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Women in Leadership Conference

The 2021 SAICA Women in Leadership Conference will feature in-depth conversations and idea exchanges around the topics of leadership, career development, innovation, self-care, entrepreneurship, the future of work, connectivity, social impact, gender equality, activism and advocacy and much more!

SECURE YOUR SEAT!

The professional environment has no shortage of inspirational women. To celebrate and inspire the female leadership of today and tomorrow, the annual Women in Leadership Conference takes ownership of the month of August.

This multi-speaker conference aims to provide a platform of engagement for women in the business environment. The overall objective of the conference is to reinforce the message that women are the architects of who they are and who they want to become. The measure of “success” is theirs to define.

Conference speakers will consist of our “Change-makers” – inspiring women in prominent positions, such as CEOs, CFOs, Industry Experts and other key executives in business. Speakers will delve deep into the topics at hand, sharing insightful knowledge from their personal experiences and knowledge within their respective areas of expertise.

The virtual conference will take place over 8 days between 3 and 26 August. Sessions will take place in the mornings (09:00 – 12:30). The sessions will range from panel discussions, interview styled conversations to keynote speaker addresses, themed to the topic of the week.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
The overall objective of the conference is to reinforce the message that women are architects of who they are and who they want to become.
The measure of “success” is their own to define.

4 Themes – 12 Topics Across 8 Days, including 7 Days of Coaching
  • Who wrote the rulebook anyway?
  • Makers, Creators & Innovators … Let’s talk
  • An Uncomfortable Truth
  • Attuned Leadership
  • Hear me ROAR!
  • Oh, but when she had a plan .. She was fire!
  • The Queen’s Gambit – strategising like a Pro!
  • No is a complete answer: Setting Boundaries In A Work-From-Home World
  • Making money moves
  • And breathe … Creating space for down time
  • The Keys to the Boardroom
  • She knew the power of her mind

In addition to the conference sessions, there will  be 7  “Power Hour” sessions. These are pre-booked intimate group coaching sessions with leading business, executive and life coaches, who will offer their professional expertise in leadership, strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship and career and personal development.

What value do I get?

POWER HOUR

The “Power Hour” sessions are pre-booked coaching sessions with leading business, executive and life coaches, who will be offering their professional expertise on aspects relating to leadership, strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship and career and personal development. Delegates would need to book their slots in advance and prepare a 60-second summary of their specific challenges or goals and then head into the breakaway room to meet with the specific “coach”. To optimize the coaching experience, sessions are limited to groups of 10 people on a first-come-first-serve basis.

DIFFERENCE-MAKERS CHALLENGE

In keeping with SAICA’s social citizenship theme, we will encourage delegates to sign-up on the For Good Virtual Volunteering platform.

This is an online platform that connects passionate people willing to volunteer their time and skills to Non-Profit Organisations and other community service organisations.

BEYOND LIP SERVICE

We have partnered with Women Lead Movement (WLM), an organisation that promotes gender equality at community level and promotes active and participatory citizenry.
More Info
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Need any additional information? Don’t hesitate to get in contact with us:
Booking Queries: Anthonise van der Lilly | Anthonisevdl@saica.co.za
General Queries: Monique Doulgeris | MoniqueD@saica.co.za
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Alexandra Nortier

Alexandra joined Investec in 2010 and is the joint head of the Wealth Management speciality. She assists many of South Africa’s leading individuals and families with the preservation and creation of their wealth. Previously, she spent 10 years at Morgan Stanley in New York where she was a vice president in real estate debt capital markets.

She was part of the team ranked number one in global commercial mortgage-backed securities issuance between 1999 and 2006.

MARLET TROMP

Marlet holds a D Litt et Phil degree from the University of Johannesburg with a doctoral thesis on Employee empowerment in an organization. This is backed by a master’s degree (cum laude) and a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, both from Rand Afrikaans University. As a former social worker, she has extensive experience in therapy sessions with people in extreme life situations. She has also done in-depth research and interviews for the Gauteng Department of Social Development on the topic of Youth in Conflict with the Law, as well as comprehensive security clearance interviews for Armscor. Apart from managing her coaching practice, Marlet has for several years been the owner of a successful small retail business.

Several articles by Marlet on employee empowerment have been Published in academic journals. Destiny Magazine has requested her input on articles connected to small business management and she has contributed to Management Today and Businesswoman Magazine. General interest magazines, including Finesse and Eastern Times to name a few, regularly contact her for an expert opinion on a variety of business and personal matters. Marlet on more than one occasion took part in live discussions on the SABC3 programme 3Talk with Noeleen and has been a regular guest on radio programs on RSG where she has discussed topics such as Stress and road anger and How to find your passion in life. With Chai FM she participated in a talk about life coaching. Marlet is one of the contributors to the books Maak dit gebeur. Maak dat dit saak maak. Hier’s hoe! – ‘n Besluiteboek (Make it happen. Make it matter. Here’s how! – A book for decision making) and Gelukkige Jy, Gelukkige Gesin. (Happy You, Happy Family) published by Carpe Diem Publishers in 2019 and 2020.

She has presented various papers at conferences, among which Indicators of female empowerment at an international conference in Amsterdam. She has refereed articles for The International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations and has adjudicated five research projects for the Department of Social Development.

Marlet was awarded the Certificate of Coaching Excellence for Coach of the Year in 2014, by the umbrella association for Coaches and Mentors of South Africa.

Marlet is a realistic but empathic coach who helps you set achievable goals and gives you tools to use for many years to come. The criterion for her personal success is your growth and the progressive changes in your life or business.

JOSINA MACHEL

Ms. Josina Z. Machel holds an MSc degree in Sociology (Gender) from the London School of Economics and Pol itical Science and a Bachelor of Social Science, Sociology and Political Science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Following a horrific domestic violence attack that left her blind in one eye, Ms. Machel founded the Kuhluka Movement, a non-profit initiative that empowers women survivors of Gender – based violence, to which she dedicates her life.

She is also the founder and director of Protect Her Life, an insurance company that seeks to support the safety of women who are subjected to unprecedented levels of gender-based violence.

Josina Machel

BEV HANCOCK

A strategic Conversational Catalyst, Facilitator and Interactive Presenter who uses a range of conversational strategies and technologies, to stimulate dialogue and interaction that result in actionable strategies for the future.

Bev ably uses her 20 plus years in strategy, learning design, leadership, coaching a deep understanding of conversational intelligence to build trust, accountability and inclusive leadership into every conversation. Her master’s research work on interactive engagement in the virtual environment makes her well placed to get the best out of remote work. This approach puts delegates at the centre of the action where they use their technology to be part of the conversation, ask the courageous questions, give feedback and much more in real-time to create a fun and interactive experience.

The data emerging from the conversations is thematically analysed and presented as a post-conference report for further investment into the company strategy and culture.

Bev has extensive experience working with the banking sector, having consulted on talent strategy, coaching on leadership panels and facilitating leadership conversations in their cultural journey.

Business Website: www.bevhancock.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bevhancock

JILL HAMLYN

Jill is a Master Executive Coach (10 000+ hours) with a rare level of skilled expertise in working with individuals and teams. Her 30+ years of proven abilities in coaching, facilitation and the development of strategic thinking has now been successfully transferred across to the virtual environment.

As a seasoned professional, Jill is a steward of common sense. Due to her strong business acumen, her skills and abilities are utilized by senior executives within large corporates who wish to raise their game or “shift” their culture. Jill is equally comfortable working with smaller entrepreneurial startups.

Jill’s naturally nurturing but challenging, and deeply insightful approach enables people to raise their level of self-awareness, strategic business thinking, interpersonal and leadership acumen.

Her facilitation style is to listen, question, share, inspire and empower. Her depth of experience enables her to continually draw on skills, competencies and experiences gained from working with a host of best practice business, leadership and managerial philosophies within a variety of South African, African and European contexts.

These skills are strategically fundamental in the development and growth of organisations that wish to succeed in tomorrow’s world.

Business Website: www.tpb.co.za

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jill-hamlyn-76b1401

SHIRLEY ZINN

Shirley Zinn is the former Group Head of Human Resources at Woolworths Holdings Limited. Prior to this, she was the Head of Human Resources of Standard Bank. She also registered her own company: Shirley Zinn Consulting that provides bespoke consulting and advisory services in HR, Transformation, Leadership and Education.

Prior to this, she held several head of HR roles at Reckitt Benckiser, SARS, Nedbank, Standard Bank.  She was also an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town. 

She hails from the Cape Flats in Cape Town, and started her career as a secondary school teacher of English, then moved to the University of the Western Cape where she lectured in Teacher Education. 

She currently serves as a non-executive on several JSE listed Boards (Sanlam, MTN-SA, Spur Corp, Advtech and Afrocentric), and NPO Boards (WWF, Business Engage) and other entities such as the Boston Consulting Group, Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust, Empowerment Capital, Tuesday Consulting, LRMG and Knowledge Resources.

She is a coach and mentor to several women across multiple industries. She has presented at national and international conferences as a keynote speaker.

In 2015, she wrote her autobiography entitled “Swimming Upstream” which focuses on her personal and professional journey. It has officially been announced as a best-seller. In 2016, she did more than 100 “Swimming Upstream” talks nationally at corporates, schools, universities and charities, with the hope of motivating and inspiring especially youth and women that they can achieve despite adversity, and to never give up.

She holds a BA (University of the Western Cape); Higher Diploma in Education (University of the Western Cape); B.Ed Honours (UNISA); M.Ed (University of the Western Cape); Ed.M  (Harvard) and Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) (Harvard). She has been awarded several Top Women in Business and Government awards. She also completed her ninth Two Oceans Half Marathon in March 2018 and is working on completing her tenth.

Prof. Shirley Zinn

DR. SHARON KING GABRIELIDES

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. She is a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Sharon is also one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – it’s the Oscar of the speaking business. She is also a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and accredited Global Virtual Speaker. 

Sharon’s PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that has been published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her practical approach, useful tools and genuinely caring manner that allows people to take Key Steps to really ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’ 

Dr. Sharon King Gabrielides

IAN MANN

Ian Mann is the founder of Gateways Business Consultant, a 23-year-old consultancy that is home to former main board directors of listed companies and people with exceptional business experience at executive levels. Ian is a seasoned strategist who has worked with medium-sized organizations and SBUs in large ones, across 14 countries.

He holds an M.A. (Cum Laude) and was one of 10 recipients internationally of a 3-year ‘Jerusalem Fellowship’.

Ian is the author of 3 books: ‘Managing with Intent’ (Implementation of Strategy); ‘Strategy that Works’ (Formulation of Strategy in Medium-sized organizations); and ‘The Executive Update’ (A summary of the most significant business ideas over the preceding 4 years)

He has reviewed over 650 business books in his weekly columns in the Sunday Times, and currently in Fin24.

Ian is a director of five companies: Gateways Business Consultants; Gateways Tracing Services; Choice Decisions; OVO Incubators and Khulisa Social Solutions.

Ian Mann

LICIA DEWING

Licia holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Dramatic Arts, BA (Hons) from the University of Pietermaritzburg, (1994). In 2012 Licia knew she needed to get back to her passion & find more purpose at work; her senior corporate career of 17yrs left her feeling cold. She wanted to step out of the shadows and stand in the sunshine of her career. Out of necessity, she developed The Career Strategy Formula and found her way back to her work for purpose and now falls in love with her work every day by helping clients to have the careers they want.

She works with established and emerging leaders across the globe and her innovative career strategies are ground-breaking and supportive to mid-level – senior executives wanting to change careers. WORK is not meant to be a struggle; everyone has a unique fingerprint of #TALENTS within the core of who they are that transcends qualifications & experience.

“I love building COMPELLING and TRIUMPHANT career strategies with my clients to transition them to work with more purpose and more meaning. My strategies are simple & easy to apply when you KNOW who you are and what you want.

My Career Strategy process will teach you how to THINK differently and take ACTION by applying simple and straightforward strategies to #CREATE the results that you want in your #CAREER.

YOU WILL BE challenged to think in a new way about your career, which will elevate your Belief in what’s truly possible in order for you to take control of your Career Destiny.”

Licia Dewing

NAOMI LEDOUX

Naomi is a woman of many talents. In addition to her corporate experience, she has designed her own handbag and accessory brand, called Eye Candy under the umbrella MyAfricanMum. Before she founded MyAfricanMum, she was a Senior Manager in the PwC London office.

Her CA (SA) career has afforded her the opportunity to travel the world and work in interesting places like Washington DC, Texas, Illinois in the US, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, as well as China, India and Argentina.

Naomi is looking forward to sharing her views and experiences in the ‘Makers, Creators & Innovators’ space during the SAICA Women in Leadership Conference in August.

Naomi Ledoux

WADZANAI MABUTO

Over the past several years, Wadzanai Mabuto has translated many of her visions into reality. It all began when she decided that she wanted to live a life of significance that added value to others and thus decided to leave corporate South Africa and join the academic world to fulfil this mission.

In 2018, as a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Wadzanai created the “WorkSmart Rewards Programme,” an online gamified product that motivates University students to take ownership of their learning journey by working consistently. Over 3 000 students have used this product over her current tenure at the University of Johannesburg. The creation of this programme led to Wadzanai being selected as one of SAICA’s (South African Institute of Chartered Accountant) Top 35 under 35 candidates and then being declared as the “Power of Professional Thinking” category winner.

In the following year, whilst conducting research on the efficacy of digital storytelling on student learning, Wadzanai enlisted three past students to assist her in creating a series called “Keeping Up With Thandi.” The students were tasked to come up with a 13 part series that looked at the life of a protagonist named Thandi while simultaneously incorporating financial management principles. The students that Wadzanai engaged for this project were highly appreciative of the experience of being part of something much greater than themselves. Word then spread like wildfire amongst the student population, so much so that Wadzanai would receive numerous emails asking if there was any work she had for them to be a part of.

An area that Wadzanai is deeply passionate about is the employability of her students after completing their degrees. Therefore, in late 2019, Wadzanai gathered various industry experts to impart wisdom to all unemployed university students at a free two-day workshop entitled “The Un-Employed Graduate.” Within a few days, the workshop numbers of attendees had reached maximum capacity. In addition, Wadzanai received numerous current university students that were eager to volunteer themselves for this cause. Amongst the students: one was able to utilize her photographic and videography skills as she took over the social media aspect of the workshops.

Another area that Wadzanai is passionate about is seeing individuals align their gifts and talents with the education that they have acquired. In 2020, she founded the Gifted Learning Centre: a centre that provides opportunities for individuals to express their talents; it further assists individuals in identifying and developing their gifts. The first project that was run through this centre was translating a children’s book into different African languages. Individuals interested offered their services to ensure that the dream of seeing a children’s book translated into 13 African languages was seen to completion. These books are currently for sale on the Gifted Learning Centre Online store, two of which have been prescribed by St Peters Boys, a private school in Johannesburg.

Wadzanai also conducts leadership workshops in conjunction with ZIMLEF (Zimbabwe Leadership Forum). Over the past 3 years, she has been consulting Zimbabwean parastatals regarding the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act where the basic theme is to upskill the leaders of these parastatals to lead with integrity.

Wadzanai Mabuto

MARILISE DE VILLIERS

I am the founder & CEO of ROAR! Coaching & Consulting. I am a Mindset & Performance Coach, Best-selling Author, TEDx Speaker and Executive specialising in Cyber Security Awareness, Culture & Talent. A few years ago, I had a successful corporate career, as an executive in a Big Four consulting firm. However, my success came at an enormous price. I was on the brink of a nervous breakdown – mentally and physically exhausted. My relationships with the people closest to me were suffering.

I walked away – one of the most difficult things I have ever done – and along the way, learned a critical lesson: it is possible to have a fulfilling, balanced life without sacrificing success. In the process, I created the ROAR! Blueprint. It’s how I strive to live my best life every day: on PURPOSE, in my POWER, with the COURAGE to speak my truth. I would love to help you do the same. ROAR! is also a four-step process for facing difficult conversations with yourself and others; it stands for Recognise, Observe, Assert, Redirect.

Marilise De Villiers

NIKKI BUSH

Human Potential and Parenting Expert, Nikki Bush empowers individuals, families and teams in business and education to win at work, home and life.

She has the knack of putting difficult, complex, and sensitive topics on the table (ones we often prefer to avoid) and making them accessible. Nikki is an award-winning speaker having been inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame in 2019 – the first woman in South Africa to ever receive this lifetime achievement award and was recognised, in the same year, by the Ford Motor Company as one of their Women with Drive.

Nikki speaks with energy, passion, self-deprecating humour and a disarming honesty and vulnerability. Future-proof Yourself (Penguin Random House), her book on dancing with disruption, hits the shelves in July 2021. She has co-authored a number of best-selling parenting books with major publishers, including, Futureproof Your Child for the 2020s and Beyond (Penguin Random House, 2019) and has fielded over 3 000 media interviews in the past 15 years.

PARMI NATESAN

Parmi Natesan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA).

Parmi has been with the IoDSA for 10 years. She is a leading corporate governance specialist in the country who has authored numerous articles and papers and spoken at various conferences and events. She has also attained the Chartered Director (SA) designation.

She has served as an Executive Director on the Board of the IoDSA for 5 years. She also served on the board of PPS Holdings Trust and currently serves on Alviva Holdings as a non-executive director and St Peters College as a Council member.

Parmi represents the IoDSA on a number of forums and committees, including the King Committee of South Africa, the Integrated Reporting Committee of South Africa, the Anti-intimidation and Ethical Practices Forum, the 30% Club (which advocates for gender diversity on boards) and the Global Network of Director Institutes.

She has received numerous accolades over her career, including a Rising Star alumni award from the Nelson Mandela University and was named one of Destiny magazine’s top 40 African women under the age of 40.

Parmi is a qualified chartered accountant, registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, with BCom (cum laude) and BCom (Honours) degrees.

Parmi Natesan

KIM POTGIETER

Kim is an author, speaker, voracious learner and expert financial planner.

She believes that you cannot plan for your money without planning for your life first and advocates that life planning is an integral part of financial planning. This allows her clients to live their best possible lives by aligning their money with purpose and meaning.

As Director and Head of Life Planning at Chartered Wealth Solutions, she able to combine her two passions: helping people with their relationship with money and guiding clients to get the most life from their money in their second chapter.

As an author, Kim has written three eBooks and two books, Retiremeant – get more meaning for your money (2015), and her latest, Midlife Money Makeover (2021). Her message is clear; by understanding your relationship with money, you can begin to shift your mindset to create positive and powerful transitions.

Kim is an inspirational speaker and active media personality and is regularly invited to speak at events. Using her Money, Meaning, Mindshift approach, she shifts individuals and groups to pay attention to their lives and give intention to their money.

As a voracious learner, Kim is a Registered Financial Life Planner, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, an accredited ICF (International Coaching Federation) Professional Coach, a Dare to Lead™ Facilitator and a New Money Story Mentor Coach. Her Industrial and Clinical Psychology degrees further enable her to assist clients with their relationship with money and changing money habits that don’t serve them.

Kim has literally travelled the world meeting with visionaries and mentors to bring to her clients new ideas and insight on how to design a life that they’re excited to live and, making sure that money is where it needs to be – as a friend, not a foe. “Money is meant to enable you to live the life you dream of having,” says Kim.

Kim is passionate about empowering people to give intention to their money and live with purpose, on purpose.

KUBASHNEE MOODLEY

Accredited Time to Think Facilitator

Certified MCC Coach through the International Society of Neuro-Semantics

Kay Moodley has also achieved various academic qualifications, i.e. a recognised Skills Development Facilitator, graduate from WITS Business School, Faculty of Law, Commerce and Management for Management Development, along with an Operational Management Coach level 3 U.K. accreditation, and as a certified Prince II Project Manager.

At an early age, Kubashnee also known as Kay believed in the power of people and positive thinking. Her circumstances motivated her in setting out a path of sound values, hopes and dreams for all those that she engaged with. Kay has over 20 years of experience in Business and People, her strength lies in Coaching and Facilitation. Kay’s Core focus being people development aligned with business strategy and growth whilst working with all levels of management.

Kay has project managed, coached, mentored and facilitated workshops with Leaders across Europe (U.K., Ireland, Scotland, Dublin), South Africa, Tanzania and represented South Africa at the EMEA Customer Services Conference with Bausch and Lomb S.A. in France.

Kay is also passionate about conversations around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, especially gender equality at home and work, with a sound belief that these conversations will support shape the future we all want for our country.

Tracey Ward

Tracey Ward joined Investec in 2018, taking up the role as a financial advisor within the Investec Life team in Port Elizabeth.

She has over 20 years’ experience in financial services working as a financial advisor, distribution director, product specialist and business consultant. Tracey is passionate about the financial education of young professionals, individuals and entrepreneurs and believes in building meaningful relationships with both her clients and colleagues.

She holds an MBA from the University of Wales, a post-graduate diploma in financial planning from the University of the Free State and is soon to be a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

MELENE ROSSOUW

Melene is an internationally recognised gender and human rights activist, global award winner, public speaker, moderator, facilitator, strategist, and consultant. She is an attorney by profession with 13 years of experience in the private, governmental, and non-governmental sectors. Melene graduated from the University of the Western Cape with a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) specialising in Public and Constitutional Law.

Some of the positions she has held were attorney, legal researcher, national cabinet committee secretary, special advisor to the minister and ministerial media spokesperson. Melene has served in respected offices such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Western Cape High Court, The Presidency of South Africa and two National Government Ministries. In 2017, Melene co-founded Women Lead Movement and currently serves as the Executive Director of the organisation. In 2020, Women Lead Movement established another office in Madagascar to build on its Pan-African vision for the movement.

Some of her accolades include being selected by the prestigious Obama Foundation as an Obama Leader in Africa (2018). She is also a contributor to the Future Africa Forum in Governance and Human Rights in Africa since 2017. In 2019, Melene was selected as one of 11 Spokeswomen in Africa for the Global Campaign on Gender Equality by the US-based ONE Global Campaign and has subsequently participated in three more global campaigns such as #YoursInPower and #PassTheMic that respectively reached more than 750 000 and 250 million people globally. In 2019, she was also selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) by the US Department of State. Melene is also a member of the African Women Leadership Network, which is a movement supported by UN Women and the African Union as well as the Public Speaking Association of Southern Africa.

In 2020, Melene was selected by Junior Chamber International (JCI) as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World honourees in the category for World Peace/Human Rights. She was also selected by JCI South Africa as a Top Outstanding Young Person in South Africa and nominated by Avance Media as ‘100 Most Influential Women in Africa 2020’. In October 2020, Melene was also selected as “100 Most Influential Young Africans” and made the Top Ten list of Most Influential Young Africans in the category for “Leadership and Civil Society” by Africa Youth Awards. In 2021, Melene was appointed as a Play Your Part Ambassador by Official Brand South Africa responsible for promoting a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa. She was also recently named as one of the 100 Most Influential South Africans and appointed as the youngest Board member of Western Province Professional Rugby.

Through her work, she has initiated and led many impactful educational and advocacy programmes and interventions online and in communities reaching thousands of people in South Africa alone. Melene has also led highly complex public engagement processes on pertinent issues affecting the country and communities. She is often called upon to participate in engagements and share her expertise on issues relating to Democracy, Governance, Active Citizenry, and Gender Equality on national, regional, and international platforms.

THATO BELANG

Thato is a Leadership & Authenticity Business-Coach and TEDx Speaker who is very passionate about people development and growth as well as helping them unleash their greatness and become the best versions of themselves.

Thato is a zealous inspirational, keynote and TEDx Speaker, a Leadership and Authenticity Coach, and Facilitator. Her research on Business Executive Coaching and female leaders’ authenticity, has made her a guru on the subject of authenticity. Her speaking and facilitation experience spans through corporate events, conferences and seminars.

A seasoned Management Consultant who is passionate about people development and growth, leadership development, African problem-solving, storytelling and has wealth of experience in the Financial Services, Telecommunications, Mining, and Insurance industries.

Through her passionate work, Thato systematically works with individuals to help use their authenticity as their power to influence and make an impact. This passion has led her to become a member of the Female Wave of Change; a global movement that unites women changing the world into a better place. She has also created a platform called Authentic Dialogues with Thato where relevant, compelling, engaging and inspiring conversations take place in a manner that shift perspectives and propel people to serve, to positively influence and to make an impact in the world.

AISHA PANDOR

Aisha R. Pandor is co-founder and CEO of multi-award-winning SweepSouth, Africa’s first online home services platform. Venture-backed, SweepSouth was the first South African startup to be accepted into the 500 Startups accelerator based in Silicon Valley. Aisha completed her PhD in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town.

Following her studies, she worked as a management consultant in the telecoms and mining industries. SweepSouth is an advocate for financial and digital inclusivity and has connected over 25,000 previously unemployed/underemployed home service providers to work opportunities.

NASTASSIA ARENDSE

Nastassia Arendse is a business news anchor at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) helping viewers navigate the world of stocks and investing. She is the host of a weekly book feature at the public broadcaster where she sits down with local and international authors. In addition to that, you can catch her on KayaFM.

Having debuted on radio as a traffic reporter for YFM (99.2 FM), Nastassia has been in broadcasting for 11 years, and has worked in both television and radio. As a television anchor, she presented Closing Bell East Africa and Open Exchange on international business channel CNBC Africa. She has also hosted business shows on Business Day Tv, SAfm and Classic FM.

As an experienced reporter, she has covered global commodity markets for Moneyweb writing features that track changes and trends worldwide in the commodity space. The beat focused on how prospects for the global economy, interest rates and currencies influence investor decisions in relation to gold, precious metals, fixed income and equities.

She represents a new breed of journalists that have managed to break the mould of the profession and explore different avenues in the media and public sphere.

She is a Tedx alumni and you can watch her Ted Talk titled “Living from the Inside Out” here: https://bit.ly/2EcS9wq

MATSI MODISE

Founder & CEO of Furaha Afrika Holdings a company with subsidiaries including Furaha Solutions (a joint venture partnership with Work Force, a listed AltX-JSE company), Furaha Enterprise Development and Furaha Advisory. www.furaha.co.za

Co-founded Emerge Business Consultants that provided services that include Supplier Development, Enterprise Development strategy formulation and implementation, BBBEE advisory and verification, Small Medium Enterprise education and capacity training.

CO-FOUNDER OF SiMODiSA DIGITAL PORTAL, South Africa’s digital home for entrepreneurs, a portal that aggregates information, opportunities, access to markets, access to funding, and access to resources and tools, to guide entrepreneurs from idea to scale.

Vice-Chairperson of SiMODiSA, an industry association that catalyses and amplifies high growth, high impact entrepreneurship, by providing access to markets, access to social capital and advocating for the growth of the Venture Capital industry and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Former MD of the South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum (SABEF), the industry association that created entrepreneurship ecosystems in South African townships, rural and peri-urban areas

Written for and has been featured in numerous local and international publications, including Forbes Africa, Small Business Connect, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Boston Review, Mail & Guardian, Succeed Magazine, Destiny Magazine, The New Age newspaper, Business Day and City Press and recently Venture Burn.

Matsi is a weekly featured guest on Radio 2000 and formerly SAfm as a business mentor.

NICKY WILSON HARRIS

Nicky is an eclectic master practitioner in leadership development and growth with experience across all levels in the Corporate, Government and NGO sectors. Her work is supported by extensive training in both coaching and facilitation reflected in local and international credentials. Her current focus is on enabling leaders to strategically and significantly extend their capacity to ignite performance and creativity in ever-changing environments. Nicky revels in working with emerging complexities, constantly striving to better understand diversity and effect positive shifts in cultural dynamics that are both agile and enduring. She believes she has the best job in the world and genuinely enjoys everything she does.

” Love what you do, be good at it and make yourself easy to work with.”

NOZIPHO TSHABALALA

Nozipho Tshabalala is a Conversation Strategist moderating global conversations that are designed to have measurable outcomes, her company is committed to building a cohort of empowered conversation strategists that moderate conversations that advance development in the world. She has moderated conversations for global bodies including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations, the African Union as well as multinationals operating in Africa.

With an academic and practice background spanning Economics, Politics and Policy, Development, Business and Strategy, and Social Economics, she is in demand for her unique and insightful ability to facilitate complex conversations with simplicity, depth and breadth

In her previous capacity as prime time business anchor, Nozipho lifted the African business story, making her an award-winning financial markets broadcaster at CNBC Africa.

Nozipho extends her leadership on various boards including LRMG (Chairperson Designate), Africa Leadership Initiative South Africa ( Non-Executive Director ), TEDx Gresham Place (Advisory Board) and the BeyGOOD Global Citizen Fellowship (Advisory Coincil).

She enjoys the fellowship of the following prestigious institutions: Gordan Institute for Business Science’s Centre for African Management and Markets (CAMM), Young African leadership Initiative (YALI) and is a Tutu fellow. In 2019 she was named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Young Africans and one of the Top 100 Most Influential South Africans

REDI TLHABI

Redi Tlhabi is a highly distinguished, senior South African Journalist, Executive Producer, Radio and Television Presenter, columnist and author, with over 20 years of experience, mainly in radio and television broadcasting. She is currently the anchor and executive producer of The Big Debate, Africa’s only town hall, social justice live television and digital programme.

It brings together newsmakers, government officials, business leaders, researchers and most importantly for Redi, poor communities that are affected by the decisions of those who are powerful. In this role, Redi leads a team of producers, film-makers, researchers and investigative journalists in producing world-class content that covers an eclectic array of themes – climate change, poverty and inequality, education, toxic masculinity and violence against women, abuse of state power, corruption and many other crucial themes that affect all corners of the continent. She produces and directs social justice content, edits and signs off on scripts and themes for the show. This is a live television and digital media programme that is flighted across 53 African nations. Her role also involves fundraising for the series and negotiating with channels for the most suitable partnership and timeslot for the programme.

In keeping with the versatility for which she is known and admired, Redi recently launched a digital tv show on YouTube, Rise Above, to educate audiences about Covid19 in Africa. In this role, she hosted an online town hall that featured health ministers, community activists and academics. The most-watched in this series was a townhall with South Africa’s education ministers, in which Redi as an anchor and executive producer, challenged the minister about the reopening of schools as Covid19 infections rise. Redi brought the voices of teachers, school children, academics and policymakers., in a live digital platform that used all facets of social media – Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram and video to tell the story with nuance and complexity.

In 2020, Redi collaborated with National Geographic, to produce Women Of Impact, an initiative that started on International Women’s Day and ran until Women’s Day in South Africa (August 9th). It is a series of Gripping documentaries, telling the stories of women who are changing the world, despite obstacles – from women doctors working to save lives in a makeshift hospital – a cave – whilst bombs go off in Syria, to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul.

USHA MAHARAJ

Usha Maharaj CA(SA) is a Speaker, Facilitator, and Brain-based Coach who thrives on helping young professionals and women shatter glass ceilings and win in all areas of their lives through her own experience in a high-performing corporate workplace.

As a past director in a Big 4 audit firm and current non-executive director and female entrepreneur, Usha is your go-to guide when you’re ready to quicken the pace of your career growth and get back into the driver’s seat of your own life. She’s been there, she knows the way and she actively shows the way. Usha will help you to step up and into the most confident version of yourself and discover your own success.

CAMI MBULAWA

With over 12 years of experience, Cami serves as an executive within the alternative investment team at RisCura – a market leader in investment solutions in emerging markets such as Africa and China, with $200bn in assets under management. She provides unlisted investment services for clients across all alternative asset classes such as private equity, infrastructure and private debt.

As a director of RisCura Fundamentals (Pty) Ltd she is the training officer overseeing RisCura’s Chartered Accountant training programme, business development and team operations. Cami’s passion for business led her to gain invaluable corporate governance and risk management expertise. This is evident in her appointments as an independent non-executive director in the asset management, printing, enterprise development and state-owned entity space. These include ministerial appointments on the University of the Western Cape council and the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) where she has recently been appointed as the chair of its audit committee.

She also sits on the boards of Africa Check and Aeon Asset Management. She is the chairman of Tyhini, an enterprise development fund. Cami was executive director at Grassroots Capital, responsible for growing and monitoring the agri-finance company loan book. She has also worked at BP Southern Africa and Investec Asset Management. She is a CA (SA) and completed her articles at KPMG. Cami was recently admitted as a chartered director(SA) by the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA).

JEAN HAZLITT

Jean is an international speaker and internationally recognised coach who is giving back to the coaching profession through her PHD work. From a corporate perspective, she disrupts people in their thinking, which enhances business at many different levels. She has been working in the corporate space for over 19 years.

Jean is a Doctor of Leadership and Coaching through Monarch Business School Switzerland. Certified as a Professional Integral Coach (PCC) through the Centre for Coaching (Graduate School of Business – University of Cape Town). She is registered as a Coaching Practitioner with COMENSA (Coaching and Mentoring of South Africa) and ICF (International Coaching Federation) with PCC accreditation. Jean is a trained coach supervisor and runs small supervision groups privately or for internal coaches. She is a committee member on the COMENSA Supervision Portfolio. She is involved in mentoring coaches at two coaching schools in South Africa, the Centre for Coaching and The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP). She also volunteers as a coach on the MBA coach elect program at GSB – UCT. Jean has been an internal coach in a financial organisation for over 16 years. Internal coaching work includes running redeployment workshops, change management, one on one or group coaching with senior managers and their teams, and group supervision for most of the internal coaches in the organisation.

She has been coaching since 2003 in the Business environment, incorporating both Executive and Life Coaching. Coaching clients fall across a wide spectrum, from sales teams and/or individuals, Owners/Directors of small companies, Financial Planners, MBA Students, Senior and Middle Management in large financial organisations, including Executives in African countries and Operations Managers in prestigious Hotels.

FELICITY STEADMAN

Felicity Steadman comes from a Business and Industrial Relations background. She has worked in companies, including in the Premier Group in South Africa, and dispute resolution organisations such as the Independent Mediation Service of South Africa (IMSSA), the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), and the Centre for Effective Dispute resolution (CEDR). She is a Director in Conflict Dynamics in South Africa. She works internationally, and in South Africa. She has worked as an independent mediator for more than 30 years.

She was first accredited as a mediator in 1989 by IMSSA, and then in 2003 by CEDR in the UK. She has also been trained as a senior conciliator with the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (UK), and is an ILM Qualified Workplace Mediator. She is DiSAC Accredited and also Certified by the International Mediation Institute. She has a BA Hons. from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MA in Industrial Relations from the University of Warwick. She has also completed the Certificate of Industrial Relations and the Higher Diploma in Labour Law, both at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Felicity has written extensively in the dispute resolution field, including as co-author with John Brand and Chris Todd: Commercial Mediation: A User’s Guide. This comprehensive overview of commercial mediation in South Africa provides a practical guide for mediators and parties, and their representatives, on what to expect from mediation and how to get the most out of the process.

Felicity has worked as a trainer since 1981 starting with the Institute of Industrial Relations. Felicity has trained mediators since 1989 when she joined the Independent Mediation Service of South Africa (IMSSA). At that time she was trained in the Training for Learning approach to training. She trained mediators for IMSSA for many years and then co-designed the training materials for the newly established Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in 1996. She also designed and trained training materials for the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation for training mediators and negotiations around the world. Felicity is currently Head of Faculty of the CEDR Mediator Skills Training course and she trains mediators in South Africa for Conflict Dynamics.

RAMS MABOTE

Rams Mabote is an established and accomplished, author, journalist and broadcaster and communications and reputation consultant. He is currently the host of Media&Society on SABC News (Channel 404) and has worked for among others MetroFM, Radio 702, Kaya FM, The Star, The Cape Times, The Sunday Times and SABC3. 

He brings experience as Keynote Speaker, Facilitator and MC, Coach, Trainer and Mentor. 

Rams is also a well-known GBV activist. His passion is youth mentorship. In 2014 he founded Future Kings (under the Rams Mabote Foundation) an initiative aimed at mentoring teenage boys into responsible manhood. Rams is the Chief Volunteer Officer of Future Kings and has in the last seven years single-handedly gone to schools to speak to boys and organised camps, that he calls modern-day initiation schools. 

YOLANDA CUBA

Yolanda Cuba is the Vice President: Southern & East Africa of MTN Group, having joined in January 2020. She served as the Group Chief Digital & FinTech Officer prior to her current role. She is the former CEO of Vodafone Ghana and former Group Chief Strategy Officer for strategy, new business and M&A at Vodacom Group covering South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, DRC and Lesotho.

She comes with a wealth of experience in telecoms, financial services and fast-moving consumer goods, amongst others. Her work experience started in corporate finance and transitioned to operational management in diversified industries.

Yolanda was one of the youngest CEOs of a JSE-listed company at the age of 29 years and has been recognised as CEO/Business personality of the year by multiple platforms over her 20-year working experience. She was also selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the Young Global Leaders and named one of the Choiseul 100 Africa by Institut Choiseul (France).

She has served on numerous JSE-listed companies as a non-executive director including Absa Group, where she was the longest-serving member for 12 years before resigning in 2019.

Yolanda is a Chartered Accountant (CA SA) by training and holds BCom Statistics (University of Cape Town), BCom Accounting Honours (University of KZN) and MCom (University of Pretoria) degrees and she is an alumnus of programs at INSEAD and Harvard Kennedy School.

She is passionate about education and inclusive social and financial development and has served on the Advisory Board of Stellenbosch University Business School, a founder of Cuba-Mtyi Foundation and has served on the Nelson Mandela Foundation Investment Committee since 2006. She is also the founder of The Mentorship Boardroom, a platform for mentorship where trailblazers mentor the next leaders in Africa. The Mentorship Boardroom aims to impact 1 000 000 lives in Africa, of which 70% should be women and children.

JUANITA VORSTER

Juanita Vorster regularly guides business leaders in the fast lane to future success, with a specific focus on doing better business, better.

Juanita is a successful business owner and holds the designations of Certified Director (SA) and Certified Ethics Officer.

As an “old millennial” she has experienced the world of work how it used to be, as well as where it has already shifted to.

Her experience and knack for simplicity allows her to give practical guidance to any business on how to stay ahead of the curve.

Juanita Vorster