In this episode of Candid, we engage in a rich and insightful conversation with Colin Timmis, the country manager for Xero in South Africa.Colin shares his comprehensive views on implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), the significance of leadership in driving organizational success, and offers practical advice on enhancing personal productivity.Through discussing his professional journey and experiences, Colin provides valuable perspectives on understanding macroeconomic factors that...

In this episode of CANDID, Michael Coles, a veteran in the retail industry with over 40 years of experience, shares his journey of building monumental brands like Pick n Pay Clothing and UNIQ for the Shoprite Checkers Group. From his early career shifts, teaching moments at Woolworths, and strategic decisions at Pick n Pay, to launching a new retail brand during the challenging times of COVID-19, Michael provides an in-depth look into the decisions and philosophies that shaped his successful...

This episode of CANDID features Godiragetse discussing the growth and business strategies of his company, Delivery Ka Speed. The company, which originally started its operations in South African townships including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng, focuses on providing last-mile delivery services for fast food and groceries, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within these communities. Godiragetse shares insights into the company's early days, its current focus on preparation...

In this episode of CANDID, we discuss the business of RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers with its Managing Director, Graeme Lazarus. Graeme shares insights about the logistic industry in South Africa, the unique business model of RAM that currently operates with a fully employed team across 29 locations, and plans for future growth. He also stresses on the importance of accountability, teamwork, and professional conduct at work while discussing conflict resolution in a family-run business. Towards...

Beauty on TApp is a South African beauty retailer founded by former investment banker Mathebe Molise. With a strong focus on customer education and efficient delivery, Beauty on TApp successfully pivoted to an eCommerce model in 2016 and has since grown from stocking five beauty brands to over 60 by 2022.  Two years after the launch of the eCommerce site, the team doubled down on their efforts, introducing a more user-friendly website and 25 additional brands. Amidst the 2020 pandemic,...

Navigating Leadership, Team Dynamics, and Organisational Structure: In Conversation with Patricia Stock In this inspiring episode of CANDID, we get to hear from Patricia Stock, the recently appointed CEO of SAICA. Patricia shares invaluable insights from her first 60 days in her new role, discussing strategies for transitioning into a new team or organisation, and the importance of building relationships and continuous learning. She also details her observations on board structures,...

In this episode of CANDID, we are joined by Norman Drieselmann, CEO of Retailability, who discusses the process of turning around businesses like Edgars after their acquisition. Norman shares valuable insights about the steps Retailability took, the lessons they learned along the way, and how they managed to re-establish a positive image for Edgars. He also discusses the importance of directly communicating with customers and maintaining data integrity in today's retail landscape. Tune in...

In this engaging conversation, Zuby discusses crucial aspects of effective leadership, emphasising the need for competence, empathy, honesty, and authenticity.  He also delves into his personal growth journey, particularly the importance of building meaningful professional relationships. Zuby shares his strategy of 'giving first', which involves being of service and providing value to others, suggesting that this approach opens doors and builds a flourishing network.  Encouraging viewers to...

In this informative discussion, the co-founder of Get Smarter, Valencia Institute, and UCT Online High School, Rob Paddock, shares insightful thoughts on tech-facilitated education and parenting in the digital age.  Rob comments on how technology should be interspersed into early development and underscores the importance of parental involvement in a child's academic progress.  He also gives a personal recount of facing public criticism and death threats, and how he dealt with the emotional...

In our professional lives, there are three expected outcomes we should be conscious of fulfilling in any professional situation we're involved in. In episode 8 of CANDID, we explore the three outcomes, which are: Learning,Earning, andReturningRead the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

In this episode, I would like to share an approach to formalise values from scratch and reconcile your company values to your culture today. Throughout my professional career, I have encountered numerous organisations claiming to uphold certain values, but their actions tell a different story. You may find yourself in a startup with no established values, leading a small team within a large, long-standing company, or serving as an executive during a time of change for your organisation. I...

In this episode, I share how to implement the VBQ framework to increase your chances of hiring people who actually align with your culture. Ultimately, to increase the chances of an interviewee aligning with your culture, you need to be able to address the following questions in your company: What are our company values?What three behaviours emulate each company's value?What questions will trigger whether someone defaults to our value-linked behaviours?Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch...

In this episode, I discuss how to spot the bad apples or toxic individuals in your team, and most importantly, identify the A players to recognise and retain in the business. Over the past five years, I have applied the Performance Culture Matrix in every organisation I have been involved with. The matrix allows me to recruit or hire people more effectively by understanding what behaviours are values resemble, and to identify high risk personnel that risk ruining the environment for those...

In this episode, we place a spotlight on South Africa's most loved wellness brand, The Harvest Table. Catherine Clark officially formed the business in 2017 and they expanded rapidly and are present in most of South Africa's National retailers such as Woolworths, Checkers, Spar, Wellness Warehouse, and Faithful To Nature. Let's celebrate more South African businesses and place them in the spotlight. Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

In this episode, I talk about how to prioritise your work by applying the Eisenhower Matrix and also go into detail about prioritising your emails using the Inbox Zero approach. Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

In this episode, we talk about a 3-step process to align your team. Aligned teams know the difference between accountability and responsibility. Words have meaning, and meaning conveys a narrative for every team member. It's critical for everyone to know the distinction between being accountable for an objective or outcome versus being responsible for a task or process. Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

In this episode, we talk through how to give candid feedback and receive candid feedback to create more alignment in your team or organisation.Leaders who practice candid feedback will benefit the entire team as everyone will know what is expected of them and will have the opportunity to continue their professional development in their career. Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

Hema Vallabh is an engineer, an entrepreneur turned investor on a mission to bring equity to women in South Africa and beyond. She is the founder of:  -- WomHub is a boutique pan-African incubator for female founders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Manufacturing, -- WomEng which partners with both the private and public sectors to address the gender parity needs and challenges faced by the engineering industry, and -- Five35 Ventures is a Pan-African female-focused VC fund...

I'm joined by Mamokgethi Phakeng, the Vice-Chancellor & Principal of The University of Cape Town 😁  Mamokgethi recently earned the Africa Education Medal as endorsed by Oprah Winfrey ⭐️  She is super active here on LinkedIn and shares her insights & experiences around leadership and higher education. Read the LinkedIn newsletter or watch it on YouTube today.

I started this series to interview South African leaders from various industries and levels of professional experience. After my 8th episode, I was challenged by Vulnavia Gura to be interviewed on my own series... So I accepted conditional on her being the interviewer - she obliged! In this unplanned episode of Lessons in Leadership, I'm asked to share about my perspective when it comes to practicing leadership. I hope a few of my insights encourage more people to begin practising leadership...

Ocean Basket continues to dominate the seafood restaurant category while their CEO, Grace Harding, isn't slowing down. Her vision to grow Ocean Basket internationally is in full swing with a presence in the United Kingdom, Malta, Mauritius, Dubai, and more than 6 other countries. In episode of 8 of Lessons in Leadership, Grace shares candidly about her experience as a CEO of a diverse hospitality group with franchisees and corporate restaurants across multiple cultures. She doesn't mince her...

Lolo Ndlovu is the founder & CEO of The Sneaker Shack 👟 🔴 A company providing professional footwear cleaning services by trained footwear care technicians within a 48-hour turnaround time. He leads a team of more than 50 people across 8 outlets in South Africa. Leading a team with diverse backgrounds and experiences has many advantages and challenges to overcome - Lolo is setting a great example that will be relatable to anyone leading a team with varying degrees of skills and...

Warren Whiteley is a former Springbok Captain and currently the Defense Coach at The Sharks 🏉  In this episode, Warren shares his practical insights about: How South African rugby became professional Establishing a support system Navigating a change in leadership Finding your unique leadership styleJoin us for a 30-minute live chat that will focus on lessons learned and challenges overcome so you can gain foresight from Warren's hindsight around leading teams in a physically & mentally...

Episode 5️⃣: Candice Unsworth CA(SA) Candice is the CEO of PKF South Africa, an audit & advisory group of firms employing 900 people across various financial & business disciplines 📊  She became the CEO at 34 and also won the SAICA Top 35 under 35 Game Changer Award 🇿🇦  ‘I believe if you combine the right people, with the right tools, in the right environment there is not much they cannot achieve together. My joy is in finding those people, constantly working to ensure that they have...