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Dr Wendy Luhabe is a pioneer in the Economic Empowerment of Women with her revolutionary ideas which enabled South African Women to become Investors for the first time in the mid ‘90s, after South Africa became a democracy.
She has Chaired and served on a number of diverse Boards in South Africa and overseas over the past 20 years, including becoming the founding Chair of South Africa’s International Marketing Council founded by President Mbeki more than 10 years ago.
She is an Economic Activist, a champion for Social Entrepreneurship, a Mentor for younger generations and a recipient of numerous Awards and honors.
Dr Wendy Luhabe is a recipient of three Honorary Doctorates for her work with Women, is a former Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg and was awarded the Lieutenant of the Victorian Order (LVO) by the British Royal Family in 2014.
She is a Thought Leader, an Author, an accomplished business woman. Dr Wendy Luhabe is passionate about leadership development in Africa and inter-generational dialogue to find new solutions to Africa’s chronic problems.
Books:
Black professionals in business have become an important grouping in South African society. But this is a relatively recent development.
Defining Moments presents the stories of three decades of black executives, drawing on significant aspects of management theory and practice in the context of the changing socio-economic conditions that prevailed in each decade.
The first generation of black professionals who braved the corporate world in the 1970s was handicapped by Bantu Education and apartheid legislation, but they were imbued with a vigorous culture of debate born of the struggle.
During the 1980s they increased in numbers and included black females with qualifications in commerce and finance.
The 1990’s generation was supported by changes in the political landscape in South Africa which gave birth to the country’s new democracy and universally admired Constitution.
This book offers the experiences and attitudes of black executives of the past three decades to future generations and invites professionals to use this book as a tool to create a better understanding and bridge the gap between cultures.
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Professor Shirley Zinn is the former Group Head of Human Resources at Woolworths Holdings Limited. Prior to this, she was the Head of Human Resources of Standard Bank South Africa and Deputy Global Head of Human Resources for the Standard Bank Group.
Prior to this she was the Group Executive HR at Nedbank. Before this, she was the General Manager for Human Resources at the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
She is also an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Human Resource Management, and recently been appointed as Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town.
Shirley is the Past President of the Institute for People Management South Africa and registered as Master HR Professional with South Africa Board for People Practice.
Professor Shirley Zinn hails from the Cape Flats in Cape Town, and started her career as a secondary school teacher of English, then moved to the University of the Western Cape where she lectured in Teacher Education.
After this, Professor Shirley Zinn served at Southern Life as Training Manager and then moved to the Department of Public Service and Administrations’: South African Management Development Institute, in Pretoria as Director.
She held the position of Executive Employment Equity at Computer Configurations Holdings. Before her appointment at SARS, she filled the role of Regional Human Resources Director for Middle East and Africa for Reckitt Benckiser, a global company listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Professor Shirley Zinn is the former Chairman of DHL: Global Forwarding SA, and currently a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of JSE listed AdvTech (Lead Independent and Chair of Remco) and Sygnia Asset Management (Lead Independent, and Chair of Remco and Social and Ethics Committee).
She also serves as a director on the Boards of Tuesday Consulting, Empowerment Capital, Knowledge Resources, Business Engage, Community Chest, and the Boston Consulting Group SA. In addition, she is the HR Advisor to the Board of Silvertree Internet Holdings.
Professor Shirley Zinn also serves on the Takeover Regulation Panel Board and on the Council of the University of Cape Town. She is a Trustee on the Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust, Ambassador for the Orbis Africa Charity, and the former Chairman of Starfish Greathearts Foundation.
She also serves on the Advisory Boards of Monash South Africa, and the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Shirley is the past President for the Harvard Alumni Association South Africa and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors SA.
She also previously served as the Chair of the Institute of Bankers. She was recently appointed as the Patron for South Africa Council of Business Women.
She is a coach and mentor to several women across multiple industries She has presented at numerous national and international conferences as a keynote speaker.
In 2015, she wrote her autobiography entitled “Swimming Upstream” which focuses on her personal and professional journey. It has officially been announced as a best-seller.
In 2016, she presented several “Swimming Upstream” talks nationally at corporates, schools, universities and charities, with the hope of motivating and inspiring especially youth and women that they can achieve despite adversity, and to never give up.
She holds a BA (University of the Western Cape); Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Education (University of the Western Cape); B.Ed. Honours (UNISA); M.Ed. (University of the Western Cape); Ed.M. (Harvard); and Doctorate in Education (Harvard).
Professor Shirley Zinn was awarded the Top Woman in Business and Government and Top Executive in Corporate South Africa by Topco Media in 2008. Professor Zinn also was recognized by the Black Business Quarterly and received the Award for Top Woman in Business and Government and most Visionary Woman in 2008.
She also received an award from the World Human resources Congress in Mumbai in 2007 and 2013 respectively for Excellence in Global HR Leadership. In 2012, was listed in the Top 30 Wonder Women in South Africa by the Wits Business Journal.
Professor Shirley Zinn was awarded Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government for 2016 in the SME Sector by CEO Global.
She also completed her ninth Two Oceans Half Marathon in March 2018.
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Dr. Gcina Mhlophe is a distinguished author, playwright, and performer, whose roots trace back to the vibrant landscapes of Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Born into a rich tapestry of oral tradition, she was deeply influenced by her grandmother’s captivating tales during her formative years. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling, propelling Dr. Mhlophe on a remarkable journey across continents. Her literary and performance prowess has transcended borders, captivating audiences from South Africa to North America, Europe, and Japan.
Dr. Mhlophe’s journey as a storyteller and cultural ambassador has been adorned with accolades and international acclaim. Her ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate with diverse audiences has made her a revered figure in the global literary and theatrical landscape. With a repertoire spanning from enchanting children’s tales to thought-provoking dramas, she has graced prestigious stages such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Kennedy Centre in the United States.
Beyond her solo performances, Gcina Mhlophe has collaborated with esteemed artists, including the iconic Ladysmith Black Mambazo, enriching the cultural tapestry with projects like the children’s CD. Her work has garnered esteemed recognitions, including the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, The Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, and the prestigious OBBIE Award in New York.
Dr. Gcina Mhlophe’s influence extends beyond the realms of literature and theater. As an educator and cultural custodian, she has received honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare. These accolades recognize her profound contribution to literature and her tireless efforts in preserving the rich heritage of African storytelling.
Event planners seeking to enrich their programs with cultural depth and intellectual stimulation should look no further than Dr. Gcina Mhlophe. With her captivating presence and unparalleled storytelling skills, she has the power to transport audiences across continents and immerse them in the rich tapestry of African heritage. Dr. Mhlophe’s performances resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, making her an ideal choice for events aiming to foster inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
Furthermore, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe’s vast experience as a performer, playwright, and educator equips her with the versatility to tailor her presentations to suit the specific themes and objectives of any event. Whether it’s a keynote address, a theatrical performance, or an interactive workshop, her engaging delivery and profound insights are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on attendees. By inviting Dr. Mhlophe to speak, event planners can elevate their programs to new heights, offering audiences a unique and enriching experience that transcends boundaries.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe stands as a beacon of storytelling excellence, captivating audiences worldwide with her enchanting narratives and profound insights. From humble beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal to international acclaim on prestigious stages, her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend barriers and unite communities. With her unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to preserving African heritage, Dr. Mhlophe is not only a speaker but also a cultural ambassador, enriching the lives of all who have the privilege to hear her speak.
Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a motivational speaker, MC and storyteller.
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Martin Kuscus is a sought after speaker in the secular and church environments. With relative ease and a generous dose of humor, he has the ability to communicate on a diverse range of sometimes very difficult topics in a precise, practical, compelling and persuasive, yet graceful manner.
He has this rare ability to captivate his audience with honesty and humility borne out of a challenging life journey. His talks are thought provoking that empower his audience with actionable steps that can be put into action right away, to improve the way they lead.
Martin Kuscus emerged as one of the rare breed of credible leaders that shaped the South African democratic landscape. He was the former MEC of Finance in the North West Provincial Government from 1994 – 2004. Prior to that, he spent 17 years in the nursing profession.
This was arguably the most important formative years in his life that prepared him for his future leadership assignments. In June 2004 he became the CEO of the South African Bureau of Standards, a position he held until September 2009.
He then started his own business ventures in the telecoms, information technology and human capital development industries.
Martin was also the Chairperson of the first Board of Trustees for the Government Employee Pension Fund, overseeing a portfolio of R890 billion ( the seventh biggest pension fund in the world by then) from June 2005 to July 2009.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund, a 675 million USD fund and served as its Chairperson from 2007 – 2009. From June 2006 – May 2009 served on the PRI Board, a United Nations Compact Initiative on Principles for Responsible Investments.
Here Martin Kuscus gained intensive exposure to international best practices on corporate governance, the intricacies of global capital markets and optimization of the investment value chain.
One of the highlights of his speaking engagements was to share a platform with the revered John Maxwell on five occasions during his visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
On the 9 June 2008 Martin Kuscus had the rare privilege to speak at the United Nations General Assembly during a thematic debate on Global Private Investments and Climate Change.
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Professor Chris Roebuck has a unique experience and approach that helps leaders, teams and organisations understand how they can reach their full potential and be successful in just two steps. His innovative and inspiring approach shows everyone that they already know what delivers success but just don’t recognise it.
PROFESSOR CHRIS ROEBUCK – INSPIRATIONAL NEW APPROACH FOR PERSONAL, TEAM AND ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESS
Once they do by using simple actions they can quickly transform performance. This adds investor value, serves customers better, builds the brand and boosts bottom line by 10% + at no cost and even supports effective risk management and cost efficiency.
To develop this new approach to success Professor Chris Roebuck unique experience has been built up over 35 years during which he has been a successful : Corporate leader : Developing leaders and leadership in major global organisations and SMEs to enable both personal and organisational success. Eg His work in UBS as Global Head of Talent & Leadership is part of a Harvard Case Study.
Governmental leader : Working in Government and public sectors on major change and leadership projects from UK National Health Service and local Government to London Underground PFI.
Thought leader : being regularly on the list of HR Most Influential Thinkers and Visiting Professor of Transformational Leadership at Cass Business School in London researching what delivers success.
Military leader : Serving as a military officer leading and inspiring people in challenging environments via a “serve to lead” ethos.
Executive coach and mentor : helping senior executives be more successful across as range of different sectors. This unique experience has enabled Professor Chris Roebuck develop an innovative, entrepreneurial and highly effective new approach for leaders and organisations to achieve success : I CARE Leadership.
Chris shows how simple, practical day to day actions can be taken to quickly deliver real improvements at all levels; individual, team and organisation. Those attending can then immediately make a real difference implementing simple actions based on their own experience. For example one organisation who implemented I CARE Leadership increased the number of staff happy to recommend it as “a great place to work” to friends or family in 2 years from 40% to 82%, and increased revenue by 40%.
Professor Chris Roebuck first book on leadership published in 2000 took this approach and was translated into 11 languages as a result. When Global Head of Leadership at UBS, 70,000 staff & 100 countries, his team helped the bank transform organisational performance to increase profitability by 235%, market capitalisation by 50% and win awards. Now a Harvard Case Study. Chris is an economist so fully understands the financial success that can be delivered via inspiring leaders.
Professor Chris Roebuck has great breadth of experience across function, sector, culture and geography, from having held senior roles in UBS, HSBC, KPMG & London Underground to advising legal firms and construction, from the UK National Health Service of 1.4m staff and UK Government to the Red Cross in Myanmar, from Investment banks in London to Middle East Telecoms, from the Chinese Space Programme to retail in USA.
From Project Managers to HR Directors, from Risk & Legal Officers to Finance Directors, from Beijing, New York, Dubai, Rome, Singapore, Athens, Stockholm, Zurich, Kuala Lumpur, Calcutta, Oman to Hong Kong.
Professor Chris Roebuck has been quoted as a leadership expert globally in the Harvard Business Review China, FT, Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, New York Times, Business Week, Time Magazine, Washington Post, Times of India, Straits & Gulf Times and many other titles.
Professor Chris Roebuck has done over 350 TV interviews on leadership and business issues on BBC channels, Sky, Bloomberg, Al Zazeera, ITV, CNBC & CNN. Chris has been recognised as one of the Most Influential HR Thinkers regularly since 2010 by the HR profession
Keynote Types – What’s Best For You?
I CARE Leadership
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Household name Danny K (real name Danny Koppel) sang his way into South African hearts almost 20 years ago – but there are now audiences around the country surprised to hear the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and businessman deliver inspiring keynote addresses.
Best known for his SAMA award-winning hits and the non-profit organisation SHOUT, which he co-founded in 2007, Danny continues to reinvent himself in the public eye, appealing to even the most tough and cynical audiences.
Danny has crafted a disarmingly candid keynote speech that explores the personal and business challenges he has met on the often bumpy road to success. Not shy to show his vulnerability, he is able to inspire virtually anyone to overcome self-limiting beliefs.
What sets him apart as a speaker is the fact that he weaves singing and music into this charismatic presentation.
Revealing little-known facts about his life, Danny shows how the universal themes of facing rejection and dealing with tragedy apply to everyone, no matter their background and status.
Most importantly, Danny K message reveals that it is necessary to celebrate diversity and to reinvent oneself to stay relevant – a lesson on sustainability that all individuals and businesses can relate to. Sharing the vicissitudes of success,
Danny shows that one needs inner strength to deal with loss and changing fortunes. Perhaps the most important value he shares is the belief that successful South Africans should ‘pay it forward’ and uplift their fellow human beings wherever possible.
Leveraging his highly reputable personal brand, this lovable South African performer brings a captivating combination of dynamism and sincerity to the speaker circuit.
“Before people hear me deliver a keynote, they’re confused about what I’m speaking about and if I can actually do it! But after five minutes, the audience gets it. It’s almost like a show with a twist!”
“My speaking is another chapter in my performance career. It’s still performance, even though it’s more speaking than singing.”
“There’s a lot about me that people don’t know, which is one of my main motivations for public speaking.”
“Having lived as a public figure for almost 20 years in South Africa, one of the things that I may have communicated poorly is some of the failures and challenges I experienced along the way. My talk provides a voyeuristic look at my life.”
“One of my themes is the common humanity we all share, whether we’re rich or poor, famous or obscure.”
“The art of facing rejection is a big theme.”
“The celebrity currency I have got to spend through SHOUT is a privilege – when you are given the gift of position, fame or money you should give back in South Africa. I am a huge believer in pay-it-forward social entrepreneurship.”
“Whether Danny K is talking to a CEO or the company’s tea lady, my message is that everyone has faced rejection and tragedy and been forced to evolve to be relevant or change when the situation calls for it. My talk is for everyone.”
“My story could be as inspirational as anyone else’s story – the difference is that I sing. My music gives my presentation an edge.”
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