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 Com...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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, ...
May 02, 2025•52 min•Ep. 56
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!
Dec 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 55
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...
Nov 20, 2024•58 min•Ep. 54
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, ec...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 53
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 elec...
Sep 05, 2024•56 min•Ep. 52
In the next episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw hosts Caitlin Nash, an advisor to emerging startup nations and the co-founder of a global innovation group. Caitlin founded Loudhailer, a market innovation and engagement business, and is a key driver behind the South Africa Startup Act. She is an impact investor and also represents Blockchain for Good. Born and raised in Graaff-Reinet, Caitlin studied psychology and media at UCT before diving into the innovation scene, where she now supports leaders...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this episode, we are delighted to host Tishanya Naidoo, Principal of Venture Capital at 27four Investment Managers as our guest, where we chat about her expertise in venture capital, diverse sectoral experiences and the general outlook on Africa’s potential. With advanced degrees in finance, economics and in financial technology, Tishanya has already cultivated a remarkable career. Her professional path includes roles at Laurium Capital and the Public Investment Corporation before having join...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 50
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 business lan...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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 Nkuhlu shar...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 48
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 leadership jou...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 47
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 have e...
Dec 13, 2023•46 min•Ep. 46
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 disc...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 45
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-evol...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 44
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 Street ...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 43
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.
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 20 min
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.
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 42
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 host, Mr Rië...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 41
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, and ...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 40
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 humanitar...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 39
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 this i...
Oct 24, 2022•1 hr 3 min
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.
Jul 07, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 37
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.
May 02, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 36
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 #successplanning #HR ...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 35
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 the be...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 34
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.
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 33
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.
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 32
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...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 31
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 capacity....
Apr 16, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 30
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 power of ...
Mar 02, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 30
