Episode #54: Anita Nel – CEO: University of Stellenbosch Enterprises, LaunchLab founder, Technology Commercialisation Specialist
Release Date: 11/20/2024
Episode #61: Tessa Forman and Theresa Michael
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw speaks to Tessa Forman and Theresa Michael, the leaders behind Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, about Early Childhood Development, education, leadership and building stronger foundations for children across South Africa. The conversation looks at why the earliest years of a child’s life matter, how ECD practitioners and principals can be supported, and how curriculum, assessment, mentorship and educational technology can strengthen learning outcomes in rural and township communities. Tessa and Theresa also discuss...
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Episode #60: Sheldon Tatchell: Founder of Legends. Community Developer. Impact Leader.
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw speaks to Sheldon Tatchell – Founder and CEO of Legends – for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership and building businesses that create lasting impact. From cutting hair in Eldorado Park at the age of 14 to growing Legends into one of Africa’s most recognisable barber brands, Sheldon shares how relationships, purpose and community became the foundation of his success. He reflects on customer experience, youth development, skills training and why investing in people is one of the smartest business...
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Episode #59: Habib Noorbhai: Professor (Health and Sports), Innovator, Creator, Author, Entrepreneur, Former Mr. South Africa
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw is joined by Habib Noorbhai – professor, entrepreneur, author and former Mr South Africa. Together, they bring us an intriguing conversation about the human body as “the most sophisticated piece of technology we’ll ever work with”. Habib shares how he has built his career at the intersection of science and innovation, translating biomechanics and performance research into real-world applications through entrepreneurship and collaboration with startups. This delves into African leadership, peer-to-peer learning and what it...
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Episode #58: Riël Mallan on Lucentlands Podcast: Big Ideas for Brave Farmers
Shapers Podcast
What does the future of agriculture look like when you blend risk, branding and bold thinking? In this crossover episode, Shapers co-host Riël Mallan joins Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie on the Lucentlands Podcast to reflect on three decades of hard-earned lessons in agri-business, brand building and navigating change in a deregulated market. From his early days trading in a shifting post-90s environment to building premium fruit export brands and shaping investment strategies in private equity, Riël brings his signature blend of wisdom, wit and candour to the conversation. This episode...
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Episode #57: Professor Japie Greeff PhD: Turning Imagination Into Strategy | Serious Games and Gamification Expert
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of Shapers, host Benjamin Shaw sits down with Professor Japie Greeff – electronic engineer, AI educator and one of South Africa’s leading minds in gamification and serious game design. With over two decades of experience spanning RF design, embedded systems, software development and academia, Japie brings a compelling perspective on how play, purpose and technology intersect. From his early days in product manufacturing to his current role as Deputy Director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at North-West University, Japie shares how he’s turned...
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Episode #56: Bernard Laurendeau – Culture consultant. Connection merchant. Brain-drain reversal engineer.
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of Shapers, host Benjamin Shaw is joined by Bernard Laurendeau – a trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of Laurendeau & Associates. With roots in Ethiopia and France, and over 15 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, Bernard shares his unique journey from Silicon Valley to Addis Ababa and Tokyo. They discuss the launch of Enkopa Lab Japan, a new advisory firm empowering Japanese businesses to expand into African markets, and the broader implications of tech, data and partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future. This conversation offers...
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Episode #55: Co-Hosts Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw | Season’s Reflections and Future Trends: A Holiday Special
Shapers Podcast
In the final episode of Shapers for 2024, Co-Hosts Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw reflect on an extraordinary season filled with insights from leaders like Prof Nkuhlu, Dion Chang and Caitlin Nash. They also highlight key trends shaping the future and share holiday cheer while looking ahead to what 2025 has in store. Perfect for a reflective moment during the festive season!
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Episode #54: Anita Nel – CEO: University of Stellenbosch Enterprises, LaunchLab founder, Technology Commercialisation Specialist
Shapers Podcast
From her humble beginnings in a small Free State town to reshaping the future of technology and innovation in Africa, Anita Nel’s story is truly extraordinary. On The Shapers Podcast, Anita sits down with Benjamin Shaw to recount her remarkable journey – from working alongside tech pioneer Mark Shuttleworth to founding the renowned LaunchLab and establishing the University Technology Fund. Her career is a testament to curiosity, resilience and adaptability, navigating a path that spans teaching, psychology and technology commercialisation. Anita reflects on the early days of...
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Episode #53: Ronak Gopaldas, Africa Expert on Politics, Economics and Business
Shapers Podcast
In this episode of The Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw sits down with Ronak Gopaldas, a political economist, writer and Africa specialist. Ronak’s career spans across multiple sectors, including his role as Director at Signal Risk, Fellow at GIBS and co-founder of Mindflux Training. He shares insights into his journey from aspiring journalist to a leader in risk analysis, having served as Head of Country Risk at Rand Merchant Bank. The conversation dives into his passion for geopolitics, economics and how Africa fits into the global landscape. Ronak recounts his early love for current...
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Episode #52: Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town
Shapers Podcast
The latest episode of Shapers features Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town and a key figure in South African politics. In a candid conversation with Riël Mallan, Hill-Lewis reflects on his journey from his childhood in Plettenberg Bay and Edgemead, to his rise within the Democratic Alliance. He shares insights from his early passion for politics, starting with his time as a student leader at UCT, where he founded the DA Students Organisation and spearheaded numerous student election victories. From volunteering with Helen Zille to becoming the youngest MP in South Africa,...
info_outlineFrom her humble beginnings in a small Free State town to reshaping the future of technology and innovation in Africa, Anita Nel’s story is truly extraordinary. On The Shapers Podcast, Anita sits down with Benjamin Shaw to recount her remarkable journey – from working alongside tech pioneer Mark Shuttleworth to founding the renowned LaunchLab and establishing the University Technology Fund. Her career is a testament to curiosity, resilience and adaptability, navigating a path that spans teaching, psychology and technology commercialisation.
Anita reflects on the early days of internet security, the pivotal milestones in her career and her mission to empower startups while tackling real-world challenges. She shares how she transformed Stellenbosch University’s Innovus into Africa’s leading technology transfer office, all while driving innovation in healthcare, education and society at large. Tune in as Anita explores the lessons she’s learned, the obstacles she’s overcome and her vision for Africa as a global leader in the next wave of technological advancement.