Shapers Podcast

Episode #49: Dion Chang, Futurist. Strategist. Ideas bank. Professional cage rattler.

In this riveting episode of The Shapers Podcast, Benjamin Shaw engages in a fast-paced, whirlwind conversation with Dion Chang – a futurist and trends analyst described as a professional cage rattler. Dion is a thoughtful strategist who challenges conventional wisdom and has the unique ability to synthesize great swathes of data into useful insight.   As the founder of Flux Trends, Dion has spent decades specializing in identifying unexpected business opportunities within the shifting bu...

Episode #48: Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, Professor. Pioneer. Accounting Authority. Human Capacity Developer.

In the upcoming episode of the Shapers podcast, host Benjamin Shaw welcomes Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, a titan in South Africa's journey of upliftment. With a CA MBA and numerous honorary doctorates, Prof Nkuhlu's career has seen him advise presidents and lead corporate turnarounds, notably as chairman of KPMG during challenging times. As the former president of SAICA and author of a celebrated biography, Prof Nkuhlu's insights promise to be invaluable.   Listeners will be captivated as Prof N...

Episode #47: Herman Marais, SA Private Equity Pioneer, Founder, Entrepreneur & Strategist

Join us for an illuminating discussion with Herman Marais, the Founding Partner of EXEO Capital. Benjamin Shaw takes us on a journey through Herman's rich 25+ years of professional experience, from studies through to instrumental roles in corporate restructuring and performance improvement, right to the co-founding EXEO Capital. Delve into the world of private equity, uncover the fascinating stories behind the creation of culture in a thriving firm, and gain insights into Herman's leadershi...

Episode #46: Talifhani Banks, Group CEO of AnalyticsX, Township Entrepreneur, Data Scientist

In this episode, Shapers Podcast host Benjamin Shaw welcomes Talifhani Banks, a data and advertising guru with a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Banks started his first business at 10, studied statistics and econometrics, and transitioned from corporate and consulting to launching analytics advertising. Now serving as the CEO of Analytics X, Banks is making waves by building technology for the township economy, specifically targeting spaza shops. Despite facing challenges, his efforts h...

Episode #45: Solly Moeng, Brand Reputation Strategist, Socio-Political Commentator, Columnist, Lecturer, Constructive Disruptor

In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Solly Moeng, a professional brand reputation strategist. Solly is deeply committed to fostering positive change in South Africa and is the founder of TUSAM – The United South African Movement. This organisation is dedicated to mobilising, inspiring, and uniting individuals and groups across civil society, politics, business, and various sectors to collaborate towards achieving sustainable and democratic change in South Africa. Throughout our...

Episode #44: Ameil Harikishun - Climate Finance Expert, Marine Biologist

In the upcoming episode of the Shapers podcast, Benjamin Shaw welcomes Ameil Harikishun as our distinguished guest. Ameil serves as the Finance Thematic Lead at Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and stands as a prominent authority in the realm of sustainability and resilience within the context of climate change. With a wealth of technical expertise and practical insights, Ameil takes us deep on a profound topic, delving into the intricacies and best ways to navigate the ever-...

Episode #43 – Zachariah George: Start-up Investor, Wall Street Banker, Managing Partner of Launch Africa Ventures

In this interview on the Shapers Podcast, Benjamin Shaw sits down with Zachariah George, the Managing Partner of Launch Africa Ventures, to delve into his remarkable journey in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Zachariah's impressive background and experiences are highlighted throughout the conversation. Zachariah, who plays a pivotal role in shaping venture capital across the African continent, began his career with a glittering allure for Wall Street, working as a Wall S...

Episode #42 – Part 2: Dan Novitzkas, Co-Founder of Specno and Will Green, Founder of Col.lab

This episode is part two of a two-part special in partnership with SA Innovation Summit. We have an in-depth discussion with Daniel Novitzkas and Will Green; venture builders and entrepreneurs who each tell their own unique story and share lessons on product development, founder support, business development and leadership.

Episode #42 – Part 1: Michelle Geere, CEO of Adbot and Tamiko Sher, Co-Founder of African Institute for Entrepreneurship

This episode is part of a two-part special in partnership with SA Innovation Summit. We had the opportunity to engage with key shapers of the Southern Africa entrepreneurial ecosystem, Michelle Geere and Tamiko Sher. They are Tech Research and AI marketing entrepreneurs who are digitsing and uplifting Africa. They have lessons to share on ecosystem development, co-funder matching and much more.

Episode #41: Riël Mallan, Entrepreneur, Private Equity Executive, EXEO Capital Partner, Angel Investor, Technologist, Podcaster, Merchant of Hope

We’re ushering in the new season with a new season of Shapers, Makers, Builders and Breakers.  The premise of the podcast remains the same – we interview extraordinary people who are moving the needle in significant ways. The show was founded by Riël Mallan in 2021, and has been growing steadily. In this season, the podcast will introduce a co-host, Benjamin Shaw, who is a Founder, Fellow, Investment Advisor and Author. And on the other side of the mic is none other than the original ...

Episode #40: Rachel Kolisi, Kolisi Foundation Co-Founder, CEO and Member, Businesswoman, Humanitarian and wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

In this episode Rachel Kolisi and I discuss the incredible journey that has shaped her life. From her upbringing to her current roles as the Kolisi Foundation Co-Founder and CEO, Businesswoman and Humanitarian, Rachel's story is one of resilience and empowerment. As the wife of South African rugby team Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel brings a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and the power of giving back to the community. Tune in as we delve into her experiences, challenges...

Episode #39: Dr Imtiaz Sooliman - Philanthropist, Humanitarian & Founder of the global disaster relief group, Gift of Givers

It is both our honour and pleasure to share with our listeners our latest podcast interview with the highly-esteemed and internationally-acclaimed humanitarian relief activist and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman.   He shares invaluable insights into the organisation’s relief efforts, which is hinged on the motto: best among people are those who benefit mankind. More importantly he shares his personal motivation, vision and journey to becoming one of the most recognised...

Episode #38: Sailor Malan - A hard-hitting conversation with historian, Dr. Yvonne Malan about one of South Africa’s great heroes, Sailor Malan - Royal Air Force’s number 1 fighter pilot.

In this episode Riël Malan has a discussion about one of South Africa's great heroes with historian Dr Yvonne Malan. Adolph, or more popularly known as Sailor, Malan was the Royal Air Force's number 1 fighter pilot who died of war-induced trauma and Parkinson disease at age 52 in 1963. After fighting in the war, Sailor chaired the Torch Commando, an organisation of 250 00 white members. Other than the ANC, it was the largest anti-apartheid organisation that South Africa has ever seen. Yet ...

Episode #38: Sailor Malan

Episode #37: Professor William Duggan - Professor of Strategy (Columbia), Author of “Strategic Intuition”, Creative Strategy Expert

In this episode Riël Malan speaks to Professor William Duggan who is the author of three recent books on innovation, delving particularly into Strategic Intuition, Creative Strategy Expert. Professor Duggan also teaches about strategy and innovation at the Columbia Business School. He has BA, MA and PhD degrees from Columbia University, and twenty years of experience as a strategy advisor and consultant.

Episode #36: Joshua Ngoma – Founder Eyesizwe Coal & EARN, entrepreneur, philanthropist and teacher

In this episode Riël Malan speaks to Joshua Ngoma who is the founder of Eyesizwe Coal and Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN). Poor health forced Joshua into early retirement from mining engineering and since his recovery he has redirected his time and efforts to his philanthropic hobby, which is teaching young African agricultural entrepreneurs how to grow profitable sustainable businesses, while contributing towards food security.

Episode #35: Sarah Arnot Mulhern - Leadership Expert, Coach, Author & Polymath

Take a listen to my thought-provoking conversation with Sarah Arnot Mulhern, who I would describe as a polymath. She is an author and has extensive experience as a business coach, currently coaching notable listed CEOs.  In our discussion, Sarah shares her views on organisational resilience, diversity, leadership and narcissism in the workplace among other things. #FindYourFocus #RielMalan #SarahArnotMulhern #podcast #leadership #diversity #coaching #resilience #neuroscience #successplanni...

Episode #34: Ronen Aires - guide, entrepreneur, psychedelic boundary breaker

I speak to Ronen Aires, an African pioneer in the re-discovery of psychedelics. These ancient compounds have been part of human existence and medication for thousands of years. Yet it has fallen out of favor over the past 60 years. Currently, the use of psychedelics in the treatment of multiple disorders is receiving renewed focus from both alternative health practitioners and medical research institutions around the world. Ronen shares his own journey with us, and we will explore some of ...

#33 Ian Fuhr - Maverick Entrepreneur, Founder: Sorbet, Brand Builder & Social Boundary Breaker

Ian Fuhr's name is synonymous with one of South Africa's most recognized brands, Sorbet, a chain of beauty salons that he founded in 2004. But his tireless work in building businesses based on fairness and equality is his greatest passion.

#32: Kiki Fernandes - CEO Marginpar Floriculture

Riël Malan talks to Richard (Kiki) Fernandes, CEO of East-African-based Marginpar Floriculture, producer and exporter of flowers from three African countries. His empowering-, people-centric approach made Marginpar globally competitive and established a culture that serves as an example of what investment in people can achieve in Africa.

#32: Styli Charalambous - CEO & Publisher of The Daily Maverick, Merchant of Truth, Co-Leader of Troublemakers

Riël Malan talks to Styli Charalambous, CEO & publisher of South Africa's leading news organization, The Daily Maverick. The Daily Maverick is credited (among many other things), to have broken the key state capture stories that catalyzed the Zondo Commission of Inquiry and leadership changes underway in South Africa.  Between Styli Charalambous & Branko Brkic, they lead a fearless group of die-hard journalists that bring South Africans the truth on a daily basis, often with little regard ...

#31: Styli Charalambous - CEO & Publisher of The Daily Maverick, Merchant of Truth, Co-Leader of Troublemakers

Riël Malan talks to Styli Charalambous, CEO & publisher of South Africa's leading news organization, The Daily Maverick. The Daily Maverick is credited (among many other things), to have broken the key state capture stories that catalyzed the Zondo Commission of Inquiry and leadership changes underway in South Africa.  Between Styli Charalambous & Branko Brkic, they lead a fearless group of die-hard journalists that bring South Africans the truth on a daily basis, often with little regard ...

#31: Professor Kelly Chibale (Part 2) - Making African research capacity globally competitive

Kelly Chibale's life unfolded like a movie script. Although success was not apparent at the start of his life. The conversation details his struggles and how he overcame the many setbacks on his way to the top of his profession in early-stage drug discovery. His life is an example of what education can do to the future of Africa's young population. This is the second part of a 2-part discussion, and focuses on why he came back to Africa, and what his vision is for African research capaci...

#30.2: Professor Kelly Chibale (Part 2) - Making African research capacity globally competitive

Kelly Chibale's life unfolded like a movie script. Although success was not apparent at the start of his life. The conversation details his struggles and how he overcame the many setbacks on his way to the top of his profession in early-stage drug discovery. His life is an example of what education can do to the future of Africa's young population. This is the second part of a 2-part discussion, and focuses on why he came back to Africa, and what his vision is for African research capaci...

#30 Professor Kelly Chibale (Part 1) - Escaping poverty through education

Kelly Chibale's life unfolded like a movie script. Although success was not apparent at the start of his life. The conversation details his struggles and how he overcame the many setbacks on his way to the top of his profession in early-stage drug discovery. In this in-depth discussion, he discusses perseverance and his philosophy for success, and his vision for Africa to play a much larger role in clinical trials and the pharma sector. His life is a real-life example of the tremendous p...

#30.1 Professor Kelly Chibale (Part 1) - Escaping poverty through education

Kelly Chibale's life unfolded like a movie script. Although success was not apparent at the start of his life. The conversation details his struggles and how he overcame the many setbacks on his way to the top of his profession in early-stage drug discovery. In this in-depth discussion, he discusses perseverance and his philosophy for success, and his vision for Africa to play a much larger role in clinical trials and the pharma sector. His life is a real-life example of the tremendous p...

Episode 1 - Introduction to the YPO Africa In-Forum Foundation

Riël Malan talks to Themba Baloyi and Reuben Olifant to discusses the role of the YPO Africa In-Forum Foundation in the continued execution of the YPO-Africa initiatives to alleviate the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

#29 Andy du Plessis -Social Entrepreneur, Merchant of Hope & CEO: FoodForward

Andy du Plessis is the CEO of  FoodForward, the largest food-redistribution program in South Africa. At a time when South Africa is reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 crisis, Andy and his organization's mission has never been more relevant. With more than 30 million people estimated to be in food distress at the moment, they distribute more than just food, they distribute hope to many that have been plunged into a desperate situation.

#28 Dr. Louise van Rhijn - Education Activist, Social Entrepreneur & Complexity Theory Expert

Louise van Rhijn's organisations Symphonia for South Africa and Partners for Possibility focus on working with school principles and business executives, by placing them in partnership relationships to lift the general level of management in schools. She challenges both sides to “cross the boundary” - to move out of their comfort zones and work in a closer partnership to create the education future our children deserve. Louise is also at the forefront of dealing with the additional challen...

#27 Matt Brown - Podcast Host & Author of "Your Inner Game"

Matt Brown is the definitive “restless soul". He has travelled and lived across the world, and while doing this, started not less than 10 businesses by the time he hit 40. In 2015 he “fell into podcasting”, at that stage an unknown medium in mainstream circles. Fast forward to 2020, Matt has become a household name to many, with more than 200 episodes and 1m downloads of his podcast, "The Matt Brown Show." This also led to a bestselling book, "Your Inner Game", where Matt unpacks the key les...

#26: Kirsty Chadwick - Teacher, Passionate Digital Education Shaper & African EdTech Entrepreneur

South Africa’s education system is broken. We know this from the graduation statistics that surface year after year. But we also know this from the unemployment rate - and specifically youth unemployment rate of more than 50% at the end of 2018. Not only is our economy in trouble, but our youth also seems unemployable after finishing school with no hope of further tertiary studies. John Chambers, previous CEO of CISKO once famously said: " The two great equalizers in the world are educatio...

#25: Allan Gray's Philanthropic Legacy - a conversation with Anthony Farr (re-released)

Allan Gray recently passed away. Leaving not only the largest fund manager in Africa as a legacy, but also two foundations he started with Anthony Farr. The leadership legacy that these two foundations will leave, will live on for generations to come. The approach taken,  and the impact that these two foundations will have on Africa is not well known and explained in this conversation with Anthony Farr.

#24: Vusi Thembekwayo - International Speaker, Entrepreneur, Opinion Shaper & Breaker

Vusi Thembekwayo is at the top of his game as a sought after speaker on leadership & entrepreneurship topics. I caught up with him in Johannesburg, where his other business, My Growth Fund, is based and about to launch a great business training initiative into townships. Vusi is a master of clear and thought-provoking thinking. He is starting to play a significant role as an opinion former to many young, and increasingly cynical South Africans who are looking for guidance in life, and in b...

#23: Gil Oved (Re-release) - Entrepreneur, Technology Investor & Shark at Sharktank

Gil Oved is the co-founder of the creative council, an iconic business that he co-created over the scope of the last 18 years from only an idea and recently sold to Publicis, the well known French Multi-National. Gil is probably publicly best known for his role as one of the sharks in the hit TV series, Shark Tank. He will be starting 2019 in his new venture LLH Capital - a Permanent Capital Vehicle in which he partnered with well known and seasoned ICT executive, Romeo Khumalo. We discu...

#22: Taps Mugadza - International Recording Artist, Zimbabwean Orphan & Philanthropist

I am finishing this first season of Shapers, Makers, Builders & Breakers with a conversation with an extraordinary young man, Taps Mugadza. His life story reads like a movie script. Abandoned on steps of an orphanage when he was just 2 days old, he lived through a trying childhood where the little stability he had was taken from him a number of times. Over his formation years, he discovered he had an extraordinary musical gift and through a chance meeting with someone who saw his potential, ...

#21: Themba Baloyi - Founder: Discovery Insure (re-release)

This was the first episode of the podcast series aired in February 2019. Being the first episode in the series, I do believe that it did not receive enough attention and is worthy of a re-release. It was filled with tremendous life lessons and learning. Themba remains one of the most inspiring young business leaders in Africa and South Africa today. Themba Baloyi is a textbook example of what determination can overcome in the face of every kind of adversity - a challenging family structure...

#20: Julia Raphaely - Media Transformer, Digital Shaper & CEO: Associated Media Publishing

Today is woman’s day in South Africa. And my guest is a woman who is boldly opening new frontiers through the radical digital transformation of her family business, Associated Media Publishing. A company that her mother started three decades ago, and one that she has been leading for the past few years. Very few industries have experienced the extent of the disruption that publishing has experienced. Julia shares how she navigated the very stormy waters of disruption. And how she has now r...

#19: Keet van Zyl - Digital Shaper, Venture Capitalist & Co-Founder: Knife Capital

Keet van Zyl is the co-founder of Knife Capital. The leading South African venture capital firm specializing in the funding and scaling technology businesses. Knife had its origins in Mark Shuttleworth's "Here Be Dragons" Fund. Keet has a wealth of VC and startup experience. He writes and tweets extensively. Our conversation covers a great many topics and is a great resource for any established entrepreneur and potential business founders wanting to understand how a venture capitalist thinks.

#18: Gareth Ackerman - Retail Shaper, Philosopher & Chairman: Pick 'n Pay

Over the course of the past ten years, Gareth Ackerman engineered a massive corporate overall and turnaround of South Africa’s largest retailer, Pick 'n Pay with an entirely new senior leadership team. PnP’s turnaround and the Ackerman family’s repositioning of their business and family interests serve as a textbook example of a family-business generational transition, as well as the evolution of a business from family, controlled to a professionally managed business. In this podcast, Ga...

#17: Musa Kalenga - Digital Shaper, Author, Speaker, CEO & Co-Founder: Bridge Labs, Chief Future Officer: The Brave Group

Musa Kalenga is a prime example of a new wave of digital entrepreneurs in Africa. In his concentrated and highly successful career, he managed to distinguish himself not only as a free-thinking entrepreneur but he also fitted in stints at some of the leading digital corporates as a trailblazing and transformative digital leader. These included positions at Nedbank & Facebook Africa. He has started businesses in research, adverting and marketing and now, recently, education. He is a thought...

#16: Nyimpini Mabunda - Multinational Executive, Entrepreneur & Founder: Saseka Digitech

Riël Malan talks to Nyimpini Mabunda, who left a highly successful corporate career for the uncertainty of the entrepreneurial world. We talk to him about his journey and how he planned and executed his "escape" from corporate life. His story is instructional to any corporate employee dreaming about rowing his own boat in an entrepreneurial venture.

#15: Dr Michael Mol - Physician, Media Personality, Master Public Speaker, Tech Entrepreneur & CEO: Hello Doctor

Dr Michael Mol is no stranger to most South Africans. His face graced our small screens for 12 years in one of the most successful travel & lifestyle programs Top Billing - a show that is still running today. But Michael is a man of many talents - he’s a physician, he is an accomplished MC & media personality, and a master public speaker. And for the last number of years, he’s been working hard to change the way that medical care is distributed through a smartphone app and teleservice Hello ...

#14: Allon Raiz - African Business Incubator, Founder & CEO: Raizcorp

Allon Raiz is "a collector of entrepreneurs." He has built, in the words of The Economist, "the only true business incubator on the African continent”. And he has done this without any government assistance. Over 19 years, he has incubated 12500 businesses, of which over 500 are currently in his Raizcorp program. These businesses maintain an average revenue growth rate of 41 %, and 238% profit growth rate. He has developed a scientific process of identifying high potential entrepreneurs an...

#13: Three African Technology Entrepreneurs

There are few examples of successful African technology companies. In this episode, Riël Malan talks to the CEO's & co-founders of 3 tech startup companies based in Cape Town (South Africa) that has passed the 1000 day mark are gaining significant traction in the local and international markets. They discuss their journey with its highs and lows, how they identified their respective opportunities, raised funding, and how they went about turning the dream into a reality. Listen to Benjamin ...

#12: Ntombi Langa-Royds - Shaper, Breaker & Director: Kumba Iron Ore, Redefine Properties, Murray & Roberts

Ntombi Langa-Roys grew up in exile with a father that was actively involved in coordinating the struggle against apartheid. She sat around the table with her parents with many noteworthy struggle leaders as a child, while they debated the strategies and solutions to bring about change in South Africa. Over the years, this foundation guided Ntombi to play the guiding role that she plays on various high-powered boards on the JSE, to continue the transformation, and notably gender transformatio...

#11: Vimal Shah - East-African Industrialist, Entrepreneur, Mentor & Chairman: BIDCO Africa

A lot has been written about “the fortune at the bottom of the pyramid.” Add to that the alluring prospects of Africa's population that are set to double by 2050. So theoretically, you have a cocktail of great potential on the African continent. However, Africa has remained the stepchild of global business, and whether it is real or perceived - the risk of doing business in Africa, still often overshadows the African investment decision. Riël Malan talks to a real-life example of a busin...

#10: Philip Krawitz - Retail Visionary, Entrepreneur & Chairman: Cape Union Mart Group

In 1970. Philip Krawitz took over a single small specialized store, that was founded by his grandfather in 1933. Under his leadership that one store, grew to a group of over 260 stores (Cape Union Mart Group), employing more than 3000 people in the various brands it now owns and operates. It is the largest privately held clothing retailer in Africa. Philip is a thinker and keen observer of human nature and the habits and needs of consumers. He is also a passionate South African, with very ...

#9: Richard Cock - Conductor, Musician & Entrepreneur

Richard Cock needs no introduction to classical music lovers in South Africa. He has been creating music for more than 50 years and weathered the storms through turbulent times in South African music world - to come out stronger. This emotional conversation speaks volumes about Richard’s passion for his art. He is also a poster child for what music can do in the educational context, how it can give young and troubled people an emotional outlet and place them on a path of discipline through...

#8: Arthur Gillis - Serial Hotelier, Former CEO: Protea Hotels & CEO: Platinum Hospitality Holdings

Arthur Gillis has carved a spectacular career in the hospitality sector over the course of more than four decades. From humble beginnings as a tour guide on an ostrich farm, to the building, and heading up Protea Hotels, who became the largest hotel group in South Africa employing over 16 000 people by the time it was sold. He has seen it all when it comes to the hospitality industry. The cherry on top of a great career, was when Protea sold the Marriot Hotel Group is one of the largest Fo...

#7: Thabs Dube - Amputee, Inspirational Entrepreneur, Sportsman & Founder: LETZ

As humans, we often make excuses. We’re too young, we’re too old, we don’t have money, we don’t have connections, we don't have the right skills, we're not the right gender or race. My guest today breaks all of those myths. He is an inspirational young man, who in the course of his first 25 years of his life lost everything...including some of his limbs. The dark side of life threw all the challenges it had at him ...and then some more. But he had a grandmother, who instilled a sense of who ...