Zipho Sikhakhane: Business Leadership

  • First black South African woman to earn an MBA from Stanford University
  • Founder and CEO of EMZ Advisory
  • Former roles at McKinsey & Company and Inditex (ZARA)
  • TEDx speaker on Africa’s potential
  • Board member at Allan Gray Group and E Squared Investments
  • Recipient of the UNESCO Outstanding Young Achiever Award

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: 75,001 - 100k
5/5
5/5 (1 reviews)

Keynote Topics

Zipho shares how being an authentic and effective leader of self and others has enabled her and her clients to beat the odds, achieve outstanding success and overcome the barriers that continue to cripple leaders worldwide.

She unveils the tools and techniques behind the universal code to success and leadership that we can leverage to succeed.

We should all take responsibility for leading ourselves and businesses to success in the future. It starts with first understanding how to adapt how we lead ourselves, others and our organisations in response to the new reality of a VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity).

The diversity of ideas, inventions and decisions that come from self-aware leaders are what will enable organisations of the future to thrive. Leaders need to be able to self-disrupt in order to consistently re-invent their journey and that of their organisations – thus staying ahead of the world around them that is in constant change.

Africa presents immeasurable growth opportunities for local and multinational corporations. The businesses that can successfully tap into these opportunities are ones that understand the importance of having a long-term perspective and adapting their leadership approaches to the local context.

Zipho presents on how it is time the human race ends the era of living life in an unsustainable manner that compromises our mental wellbeing.

It is down to us to change, and she gives us ideas on how we can transform ourselves from working unsustainably hard, with high stress levels, to a more resilience way of being. She invites us to join her Non-Conformity Movement, and make for a better human race.

Zipho Sikhakhane is a globally recognized business strategist, keynote speaker, and thought leader whose transformative insights have inspired audiences across six continents. As the first black South African woman to earn an MBA from Stanford University, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence, corporate experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her engagements. Raised in a […]

Zipho Sikhakhane is a globally recognized business strategist, keynote speaker, and thought leader whose transformative insights have inspired audiences across six continents. As the first black South African woman to earn an MBA from Stanford University, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence, corporate experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her engagements. Raised in a township in KwaZulu-Natal, Zipho’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and visionary leadership.​

Her keynotes delve into themes of authentic leadership, organizational transformation, and Africa’s economic potential. Drawing from her roles at global firms like McKinsey & Company and Inditex (ZARA), as well as her leadership at EMZ Advisory, Zipho offers actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her storytelling captivates, her insights challenge the status quo, and her presence energizes any event.​

Zipho Sikhakhane | Business Leadership

Zipho Sikhakhane’s professional trajectory is marked by a series of pioneering achievements and impactful roles. After completing her MBA at Stanford University on a full scholarship, she embarked on a career that spanned continents and industries. At McKinsey & Company, she contributed to strategic initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, including establishing the firm’s presence in Nigeria. Her tenure at Inditex (ZARA) as International Project Director saw her managing projects across five continents, enhancing operational efficiencies and customer experiences.​

In 2015, Zipho founded EMZ Advisory, a management consulting firm dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness and productivity. Under her leadership, EMZ Advisory has delivered customized solutions in leadership development, change management, and strategic execution to clients across Africa. Her commitment to fostering inclusive growth is evident in her investments in early-stage ventures throughout East, West, and Southern Africa.​

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Zipho is a published author and former weekly business columnist for South Africa’s Sunday Times. Her thought leadership extends to board roles, including positions at Allan Gray Group and E Squared Investments, where she influences decisions on asset management and impact investing. Her TEDx talk, “The Poetry of My Africa,” delivered in the USA, reflects her passion for redefining Africa’s narrative and potential.​

Zipho’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science with first-class honors from the University of Cape Town and has completed leadership programs in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Russia, and South Africa. Her educational background equips her with a global perspective and a deep understanding of diverse business environments.​

Her accolades include the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from the UNESCO Center for Global Education and recognition by the Independent Pan-African Youth Parliament. These honors underscore her influence as a leader committed to driving positive change and empowering the next generation.

Zipho Sikhakhane embodies the qualities of a transformative leader: resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to empowering others. Her journey from a township in South Africa to global stages exemplifies the power of vision and determination. As a speaker, she offers more than insights; she provides a roadmap for individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change. Booking Zipho ensures an event marked by inspiration, engagement, and lasting impact.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources to download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links

View further speakers

Mel Jones is an exceptionally talented entertainer, comedian, and award-nominated producer, hailing from Cape Town, South Africa. Her vibrant personality and quick wit have made her a household name, recognized across various platforms as a versatile performer. Over the years, Mel has carved a niche for herself as an energetic master of ceremonies (MC) and […]

  • Comic Emcee

Nozipho Tshabalala is a world-class facilitator and CEO of The Conversation Strategists, a trailblazing organization devoted to curating and moderating high-impact conversations that move societies forward. Renowned for her unique talent to steer transformative dialogues, Nozipho is the trusted voice in rooms where ideas shape policy, influence global economies, and ignite systemic change. Her work […]

  • Event Emcee

The Kiffness makes jazzy, groovy & uplifting house music and are fast becoming one of South Africa’s favourite live electronic acts. From the beginning of 2013, they’ve had great success on local radio stations with 6 songs already play listed & all songs reaching top 10 status in the top 40 charts. Dave Scott founded […]

  • National Artist

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a globally recognized strategic futurist, keynote speaker, and thought leader on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the future of work. As an in-demand speaker, he equips organizations with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate digital disruption, drive innovation, and prepare for the rapidly changing technological landscape. His ability to translate […]

  • Strategic Futurist

Dr Darren Green is highly acclaimed as a Multimedia Medical authority and positive influencer in the Health and wellness space. He does this with unrivalled energy, making use of the Corporate applications of neuroscience displaying the crucial interface of neuroscience and the power it wields in innovation and performance on multifaceted levels. Dr Darren Green […]

  • Mental Wellness

Nqoba Ngcobo is a Comedy Show Down winner, is a unique oddity in the South African Comedy scene. Nqoba’s witty and charismatic comedy is renowned for energetic delivery, brilliant observations, and poignant insights. The comedian also possesses the unique ability to inspire riotous laughter in any audience, irrespective of race and socioeconomic factors. He is […]

  • Comic Emcee
  • (2 reviews)

Dr. Jacques Ludik is a visionary leader in the field of artificial intelligence, renowned for his innovative contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of multiple AI companies, an award-winning AI leader, and a prolific author, Dr. Ludik has established himself as a pivotal figure in the advancement of smart technology. With a Ph.D. in […]

  • Artificial Intelligence

Zola Nene culinary career spans over 10 years and started during her second-year study gap in England. After studying BCom. Law for two years, Chef Zola Nene realised that it was not the career path she wanted to pursue and so applied for a UK holiday working visa and ventured off to England to discover […]

  • Celebrity Chef
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel