deposits.
Vision for the Sector
Randall dreams of a more inclusive and dynamic collections space, where young professionals:
“Merge older practices with new ones—like using social media to spotlight collections.”
More Than a Scientist
Before science, Randall played professional soccer, a fact that surprises many. Today, he continues his love for physical activity with a new sport: padel, which we are certain the rest of the Emerging Leaders would like to learn more about.
When not at work, he enjoys quality time with family and friends and catching up on anime.
Favourite Fieldwork Memory
Among many adventures, one stands out: a field trip with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) in the Outeniqua Mountains. Hiking all day and sleeping in a mountaintop hut left a lasting impression—and yielded some truly special specimens.
Randall exemplifies the next generation of leaders in natural science collections: resilient, reflective, and ready for what’s next.