Zipho Sikhakhane
Helen Nicholson
Saffron Baggallay
Devi Sankaree Govender
Mbali Nwoko
Mapalo Makhu
Zolani Mahola
Zanele Njapha
Londy Ncobo
Zipho Sikhakhane
Areas of Expertise
Change Movement: top-team alignment, culture diagnostic, design and roll-out
customer centricity: customer strategy, segmentation change movement
Retail: RFID technology, store operations and optimisation
Communications: presentation and public speaking, inspirationsal leadership
Zipho Sikhakhane is an international speaker, writer and business advisor. She has been a motivational speaker for 15 years and has presented to audiences across four continents, including TEDx Talk delivered in the USA on Africa’s business potential. She is also a weekly Business Columnist for the Sunday Times and is the first black South African to complete an MBA at the prestigious Stanford University in the USA. She delivers inspiring talks and poetry on topics related to Africa’s potential, leadership, entrepreneurship, youth and women empowerment.
In 2016, she received the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from the UNESCO Center for Global Education and the Independent Pan- African Youth Parliament. Zipho’s professional background includes developing strategies for large public and private sector clients as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co (the leading management consulting firm globally).
She also held project management and change management positions for the industry leading retailers – Edcon in South Africa (the biggest clothing retailer in Sub-Saharan Africa)and Inditex in Spain (the parent company of Zara and the biggest fashion retailer globally). In 10 years, she has travelled to 30 countries and worked in 10 of them. Currently she is an Executive at a new venture that is acquiring the scaling businesses in the food sector. She also provides advisory and investment support to small businesses and entrepreneurs across Africa.
Keynote Topics
Leadership Begins with YOU
Individuals need to learn how to lead themselves first, before they can effectively lead others. Emerging from humble beginnings, Zipho beat the odds to achieve outstanding academic success and hold leadership positions in leading corporations locally and globally. She shares insights on the leadership techniques that enabled her to become an exceptional leader.
Leading Africa to Prosperity
The African continent presents immeasurable growth opportunities for local and multi-national corporations. The leaders that will succeed in making the most of these opportunities are ones that understand the importance of having a long term vision and adapting their leadership approaches to the demands of the local context. Zipho has presented inspiring talks across four continents on the progress and potential of African economies – including a TEDx talk delivered in the United States.
Entrepreneurship – Building the Giants of Tomorrow
Zipho is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build businesses that will last and achieve scalable growth. Having been an entrepreneur throughout her youth, since as early as the age of five years old, she shares her perspectives on some of the pitfalls that prevent small business owners from taking their businesses to the next level. She also shares the latest trends and insights on entrepreneurship in the local context – based on research done for the weekly business columns written in the Sunday Times on this topic.
Inspirational Poetry
Zipho has been writing and presenting poetry for many years. She can deliver engaging poetry recitals on a variety of topics.
Helen Nicholson
Areas of Expertise
Believe in your Brand
The Power of Networking
Axonofy: Micro-learning
Linked-In Workshops
Helen Nicholson has been called “The Networking Queen” by many of her clients. She is the director of The Networking Company, specialising in teaching people to Master the art of business networking. She has recently published the business best seller: “Networking- How to get your black belt in business success”
Keynote Topics
Grow your Network. Grow your Business
- Realise the importance of developing your own personal brand
- Understand why Networking is the No 1 critical success skill for business people identified by Insead Business School
- Gainin sight into the “Mars and Venus” of Networking
- Learn how to“work” a room by discovering your own unique networking style
- Design and deliver your”elevator speech”
- Where to go to expand your business network
Leverage LinkedIN
With close to 275 million members, LinkedIn has become the world’s largest online business networking site. No longer just a tool for job searchers, LinkedIn has become the premier social media site in online revenue generation and reputation management. Other than Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn is strictly business – and has become a “secret weapon for B2B activities” such as:
- Replacing cold calling
- Generate sales leads
- Finding the Decision maker
In this presentation you will learn to:
- The secrets to optimising your profile
- Develop a LinkedIn marketing plan
- Best practice amongst LinkedIn leaders
- Why your profile is NOT your CV
Brand (ME) Pty Ltd
Discover how professionals can move beyond their technical expertise to become powerful personal brands, thought leaders and expert relationship builders. It is a given that professionals are technically competent. In the current competitive professional services environment, successful individuals need to stand out. The key to becoming a thought leader is through cultivating networks and building relationships with both colleagues and clients.
- Identify your stengths as a key factor in building a powerful personal brand
- What is your“coffee stain” that could potentially beholding your brand back?
- How do you maximise all your Personal Branding touch points eg. email, meetings, presentations and functions.
- Learn the secrets of how introverts network
- Design and deliver your “elevator speech”
Devi Sankaree Govender
Areas of Expertise
MC
Keynote Speaker
Devi, an award-winning investigative journalist with MNET’s Carte Blanche, is a sought-after MC/Keynote speaker for corporate events which include awards ceremonies, conferences and panel discussions. Devi has a special interest in finance, which together with an MBA ensures she will be an asset to your event. Some of her clients include: Microsoft, IBM, Telesure, Sanlam, Nedbank, Old Mutual, Barloworld Logistics, Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis.
Keynote Topics
1. The Day I Chose Me
Four years ago Devi received the news that she was pre-hypertensive. Hardly surprising when this award-winning investigative television journalist also doubled up as a wife and mother to two young children. The news set in motion a series of events …. false starts and stops……an unexpected meeting with Huffington Post founder, Ariana Huffington …. And it all culminated in a blog which went viral – much to Devi’s surprise. In this hilarious, yet touching talk, Devi talks about her constant fight with finding “balance” and how she has learnt to finally put herself on top of her list while chasing crooks on TV. This 45 minute talk with a 15 minute Q and A session is suitable for a mixed-gender audience and includes tips on how to stay sane, brilliant and dazzling, in a world which doesn’t stop to breathe.
2. How to catch a crook …. in heels!
Devi is an award-winning investigative journalist who has spent the past 25 years in the media. For the past 16 years, Devi, an MBA graduate, has focussed her efforts at Carte Blanche, South Africa’s leading current affairs television programme, gaining a reputation for being fearless (despite beingin numerous life-threatening situations) in exposing corruption wherever it may exist. In this hilarious, yet motivational talk focuses on Devi’s early life in KZN, and a behind-the-scenes look at her work on Carte Blanche. 45 minutes. 15 minute Q and A.
Mbali Nwoko
Areas of Expertise
Award winning commercial farmer
Entrepreneur
Speaker
Columnist
Mbali is the CEO of Green Terrace. An agribusiness based in Boksburg, Johannesburg. Farming high value crops namely; baby marrows, green peppers and green beans, supplying to leading retailers, food processing companies and the fresh produce markets across South Africa.
Mbali ‘s Achievements
• In 2018, Mbali was included by Mail & Guardian as Top 100 Women Changing Africa
• Mbali has been featured on several radio interviews and publications such as: True Love Magazine, Drum Magazine, Farmers Weekly and NuFarmer Africa.
• Mbali has been a two-time finalist for the 702 Small Business Awards with Sage One in 2014 and 2017
• Mbali has been a self-funded entrepreneur for the last 6 years.
Keynote Topics
Small Farm, Big Business
• Advantages of intensive small-scale farming
• You don’t need big land (size) to become commercial
• Adopting precision farming methods to become profitable
• Big farms are not necessarily successful farms
• Benefits of managing and operating smaller sized farms
• How smaller farms can produce larger volumes
Data Farms
• The role of technology on farms
• Global trends on farms and how to farm
• How data impacts the way we farm today
• How data can be used to run profitable
• farm businesses
• The use of blockchain for food traceability
You don’t look like a Farmer
• How to challenge business stereotypes
• How to succeed in a male dominated industry
• What it’s like to be a first-generation farmer
• How to lead in unfamiliar environments
• How to lead in your industry
• How to challenge yourself out of your comfort zone
Modern Agriculture
• What it means to be a modern-day farmer
• The importance agriculture plays in the modern world
• The transformation of agriculture over the past decades
• An outlook on the global agricultural landscape
• The relationship between the farmer, chef and consumer
• How farmers can be mainstream
• Educating consumers about food and its origins
Mapalo Makhu
Areas of Expertise
Investments
Savings
Personal Finance
You’re not Broke, you’re Pre-Rich!
Mapalo is an award-winning Personal Finance Coach, Speaker, City Press Columnist and the Founder of Woman & Finance. She holds a BCom Finance Degree, a Post-Grad in Financial Planning and currently studying towards a Post- Grad in Financial Markets.
Mapalo has over 6 years in the financial services industry. Her passion is in helping her clients gain clarity and confidence around their personal finances.
Her work has been featured in notable publications including Destiny Magazine, City Press, and Mail & Guardian to name a few.
From campaigns, speaking, contributing to your event or content for your website, Mapalo’s experience, skill, knowledge and how easily she engages the audience will add to your project.
Mapalo’s Achievements
• Won Woman of the Year in Education 2018 by Woman of Stature
• Awarded Top 40 Women Financial Blogs 2018 alongside international
personal finance blogs by Feedspot Today!
• Columnist for City Press
• My Money, My Lifestyle Podcast with Maya Fisher-French
Author of a personal finance book coming out in October, published by
Penguin Random House . You’re not Broke, you’re Pre-Rich!
Articles written by Mapalo
Read two of them below or more by visiting her blog.
Zolani Mahola
Areas of Expertise
Singer & Songwriter
Inspirational Speaker
Zolani, well-known and respected for bringing South Africa and its people together across social, racial and cultural divides through her work as a musician. Quoted to say, “our individual stories are unique and there is value in examining one’s personal history, and to being curious about those around us … that we help each other move toward our fullest expression as human beings”. Zolani is passionate to share her own personal experience of growing up in a divided South Africa, speaking intimately about the coping mechanisms she
developed as a child and what impact they had on her both positively and negatively grow from a township girl to an international superstar.
Freshlyground was formed in 2002 and has become a household name as one of South Africa’s most acclaimed and successful bands. Capturing the heart of South Africa and claimed global recognition. One of Zolani’s highlights, a collaboration with pop superstar Shakira with whom Freshlyground recorded the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010, performing at the closing ceremony to a global audience of over a billion people.
After an unbelievable 17 years with the band, we know as ‘The One Who Sings’ to spread her wings and fully commit to her new venture as a solo artist and inspirational speaker.
Interesting Facts about Zolani
Studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town where she
met and formed the band Freshlyground
• Sung with legends, such as Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba
• Staged a tribute show for the great Ella Fitzgerald
• Recognised for her portrayal of “Boniswa” the popular character in the
inspirational SABC drama series Tsha Tsha
• Stared in the feature film, Cold Harbour
• A judge on the a’capella show, and a guest judge on Idols
Zanele Njapha
Areas of Expertise
Keynote Speaker
Facilitator
Author
Zanele Njapha is an award-winning international speaker. Skilled in Leadership Training, Business Coaching, Presentation, Public Speaking, and Dynamic Speaking. She focuses on institutional relevance in a rapidly
changing organizational climate.
A strong business development professional working on assisting institutions with strategies to learn, unlearn and relearn for sustained success in the face of disruptive change, Zanele assists organizations to become future-fit: adaptable, resilient, innovative, proactive and confident through helping them crack the unlearning code. She does this by facilitating the understanding that learning, unlearning and relearning must be the crux and heart of an organisation’s DNA if they are serious about being future-fit.
Zanele presents with uncanny wit, humour and engaging insights wrapped in memorable stories. She is a well-seasoned and thought-provoking speaker who engages and captures various audiences
Keynote Topics
• Tomorrow’s World Today
• Cracking the Unlearning Code
• 8 Skills for The Future of Work
• The South African Rollercoaster
Londy Ncobo
Areas of Expertise
Africa’s first female Dredge Master
Motivational Speaker
MC/Facilitator
A Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Londy Ngcobo is passionate about unlocking Africa’s ocean economy. With over 13 years of experience in the Maritime industry, her background includes Maritime Studies, International Merchant shipping experience, Advanced dredging from the Netherlands IHC, An industry shaking role as a former Maritime Compliance Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, Founder of Global Maritime Youth and Chief Executive of Womaritime Experts, a consulting firm in the shipping industry. All which has led to her well known title “The BLACKMERMAID”
As a mother and wife herself Londy is passionate about women and Youth empowerment. Her experience has equipped her with the ability to focus on providing sustainable tools for women to thrive and her zest for life encourages the youth to think outside the box. Through public speaking which includes a TEDx Talk, Forbes Women Africa, and various media platforms Londy has impacted so many lives by instilling bold and global mentality to those who have had a privilege of seeing her in action. This Blackmermaid sure is making waves on land.
Keynote Topic
- Navigating Against All Odds. – Realizing the warrior in her.
- Why Is A Ship Called “SHE” – The power she holds.
- Getting Ready To Abandon Ship – Give it your best shot.
- Mayday Mayday – Claiming her power.
- The Pink Ship – The power of women collaboration.
Joni Peddie
Areas of Expertise
CEO of Resilient People!
Founder of Enneagram Institute SA
Professional Speaker
Team Performance Facilitator
Human Behaviourist, Wellbeing and Resilience expert
Joni, as Behavioural Strategist enables Leaders, their Teams, and team Members to become‘ response-ready resilient’. Joni demystifies resilience by assessing the four (interconnected)dimensions: MIND, BODY, EMOTIONS and PURPOSE.
Pandemic-driven turbulent ‘waves’ of change, and uncertainty has ignited immense mental, and emotional ‘strain’. Burnout has increased by about 33% worldwide. People are battling with general fatigue, and therefore have very little energy and agility to ‘ride’ these waves of change. Joni addresses these issues in a pragmatic fashion in her Keynote talks; participative.
Workshops and longer-term facilitator-led Programmes. A single topic can be covered in depth, or a ‘mix of topics’ can be crafted, in order to address the issues within a Client’s business.
Keynote Topics
• How to Resilience Up© in Turbulent Times.
• 5 ways to become ‘response-ready’ resilient, using BOOST ©
• The difference between IQ, EQ and Personality. Which of these shifts the dial?
• Sleep is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Health. Harnessing your sleep.
• 6 Science-backed ways to REBOOT, to reduce your Stress.
• The 5 Key Drivers for high-performing teams, and how ‘TRUST’ fits in ?
• Ways to improve Mental Wellbeing – using ‘Optimism’ as a force multiplier!
• EQ techniques to shift your personal and business leadership styles
• Energy-management is the new Stress-management
• How to #ChoosetoChallenge. International Women’s Day Theme for 2021
• How to Resilience Up © – for Sales People.
• Mindful Nutrition made easy.
• Practical ‘Biohacking’ ideas to give you more energy.
Saffron Baggallay
Areas of Expertise
International Narrative Enneagram Facilitator
Somatic Intelligence Facilitator & Coach
Brain-based Coach
Personal Mastery
Saffron is passionate about growing supportive and engaged leadership communities through building authentic trust and fearless vulnerability. This has led to the development of her unique personal mastery based approach to all her programmes & keynotes.
With an Honours degree in Sociology and Philosophy from Trinity College, Dublin, and an MADA degree from WITS, Saffron is often asked to address topics facing most businesses today. These include, but are not limited to her personal mastery programmes, management and talent development, organisational design and change management.
Employing her skills as an experienced facilitator, coach and keynote speaker,Saffron is highly proficient in adapting her approach to match her audience and their specific needs. Her ability as as tory teller, makes Saffron’s interactions with delegates that much more engaging than dealing with dry theory. Her content is both environmentally and industry specific, containing universal truths about human behaviour to captivate her delegates, and empower them to thrive in their roles & in their lives.
Saffron’s focus is on delivering real value, by imparting knowledge and skills to her delegates that have practical applications in both life, and work. “It’s not what you know, it’s what you do with it!”is a phrase you will often hear in her workshops.
Her unique blend of methodology, models and coaching while delivering content makes for a leader and team experience like no other. Delegates often contact Saffron, describing her work as life- changing; and not just after the programme, up to years afterwards.
Focus Areas
• Beating Burnout • personal leadership
• Managing Mental Health For Managers
• Self-Esteem For Leaders
• Building Trust In Hybrid Workplaces
• Rebuilding Employee Culture After Covid & Restructures