LeadUP Podcast
34 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingAlumni and friends of the University of Pretoria (UP) share their stories and leadership lessons on this podcast by the leading contact university in Africa. Prominent UP alumni from across disciplines – from business and law to medicine and the arts – share details about where their journey has taken them after their time at Tuks, and what they’ve learned along the way. LeadUP is a project of the Alumni Relations Office of the University of Pretoria. You can find out more about us or get in touch at up.ac.za/leadup.
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Episodes
Sipho Ngwenya, media executive and former child star, on how to find your space in the entertainment industry
September 25, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBSipho Ngwenya, formerly known as Psyfo, was a child star before becoming a household name playing Ajax on Generations. After a successful period as a musician, he received his MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and is now a senior manager at Showmax. On this episode, he chats to us about: Lessons he’s learned from achieving fame and success early on. How he’s transitioned between different parts of the entertainment industry. Dedicating...
Robyn Oates, UN Sustainable Development Officer, on working for good
August 28, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.6 MBRobyn Oates is a Sustainable Development Officer in the United Nations Secretary General’s Office in New York City. After completing her BCom Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria, she worked in the private sector, including at Deloitte and Barclays Capital. On this episode, she chats to us about: How her family’s support helped her find the courage to explore internationally. Finding her voice in the private sector. Living her dream in New York City. How she hol...
Munozovepi Gwata, fintech entrepreneur, on financial literacy for success
July 31, 2023 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBMunozovepi Gwata is the founder of Kukura Capital, and an entrepreneur passionate about teaching Africans about financial literacy. She completed her LLB at the University of Pretoria before moving to Webber Wentzel, and is currently a Principal Consultant at IQbusiness. She has been involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered a TEDxTalk, and has written for a variety of financial media outlets. On this episode, she chats to us about: What d...
Shakila Dada, communications expert, on communication as a way to boost inclusivity
June 26, 2023 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBProfessor Shakila Dada is the Director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her work focuses on improving the lives of people with severe communication difficulties. She is a powerful example of UP alumni becoming staff and building long-running relationships with the institution that ultimately help change lives on a large scale. On this episode, she chats to us about: How improved communication can help people live better, fuller lives. ...
Laurie Dippenaar, millionaire and businessman, on building trust and wealth
May 29, 2023 03:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBLaurie Dippenaar is a South African millionaire, businessman, investor, and banker with a wealth of knowledge who co-founded the FirstRand Financial Group, which includes subsidiaries WesBank, FNB, and RMB. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Master of Commerce degree, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate. On this episode, he speaks to us about: How he started out in banking. Creating a business environment based on trust. How he’s encouraged other entrepreneu...
Ndavi Nokeri, Miss SA 2022, on overcoming inequality in education
April 24, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBNdavi Nokeri is now the third consecutive Miss South Africa to have graduated from the University of Pretoria. She received her Bcom Investment Management degree a few months before she was crowned Miss South Africa and instantly became a role model to young and older people all over the country. On this episode she speaks to us about: How and why she decided to study at the University of Pretoria. How little things contribute towards achieving a big goal. Entering the Miss SA competitio...
Broadcaster Carmen Reddy on making it in media
September 26, 2022 04:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBCarmen Reddy started her journalism career at TuksFM while studying at the University of Pretoria, and has since worked for the likes of 5FM, Primedia, eNCA, and Newzroom Afrika. She is currently a media consultant. On this episode she speaks to us about: Starting out on campus radio. Taking risks and proving herself in commercial radio. How her ideas about success have evolved over time. The importance of helping others in the industry. Learning to take no as an answer and adjustin...
Dr Anton Meyberg on being on the frontline of the pandemic
August 29, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBDr Anton Meyberg is a specialist physician and pulmonologist, working in clinical medicine as an ICU physician and intensivist at Linksfield Clinic in Johannesburg. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic he faced the disease in wards – and educated the public about it through podcasting and more. On this episode he speaks to us about: Studying in Afrikaans while growing up in English. How COVID-19 taught doctors humility and collaboration. The emotional and psychological effects of the pandemi...
Faan van der Walt, co-founder of WeBuyCars, on building a successful company from scratch
July 25, 2022 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWeBuyCars was founded by two brothers and quickly became one of the biggest car-buying companies in South Africa. Faan van der Walt, one of the co-founders, has learned a lot about success on this journey of growing and evolving a business. On this episode he speaks to us about: How his childhood fascination with cars turned into a long-term career. What it is like to build a business with his brother. How their success was built on determined focus. The story behind buying The Dome in ...
Dr Perekeme Mutu, Centre for Child Law researcher, on resilience and hard work
June 27, 2022 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBKnown as ‘Mr Deadline’, Dr Perekeme Mutu moved to South Africa from Nigeria to pursue his studies, and worked multiple jobs – including as a security guard and a car washer – to fund his academic career. His perseverance paid off handsomely when he completed two degrees at the same time, including his Doctor of Philosophy (Law) from UP. He is currently a researcher at the Centre for Child Law and a post-doctoral fellow with UNESCO Education Law in Africa, at the University of Pretoria. On ...
Yolana Du Plessis-Martin, management consultant, on transitioning between ideas of success
May 30, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 20.1 MBYolana Du Plessis-Martin, who is now an Engagement Manager at Deloitte Consulting in New York, was a promising young swimmer at the University of Pretoria’s TuksSport High School and its first Head Girl in 2006. When an injury dashed her Olympic dreams, she had to rethink her ideas of the future. A move abroad later, she graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with majors in Global Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, while also competing as a Division 1 stu...
Yolana Du Plessis-Martin, management consultant, on transitioning between ideas of success
May 30, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 20.1 MBYolana Du Plessis-Martin, who is now an Engagement Manager at Deloitte Consulting in New York, was a promising young swimmer at the University of Pretoria’s TuksSport High School and its first Head Girl in 2006. When an injury dashed her Olympic dreams, she had to rethink her ideas of the future. A move abroad later, she graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with majors in Global Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, while also competing as a Division 1 stu...
Nozipho Tshabalala, conversation strategist, on choosing significance over success
April 25, 2022 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBWe kick off the second season of the podcast, which speaks to University of Pretoria (UP) alumni about their experiences of success, with Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO of The Conversation Strategist. Tshabalala works with big brands globally to help shape their strategies and work. She has been an award-winning journalist and has worked with CNBC Africa among others. She also completed her Honours in International Relations at UP. On this episode she speaks to us about: How she defined her own r...
Special episode: Professor Tawana Kupe, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, reflects on leadership lessons from our podcasts
December 20, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBProfessor Tawana Kupe is not only Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, but a big fan of the LeadUP Podcast! In this special episode to wrap up this first season of the podcast, Prof Kupe reflects on some of the highlights of our previous interviews with UP alumni, and shares his own experiences of leadership. On this episode he speaks about: His ‘why’, and the purpose guiding him. The importance of reflection as a leader. The privilege of being a leader and br...
Deepa Sita, UP alumna and CFO of Tiger Brands, on taking every good opportunity
December 13, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBDeepa Sita is the Chief Financial Officer at Tiger Brands, after holding similar roles at the likes of Mondelēz and Makro. She grew up working in a family business that she then took over after her father’s death. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds an MBA (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). On this episode she speaks about: Falling in love with being a chartered accountant and making good business decisions. Taking o...
Deepa Sita, UP alumna and CFO of Tiger Brands, on taking every good opportunity
December 13, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBDeepa Sita is the Chief Financial Officer at Tiger Brands, after holding similar roles at the likes of Mondelēz and Makro. She grew up working in a family business that she then took over after her father’s death. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds an MBA (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). On this episode she speaks about: Falling in love with being a chartered accountant and making good business decisions. Taking o...
Andries Levi Pretorius, UP alum and entrepreneur, on risking failure in pursuit of success
December 06, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBAndries Levi Pretorius is a serial entrepreneur, from selling candy floss as a student to innovating in the real estate industry. He completed his BCom Honours in Finance & Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria while running a leading confectionery business called Willmor Candy Co. He later co-founded an extraordinary property investment group, WeBuyProp, and is currently the head of strategic partnership and growth at LeadHome. On this episode he speaks about: Enjoying the th...
Andries Levi Pretorius, UP alum and entrepreneur, on risking failure in pursuit of success
December 06, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBAndries Levi Pretorius is a serial entrepreneur, from selling candy floss as a student to innovating in the real estate industry. He completed his BCom Honours in Finance & Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria while running a leading confectionery business called Willmor Candy Co. He later co-founded an extraordinary property investment group, WeBuyProp, and is currently the head of strategic partnership and growth at LeadHome. On this episode he speaks about: Enjoying the th...
Dr Coceka Mfundisi, UP alumna and neurosurgeon, on why you should not give up
November 22, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBDr Coceka Mfundisi is the first woman to receive a Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery degree from the University of Pretoria. She now practices as a specialist neurosurgeon at Busamed Modderfontein private hospital and has interests in neurotrauma, neuro-oncology and spinal surgery. Her notable achievements include being a member of the Golden Lions Rugby Club Medical Committee, serving as a test match surgeon during international rugby matches. She is currently a member of the Health Prof...
Dion Shango, UP alum and PwC Africa CEO, on creating a strong culture
November 08, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBDion Shango started with global professional services firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers soon after graduating with a BCom Financial Accounting from the University of Pretoria over two decades ago, and became PwC's Africa CEO in 2019. On this episode he speaks about: How his community of colleagues and women-led family have shaped his success Creating a strong and positive culture in a large company Building trust externally and internally as the bedrock of PwC’s business Staying and growing ...
Leandri van der Wat, UP alumna working at L’Oreal in Paris, on authentic leadership
October 25, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBLeandri van der Wat is a Product Development Engineer at L’Oreal International in Paris. She holds a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Pretoria. In 2013, she finished second in the TV show Masterchef South Africa, and she is the co-author, with her sister, of the cookbook Two’. On this episode she speaks about: How she has grown and fostered her curiosity Masterchef teaching her to fearlessly go for her dreams That her job at L’Oreal International came at just th...
Kresen Pillay, UP alum and wildlife vet, on leading humans as well as animals
October 11, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBDr Kresen Pillay is a graduate of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, the second oldest veterinary faculty in Africa and the only one of its kind in South Africa. He recently moved to Australia to pioneer a new department as the Manager of Veterinary Services at the Sydney Zoo. Among the many other highlights of his career so far, Dr Pillay was part of the team that conducted surgery on Makokou, a gorilla from the Johannesburg Zoo. The rare surgery garnered internat...
Rev Charlotte Sibanyoni, UP alumna and first black female NG Kerk minister, on impacting a community from within
September 27, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBReverend Charlotte Sibanyoni is the first black woman to be ordained by the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NG Kerk). She is currently a PhD scholar and lecturer in Hebrew at the University of Pretoria (UP), where she obtained her Masters of Divinity and undergraduate degrees. She is actively involved in the Pretoria community and runs the student Greenleaf student ministry on UP’s Groenkloof (Faculty of Education) Campus. On this episode she speaks about: How growing up in the hou...
Rev Charlotte Sibanyoni, UP alumna and first black female NG Kerk minister, on impacting a community from within
September 27, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBReverend Charlotte Sibanyoni is the first black woman to be ordained by the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NG Kerk). She is currently a PhD scholar and lecturer in Hebrew at the University of Pretoria (UP), where she obtained her Masters of Divinity and undergraduate degrees. She is actively involved in the Pretoria community and runs the student Greenleaf student ministry on UP’s Groenkloof (Faculty of Education) Campus. On this episode she speaks about: How growing up in the hou...
Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss SA and UP alumna, on finding your voice as a leader
September 13, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBMiss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida, obtained a Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. She has used her reign to bring awareness to mental health issues, has launched her #MindfulMondays mental health online programme and addressed the United Nations on the subject. Musida has also placed her focus on the educational and economic empowerment of children and women. More recently, she published a children’s book that focuses o...
Nicol Verheem, UP alumnus and Oscar winner, on failing as part of growth
August 30, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBAs a Tuks student he moonlighted to pay his bills, and now his team has won a technical Oscar for creating new technology that gets used in making many of our favourite movies and shows. Nicol Verheem is an entrepreneur and innovator who completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria, and went on to become CEO of Creative Solutions and founder of Teradek. In 2021, he won an Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scient...
Nicol Verheem, UP alumnus and Oscar winner, on failing as part of growth
August 30, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBAs a Tuks student he moonlighted to pay his bills, and now his team has won a technical Oscar for creating new technology that gets used in making many of our favourite movies and shows. Nicol Verheem is an entrepreneur and innovator who completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria, and went on to become CEO of Creative Solutions and founder of Teradek. In 2021, he won an Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scient...
Nicol Verheem, Oscar winner, on failing as part of growth
August 30, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBAs a Tuks student he moonlighted to pay his bills, and now his team has won a technical Oscar for creating new technology that gets used in making many of our favourite movies and shows. Nicol Verheem is an entrepreneur and innovator who completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria, and went on to become CEO of Creative Solutions and founder of Teradek. In 2021, he won an Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scient...
Hon Yvonne Dausab, UP alumna and Minister of Justice of Namibia, on leading for social justice
August 16, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBShe became a minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has had a passion for social justice since childhood. On this second episode of the LeadUP Podcast, we speak to the Honourable Yvonne Dausab, Minister of Justice of Namibia, who holds a Master of Laws degree, specialising in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, from UP. Dausab is the former Chairperson of Namibia’s Law Reform and Development Commission, and was previously the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University ...
Hon Yvonne Dausab, Minister of Justice of Namibia, on leading for social justice
August 16, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBShe became a minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has had a passion for social justice since childhood. On this second episode of the LeadUP Podcast, we speak to the Honourable Yvonne Dausab, Minister of Justice of Namibia, who holds a Master of Laws degree, specialising in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, from UP. Dausab is the former Chairperson of Namibia’s Law Reform and Development Commission, and was previously the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University ...
Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of BP Southern Africa, on finding your 'why' as a leader
August 02, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBOn our very first episode of the LeadUP Podcast, we speak to a University of Pretoria alumna who is a trailblazer in her field. Taelo Mojapelo has been the CEO of BP Southern Africa since June 2020, making her only the second African woman in the country’s oil and gas industry to head a multinational company. Mojapelo did her MBA at UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). On this episode she speaks to us about: Finding your purpose or your ‘why’ as a basis for leadership and b...
Taelo Mojapelo, UP alumna and CEO of BP Southern Africa, on finding your 'why' as a leader
August 02, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBOn our very first episode of the LeadUP Podcast, we speak to a University of Pretoria alumna who is a trailblazer in her field. Taelo Mojapelo has been the CEO of BP Southern Africa since June 2020, making her only the second African woman in the country’s oil and gas industry to head a multinational company. Mojapelo did her MBA at UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). On this episode she speaks to us about: Finding your purpose or your ‘why’ as a basis for leadership and b...
LeadUP Podcast - Coming soon!
July 26, 2021 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.32 MBAlumni and friends of the University of Pretoria share their stories and leadership lessons on this podcast developed by the leading contact university in Africa. Keep your eyes and ears open for this brand new podcast launching on 2 August, with new episodes every second Monday. You’ll hear how leaders from the worlds of the arts, business, sport, and more became who they are. Hear from the likes of the CEO of BP Southern Africa, Taelo Mojapelo, and Namibian Justice Minister Yvonne Dausa...
LeadUP Podcast - Coming soon!
July 26, 2021 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.32 MBAlumni and friends of the University of Pretoria share their stories and leadership lessons on this podcast developed by the leading contact university in Africa. Keep your eyes and ears open for this brand new podcast launching on 2 August, with new episodes every second Monday. You’ll hear how leaders from the worlds of the arts, business, sport, and more became who they are. Hear from the likes of the CEO of BP Southern Africa, Taelo Mojapelo, and Namibian Justice Minister Yvonne Dausa...