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Max du Preez is a veteran journalist and television personality with a strong reputation for his independent thinking, understanding of the political and social dynamics of South Africa and abilities to communicate complex issues simply and clearly. He was born in the Free State in 1951 and educated at Stellenbosch University.
His career in journalism includes serving as the political correspondent of the Financial Mail, Sunday Times and Business Day.
In 1988 he was the founder and editor of the first anti-apartheid Afrikaans newspaper Vrye Weekblad which became famous for its fearless reporting and exposés of the apartheid government’s death squads.
He joined the SABC in 1994 and pioneered and presented such programmes as the Special Report on the Truth Commission and Special Assignment.
He was dismissed by the SABC in 1999 “for disrespecting SABC management”, a charge he could not deny.
Max now works as a syndicated columnist, a documentary film maker, a political analyst and popular public speaker.
He has written nine highly acclaimed books on South African history and politics. The updated and revised edition of his memoir, Pale Native – Memories of a Renegade Reporter, as well as its Afrikaans equivalent, Dwars – Mymeringe van ‘n Gebleikte Afrikaan, have just been published.
Among his other published books are Of Warriors, Lovers and Prophets, Of Tricksters, Tyrants and Turncoats, Oranje Blanje Blues, Essence of a Land, The World According to Julius Malema (with Mandy Rossouw) and Oor Krygers, Korrelkoppe en Konkelaars.
He has just been commissioned by Penguin Books (UK) to write The Rough Guide to Nelson Mandela
Max du Preez is a Fellow in Applied Leadership Values at the University of Fort Hare and an honorary research associate at the Centre for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cape Town.
Among his many awards are the Pringle Award from the South African Society of Journalists, the Louis M Lyons Award from the Nieman Fellows at Harvard University, the Excellence in Journalism Award from the Southern African Foreign Correspondents Association and an honorary degree from the University of Cape Town.
Max du Preez was the 2006 Yale Globalist International Journalist of the Year and the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Nat Nakasa Award for integrity and courage in journalism from the SA National Editors Forum.
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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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Kevin Fine has 25 year career that has spanned Executive Leadership, National Broadcasting, Brand Management, Community Development and Entrepreneurship.
He is a regular speaker on the local and international circuit as well as inside corporates, and the media industry at large. Fine shares his collaborative views through articles, speaking panels, and keynote presentations applying his experience and interests on topics including: Company Culture, the Content Economy, Thought Leadership, Sustainability, Business Growth, Audience Monetisation and Future Trends.
More recently and after 8 years leading the biggest regional radio channel in South Africa – Jacaranda FM, Fine was appointed Managing Director of a new business called “Expedite” within the Kagiso Media Radio division. The business focuses solely on accelerating businesses by innovatively leveraging media resources and inventory. He has since left and stepped in to the Entrepreneurial and speaking world full time.
Kevin Fine was a key part of Jacaranda FM’s success and leaves the station with audience numbers in South Africa’s top 10. Digital engagement and reach achieved unprecedented levels, with both jacarandafm.com and the station’s the biggest YouTube channel in the number 1 spot in the country. Internally during 2019, the station’s culture was qualified as a Gold Best Company to Work For in the Deloitte and Touche survey.
Kevin Fine major achievements were ensuring a strong CAGR, profitability, brand presence and benevolence. Under his leadership, the station also received prestigious accolades, with more than 30 awards, from listeners and industry peers, including: “Commercial Radio Station of the Year” 2015 The Roger Garlick Award, a Gold Loerie, and an International One Show Award for the “More Music You Love” Live Billboard Campaign.
Three major sustainability projects completed included Project Khanya distributing light to 25000 homes, Project Water Drop which delivered millions of liters of water to drought stricken communities before sinking boreholes and wells, and Hearts for Mandela Day ensuring heart surgery for 67 children.
Prior to Kevin Fine time at the station, Kevin was CEO at 101.9 Chai FM, brought in to remodel, reformat and relaunch the station in 2010.
Additionally, Kevin Fine also founded (and is a director of) the Little Champs Sports Academy, A sports development programme for early childhood. His passion for sport, and sports marketing also saw him manage the EA FIFA game Franchise in South Africa for 3 years and running the FIFA Interactive World Cup Event for South Africa. He also went on to head up the Football For Hope Program, Alexandra at the FIFA World Cup 2010.
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John Sanei is a world-renowned futurist, best-selling author, and global keynote speaker who has made an indelible mark on the world of business and leadership. With a unique ability to merge human psychology with business strategy, John has become a sought-after thought leader, helping organizations around the world to navigate the complexities of the future.
His insights into how businesses can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world have earned him accolades and a loyal following among leaders and entrepreneurs. Over the years, John has traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and expertise with audiences in over 20 countries.
His ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver practical, actionable insights has made him a favorite at conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits. As a speaker, John is known for his engaging storytelling, deep understanding of future trends, and his ability to inspire change. His work is not just about predicting the future, but about preparing organizations to thrive in it. John’s influence extends beyond the stage.
He is the author of several best-selling books, including “What’s Your Moonshot?” and “Foresight: Navigating the Future.” His work has been featured in major publications, and he regularly contributes to discussions on the future of work, leadership, and innovation. Whether speaking to a room of C-suite executives or engaging with young entrepreneurs, John’s message is clear: the future is full of possibilities, and it’s up to us to shape it.
John Sanei’s journey to becoming a futurist and global thought leader is as fascinating as the insights he shares. With a background in human behavior and business strategy, John has spent the last two decades exploring the intersection of technology, psychology, and business.
His career began in the world of retail and brand management, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a sought-after consultant for top brands. However, it was his passion for understanding the future and his desire to help businesses prepare for it that led him to pivot his career towards futurism. John Sanei’s expertise lies in his ability to anticipate and interpret future trends, particularly those that impact the way we live and work.
He has a deep understanding of the forces driving change, from technological advancements to shifts in consumer behavior. This understanding is grounded in rigorous research and a keen sense of observation, which allows John to provide his audiences with insights that are both accurate and actionable. His focus on human psychology adds a unique dimension to his work, as he explores how our emotions and behaviors influence the future of business.
In addition to his work as a keynote speaker, John is also a prolific author. His books, which include “MAGNETiZE,” “The FutureNOW,” and “FOREsight,” have been widely praised for their clarity, insight, and practicality. These works delve into the concepts of future-readiness, leadership, and personal development, offering readers a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning in a world that is constantly evolving. His message resonates with leaders who understand that success in the future requires more than just technological savvy; it requires a deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to inspire others. John Sanei’s contributions to the field of futurism and leadership have not gone unnoticed.
He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Thinkers50 Radar Award, which identifies the top 50 emerging business thinkers globally. His work has been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, further solidifying his position as a thought leader. Whether through his speaking engagements, books, or online content, John Sanei continues to inspire and equip leaders to navigate the future with confidence and clarity.
John Sanei is a visionary futurist and thought leader whose work is shaping the future of business and leadership. His ability to blend insights from human psychology with business strategy has made him a sought-after speaker on the global stage. With a career that spans over two decades, John has become a trusted advisor to leaders and organizations looking to navigate the complexities of the future.
His engaging presentations, best-selling books, and thought leadership continue to inspire and empower audiences around the world. For event planners seeking a speaker who can deliver not just knowledge, but also inspiration and actionable insights, John Sanei is an ideal choice. His presentations are tailored to the needs of each audience, ensuring relevance and impact.
By booking John Sanei through Speakers Inc, event planners can be assured of a smooth, professional experience, with the support of a team dedicated to making the event a success. In a world where the future is increasingly uncertain, John Sanei provides the clarity and guidance needed to thrive.
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Dr Ross Tucker has a PhD in Exercise Science from the University of Cape Town, where he studied fatigue and the role of the brain in performance.
He has also obtained a Post-Graduate in Sports Management from UCT and he spent three years working in the sports business industry, where he was responsible for strategic marketing and sponsorship packaging.
Dr. Tucker returned to sports science in 2010 and he is currently an Honorary Senior Lecturer at UCT as well as a consultant scientist to the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.
He is the high performance sports scientist to the South African Sevens Rugby and SA Kayaking.
Dr Ross Tucker has consulted to various sporting federations on their high performance strategies, including the International Rugby Board, the US Olympic Committee, the South African Olympic Committee, the English Rugby Union and the GB Olympic Sports Science departments.
Dr Ross Tucker is known for his forthright opinion and analysis of sporting events and stories and he has written articles for the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian UK and Times of London (as well as numerous South African newspapers, magazines and media outlets).
He was recently short-listed as one of the Top 200 Most Influential South Africans by the Mail & Guardian newspaper in South Africa.
Dr Tucker talks with authority and insight gained from experience and analysis of the high performance sports world. He is a high performance consultant with various high performance teams and athletes, including the USA Olympic Committee, UK Sport, SA Olympic Confederation, South African rugby, SA Rowing, SA Kayaking.
Borrowing from his insights and experiences in high performance sport, Dr Ross Tucker shares the principles and concepts that can drive businesses and individuals to the next level.
His background of having a dual qualification in sports science and management/marketing positions him ideally to bridge the gap between data and strategy, science and commerce, to motivate and inspire leaders to seek the hidden advantages that can be gleaned from high performance sport.
Dr Ross Tucker is also a highly sought after speaker and opinion-leader, recently voted into the Mail and Guardian’s list of the top 200 Influential Young South Africans.
He has written articles for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian (UK), and Der Spiegl, and made numerous TV appearances as an expert contributor to news stations including CNN, Sky News, BBC News, SABC and e-TV.
He is known for his forthright views, engaging presentation style and ability to communicate critical concepts simply, accurately and entertainingly.
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