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Richard Poplak is an award-winning author, journalist, and filmmaker. He has become one of the most widely read and controversial political journalists in South Africa, editing at large for the Daily Maverick. Poplak has reported from over 25 developing countries, for the Financial Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Guardian, among others. He was recently part of a team that won the prestigious Global Shining Light award for investigative journalism.
Richard has worked as a freelance journalist and writer since 2005. His work has been anthologized numerous times, and he frequently appears on Al Jazeera, BBC, CBC, and elsewhere as a commentator on topics that range from world events to sport: he is considered a go-to voice on the burgeoning Sino-African relationship; on South African politics; and on international cycling.
Richard Poplak is a former Rockefeller Fellow, and a recipient of the Bookmark Award for the best journalist in South Africa. He is also a contributor in the innovative global investigative journalist collective Deca Stories.
As a member in the Gupta Leaks team, Richard Poplak helped break one of the biggest stories in South African media history. The journalistic consortium won the Taco Kuiper Investigative Journalism award, Vodacom Journalist of the Year, and was cited for a Nat Nkasa Bravery in Journalism award. In 2019, the team won the prestigious 2019 Global Shining Light award, the highest honour in investigative journalism.
Before Richard Poplak became a journalist, Richard trained as a filmmaker and fine artist at Montreal’s Concordia University (1992-1995) and has produced an directed numerous music videos, television commercials, and documentary films. He is the co-director of a documentary feature film on the public relations firm Bell Pottinger, called Influence, which is premiering in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
Keynote Topic
INFLUENCE: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANY
Synopsis
The feature-length documentary film INFLUENCE charts the recent advancements in weaponized communication by investigating the rise and fall of the world’s most notorious public relations and reputation management firm: the British multinational Bell Pottinger.
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Nicola Cooper is a trailblazing cultural strategist and trend analyst who has redefined the way businesses understand and engage with African markets. With an extensive background in visual identity, business analysis, and global sociology, she is an authority on consumer behavior and cultural shifts. Nicola’s insights empower brands to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of fashion, lifestyle, youth culture, and digital trends, ensuring their strategies are not only relevant but deeply rooted in authenticity.
As the founder of Nicola Cooper & Associates, an independent consultancy specializing in African market insights, she has advised top-tier companies on how to integrate global trends while staying true to local identities. Her deep understanding of “glocalization” enables organizations to harness international influences that resonate with their target audience while simultaneously elevating homegrown movements to the global stage. Nicola is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her engaging and thought-provoking presentations that challenge traditional perspectives and encourage innovation.
Nicola Cooper’s career spans over two decades of research, analysis, and strategic consulting within the fashion, lifestyle, and cultural spheres. She has built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading voices in consumer trends, helping businesses decode the shifting behaviors of modern audiences. Her work is particularly instrumental in guiding brands through the complexities of African identity and aesthetics, offering them a roadmap to create meaningful connections with local consumers.
A firm believer in data-driven storytelling, Nicola’s approach blends academic rigor with real-world application. She holds qualifications in visual identity and design, business analysis, and global sociology, with a specialization in identity formation. This multidisciplinary background equips her with a unique lens to explore how identity, culture, and commerce intersect, particularly in emerging markets.
Through her consultancy, Nicola Cooper & Associates, she collaborates with major corporations, startups, and creative enterprises to bridge the gap between local cultural movements and commercial success. Her ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into actionable strategies has made her an invaluable asset to industries ranging from retail and entertainment to technology and media.
In addition to her consultancy work, Nicola has been a featured speaker at numerous high-profile industry events, including Bizcommunity’s BizTrends sessions. She frequently shares her insights on the future of business, the rise of African consumer power, and the significance of embracing authenticity in branding. Her work is widely published and has contributed to shaping narratives around African identity in the global market.
Event planners looking for a dynamic and knowledgeable speaker who can provide deep, research-backed insights into African consumer behavior and cultural trends will find Nicola Cooper to be an ideal choice. Her expertise in trend forecasting, brand positioning, and strategic cultural analysis makes her an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to stay ahead of industry shifts.
Nicola’s presentations are known for their engaging, insightful, and forward-thinking approach. She has a talent for breaking down complex cultural trends into digestible, actionable insights that audiences can immediately apply to their own strategies. Whether addressing executives, marketers, or creatives, Nicola ensures that her content is both relevant and thought-provoking.
Her ability to highlight the importance of cultural relevance and authenticity in branding makes her a standout choice for conferences, corporate summits, and industry panels. She tailors her content to suit the needs of each audience, ensuring that event organizers receive a customized experience that aligns with their specific objectives. With a keen eye on the future, Nicola provides event attendees with a fresh perspective on how global and local trends converge to shape consumer landscapes.
Nicola Cooper is a highly respected cultural strategist and trend analyst, renowned for her expertise in African markets, consumer behavior, and brand positioning. As the founder of Nicola Cooper & Associates, she has helped businesses navigate cultural shifts and integrate meaningful, locally relevant strategies. Her thought leadership and research-backed insights make her a sought-after speaker for industry events, where she delivers engaging and transformative presentations.
With her unique ability to blend academic knowledge with real-world applications, Nicola is an essential voice for businesses aiming to connect authentically with African audiences. Event planners looking for an authoritative and compelling speaker will find her to be a game-changing addition to their lineup.
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