#048 Lessons Learned Launching A Tech Start-up In Lockdown — Mike Sharman The One-Eyed Man With Mike Stopforth podcast

44:15

My guest on this week’s show is Prof Greg Fisher. Greg is the Larry and Barbara Sharpf Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is also a visiting lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in South Africa and, more recently, the author of a fantastic book titled The Principles of Entrepreneurial Progress. The book catalogues twelve principles that help create and sustain momentum when launching a start-up, gathered from Greg’s experience teaching and coaching entrepreneurs for two decades. In this episode, we talk about how the idea for the book came about, some of the processes of putting the publication together, and dive into some of the more pertinent principles for entrepreneurs in the South African context. The Principles of Entrepreneurial Progress book on Amazon · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#068 Digital transformation at scale — Dhesen Ramsamy (OML + SingularityU Part 3 of 3) 31:52

25 weeks之前31:52

31:52

Old Mutual is the headline sponsor of this year’s edition of the SingularityU South Africa Summit. In this three-part series, I speak with some of OML's most interesting movers and shakers, understanding how they are moving the needle at the intersection of leadership, technology and impact. My guest on the final episode of the series is Dhesen Ramsamy, the Group Chief Technology and Data Officer at Old Mutual. Dhesen was appointed as Old Mutual's group CTO in November 2023, and has more than twenty years of digital transformation experience at companies like Woolworths, Nedbank and Unilever. He has led functions in charge of insights, R&D, segmentation, value proposition development, market segmentation, customer experience design, digitisation, and marketing. He focuses on digital transformation, technology strategy, channel build, customer strategy and experience as disciplines. At Old Mutual Dhesen leads functions responsible for corporate innovation, venture capital and corporate venturing. In this conversation, we cover the importance of digital literacy in fostering meaningful organisational transformation at scale, and speak about his plans for leveraging OM's scale and scope for bettering financial access and inclusion on the continent. MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#067 From startup to SMEgo — Nobesuthu Ndlovu (OML + SingularityU Part 2 of 3) 31:35

25 weeks之前31:35

31:35

Old Mutual is the headline sponsor of this year’s edition of the SingularityU South Africa Summit. In this three-part series, I speak with some of OML's most interesting movers and shakers, understanding how they are moving the needle at the intersection of leadership, technology and impact. My guest on part 2 of the series is Nobesuthu Ndlovu, the director of SMEs at Old Mutual. Suthu is an intuitive and seasoned executive and entrepreneur with vast strategic and operational experience in the finance and retail sectors. Young and highly energetic, Nobesuthu also possesses intrinsic wisdom that she garnered when she astutely nurtured her business, Burgundy Fly, from its challenging bootstrap start-up phase right through to when it became a flourishing entity that generated a R31million turnover in the space of a decade. We talk about the start-up and SME ecosystem in SA and how, under Suthu's guidance, OML has curated a one-stop turnkey solution for start-ups that need administrative support and access to the kind of network and distribution that only an organisation of Old Mutual's scale can offer. Old Mutual SMEgo · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#066 Corporate-backed venture success stories (Kena and JOBJACK) — Vuyo Mpako (OML + SingularityU Part 1 of 3) 31:49

25 weeks之前31:49

31:49

Old Mutual is the headline sponsor of this year’s edition of the SingularityU South Africa Summit. In this three-part series, I speak with some of OML's most interesting movers and shakers, understanding how they are moving the needle at the intersection of leadership, technology and impact. My guest on this first Vuyo is a growth-focused CEO with an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, at the forefront of technology and business transformations, innovation and building new businesses across diverse sectors such as banking, telecoms, insurance, and technology. Vuyo is the Managing Director NEXT176 at Old Mutual Limited, leading innovation, partnerships, strategic investments and venture building across Africa for the Old Mutual Group, a position he has held since 01 September 2021. In this episode, we talk about NEXT176's journey, its early success stories, and its investment and growth philosophy. NEXT176 website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#065 A bold strategy for a digital first telco — Nicola van Ast 36:33

32 weeks之前36:33

36:33

My guest for this episode is Nicola van Ast, CMO at Melon Mobile, and co-founder of Growthink Group (where - full disclosure - she is my wonderful wife Anna's business partner). Nicola is one of the brains behind Melon's bold, cheeky and by all accounts extremely effective takeover of other trusted and loved SA brand's billboards - including Lyft, Veldskoen, Expresso, and Faf de Klerk. We talk about where the idea came from, what it took to bring it to life, and what we can expect from Melon in the weeks and months to come. Nicola's LinkedIn profile · Melon's 14-day trial offer · Growthink Group · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#064 Why creativity still counts and the problem with purpose — Dean Oelschig 48:53

1 year之前48:53

48:53

My guest on this week’s show is Dean Oelschig. I met Dean on Twitter in the early days of social media, where we’d share notes on advertising, rugby, and just about any other topic both cared about, and which we inevitably argued about. We still argue about everything. Dean is a pure ad man and the founder of Halo Advertising. Halo has built an excellent reputation over the last decade and has done extraordinarily well in recent years, with some truly standout and award-winning, above-the-line creative work. In this episode, we discuss why creativity matters more now than ever and how advertising agencies can better assist clients in producing brave and meaningful work. We also discuss the problems with purpose-based marketing and Halo’s exciting upcoming conference, Conspicuous, where Mark Ritson will be the keynote speaker. Enjoy the conversation. Halo's website · Halo's Creative Marketing Newsletter · Connect with Dean on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#063 Firing up the gig economy one person at a time — Aasiyah Adams 41:47

1 year之前41:47

41:47

Aasiyah Adams is the inspirational founder of Abaguquli4IR and called herself the Gig Economy Driver. What does that mean? Well, few people are more passionate about equipping the unemployed, small and informal business owners and traders, and aspirant entrepreneurs with a platform to accelerate or incubate their businesses or ideas for business. She does this by providing entrepreneurship skills, applications, programs and tools in all functional areas that prepare this critical notch of the South African economy for the Gig Economy. In this episode, we discuss her background, her interest in digital literacy, the challenges of her work, and making a meaningful impact at scale. Abaguquli 4IR's website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#062 Is customer loyalty a mirage? — Michael Renzon 52:31

2 years之前52:31

52:31

Do you truly understand your customers? How seamlessly and effectively are you integrating customer feedback into your operations and strategy? Are you measuring success in CX? My guest on this week’s show is Michael Renzon. Mike is the CEO & co-Founder of inQuba which is a Customer Journey Management SaaS platform. Mike has built multiple successful internet, technology, content and Customer Experience. He is an Endeavor Entrepreneur, and honestly one of the most intriguing minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of engaging. I first met Mike on a ski trip with mates over a decade ago and was struck immediately by his monk-like disposition. He doesn’t speak often, but when he does he has a deeply thoughtful, zen-like impact on the room. We’ve since collaborated on conferences and shared many deep conversations about work and life so it was only a matter of time before I convinced him to be on the show. In this episode, we talk about customer experience, how thinking in the field of CX has evolved, and where we can expect it to go in future. inQuba's website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#061 Tripping towards healing: A deep dive into psychedelic therapy — Brad Kallenbach 1:08:53

2 years之前1:08:53

1:08:53

It's hard to know where to start on this one. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has been such a revolution in my personal health journey that it's really difficult for me not to sound like a zealot when discussing the topic. Could psychedelics be the revolution the mental health industry so desperately needs? Maybe. Are there dangers to be cautious of? Absolutely. But in my mind, these dangers are no different to those inherent to any of the powerful drugs readily prescribed by thousands of doctors to millions of patients around the world every day. But don't listen to me, listen to my guest. Not only does he understand this topic intrinsically, but cares perhaps more than anyone I've met about the integrity of the work being done in this field and on the frontier of mental healthcare. Brad Kallenbach is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Equanimity Wellness - Africa’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy centre based right here in Sandton. Brad is also a co-founder of Reach (beta), a mental health tech app that offers real-time, science-based tools for anxiety regulation and emotional mastery. The Equanimity Wellness Centre · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#060 Unlocking the eSports goldmine — Barry Louzada 48:09

2 years之前48:09

48:09

Do the names League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Dota, Fortnite, and Call of Duty mean anything to you? If not, you could be missing out on something massive. The global esports market was valued at $1.39 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.96 billion in 2023. The global esports audience is expected to reach over 500 million in 2023. Esports and gaming compete with the biggest sponsorship opportunities in traditional sports and many brands have zero idea how to participate. In SA, the esports and gaming landscape is emergent, vibrant and an exciting unmined possibility for forward-thinking brands. In this episode, I speak to SA esports pioneer Barry Louzada about his vision for what the industry could look like, now and into the future. Mettlestate · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#059 Could an app be the solution to mental healthcare? — Alon Lits 47:25

2 years之前47:25

47:25

Today we are talking about mental health. If you follow me or if we follow each other online, you will have noticed that this is a topic that I care deeply about and have spoken about increasingly over the last couple of months and years, and it has been a feature of my entrepreneurial journey. It's been a feature of my life, really. But I've realized that not only is it helpful for me to talk about it, and to share some of my story, but there's also sort of a widespread stigma around talking about mental health issues, especially amongst men, especially amongst businessmen and I'm really committed to changing some of that stigma and creating spaces where we can talk about some of the stuff that we're struggling with, in the same way that we would talk about all the other topics that are tough to tackle in the business world. My guest today is somebody who also cares specifically about creating new spaces and new spaces at scale, to assist you in whatever capacity you need. Alon Lits is the founder and CEO of Panda, a revolutionary app dedicated to bringing mental health resources to more people in a more accessible and affordable way. Before Panda, Alon was the country manager for Uber in SA. We talk about his new venture, experience gained from his Uber journey, and more in this inspiring episode. Panda mental health app · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#058 The world according to Zarp — Simon Dingle 41:09

2 years之前41:09

41:09

2022 was a significant year in the world of crypto, the collapse of FTX being a watershed moment. But what does this mean for Bitcoin and crypto in general? Has anything changed? Could it be that all the negative press and naysaying is actually good for decentralised finance? I ask Simon Dingle, arguably SA's leading expert on crypto, these questions and more. His answers may surprise you. Enjoy! Connect with Simon on LinkedIn · The Zarp stablecoin website · Simon's book, Beyond Bitcoin · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#057 Putting the intelligence back in AI — Daniel Hulme 40:32

2 years之前40:32

40:32

What do we really mean when we call things artificially intelligent? Is AI significant progress or a significant threat? And when does SkyNet some online? My guest is Daniel Hulme. Daniel was a guest lecturer on my Master's program back in 2019 and by some distance, the most impactful certainly for me. The reason is that he covered in his talk the very foggy topic of artificial intelligence, and specifically how it's understood and approached by business. I firmly believe that one of the things going really wrong in digital transformation is a lack of consistent unified definitions for all of the trends and technologies that drive disruptive change. So much money, time and effort have been spent on these things that everyone at the boardroom table seems to have a different definition for. Daniel is the CEO of a business called Satalia, which focuses on developing workable AI solutions for businesses around the world. It was also incidentally recently acquired by WPP, which is the same network that bought my agency. Dr Daniel Hulme's Singularity University profile · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#056 Creating content for influence and impact — Erik Kruger 54:37

3 years之前54:37

54:37

Erik Kruger is a prolific author, public speaker, podcaster, YouTuber, video creator, the guy is everywhere. And that's very intimidating to people like me who are in his industry, it also makes it virtually impossible to introduce. So I'll introduce him like this instead, Erik Kruger is also my friend, he is a person that I've come to know over the last couple of years as a profoundly authentic, accessible, interesting human being genuinely committed to personal well being personal mastery, and to finding ways to change the world for the better. And he really means it. Erik and I have been meaning to have this conversation for a very long time, and I thought it perfect to insert it towards the end of this Glenlivet original by tradition series. We talked about Erik's approach to modern leadership and how he helps company leaders, organizations, entrepreneurs, senior business leaders, reconfigure recalibrate their headspace around leadership and around change. We also spoke extensively about Erik's approach to producing content. And I think there are some incredibly valuable insights and gems in the practical tips, the approaches, the strategies that he shared, not just for individuals who want to build a personal brand, or create the same level of impact and network and influence that Erik has, but also for organizations for brands that want to replicate this kind of success. So often, we see brands creating really beautiful content, but creating it once and never been able to scale it beyond that. And Erik share some really great insights about how to avoid those pitfalls and mistakes. Yeah, this is a conversation that I love. It's filled with a lot of insight. It's filled with a lot of great experience. And I trust that you'll enjoy it as much as I did. If you do, please go straight from this conversation and follow Erik online. He's at ErikKruger.com Visit ErikKruger.com · Connect with Erik · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#055 Building an innovation city in the mother City — Kieno Kammies 32:40

3 years之前32:40

32:40

What are the conditions that need to be created to develop innovative thinking, innovative products, and innovative organisations? Is it about a type of space, or a type of structure, or a type of culture? Or is it a combination of all of those things? My guest on the One-Eyed Man podcast today is Kieno Kammies, a well-known media personality and broadcaster turned entrepreneur, innovator and teacher. We discuss a broad range of topics, and Kieno dropped a few nuggets pertinent to our #originalbytradition series. The Glenlivet Website · Connect with Kieno · Watch on YouTube · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#054 Can technology take the pain out of recruitment? — Francois de Wet 44:38

3 years之前44:38

44:38

Do you remember your first formal job interview? I do. It's not great memory. I did a horrendous job of representing myself and my enthusiasm for the position I was applying for. That's understandable if you consider the typical job interview setup. There's a young, uninitiated, nervous person being faced with a panel of influential decision-makers- people who appear to have it all together and literally hold your destiny in the palm of their hands. It's a bit hit and miss - and not necessarily an accurate representation of your capabilities at all. My guest on the show today felt the same thing. He had this problem in his professional capacity as an industrial psychologist and used that frustration as motivation to create a business that would solve his problem - wamly.io is the result. It's an innovative use of asynchronous video technology to solve a very old problem. As you know, that's the theme of the series that we're doing the Glenlivet - #originalbytradition is all about showcasing smart solutions to long-standing challenges. I look forward to your feedback, your shares, your comments, your ratings, as always. Visit wamly.io Website · Connect with Francois · The Glenlivet Website · Watch on YouTube · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#053 A better weigh to build a grocer — Dom and Sam Moleta 54:33

3 years之前54:33

54:33

And we’re back! This is the One-Eyed Man, my name is Mike Stopforth, and today we’re jumping head first into the second half of our #originalbytradition series brought to you by the Glenlivet. We took a short pause to extract and share some highlights from the first five episodes, and of course to give away some premium Glenlivet prizes, so if you missed that, please follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram – you’ll be the first to hear about future updates and giveaways. I’m really excited about this show. It’s hard to think of a better example of entrepreneurs challenging traditional industries with original solutions than my two guests, Sam and Dom Moleta of the Refillery, an eco-friendly, plastic-free grocery store. Both their online and real world offerings have grown significantly over the last few years (which is saying something in itself), in no small part due to a really beautiful brand and product design and a crop of loyal, passionate customers. The secret behind their success will be obvious when you hear them talk about this project. I was deeply inspired by their vision, intention and work ethic. I’m sure you will be, too. If you’d like to watch the conversation, catch it on my YouTube channel. Off we go. Mike Stopforth on YouTube · Connect with Dom · Connect with Sam · The Glenlivet Website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#052 How to capture the soul of a nation — Nick Dreyer 49:00

4 years之前49:00

49:00

If you’re anything like me then many of your proudest moments as a South African are closely associated with sport. Whether it’s underdog victories or feats of individual brilliance that inspire us and give us hope, it’s hard to ignore how sport is inextricably woven into the fabric of the tapestry that tells the story of the proverbial new South Africa. One such moment recently was seeing our athletes – their broad smiles hidden behind masks but not from their eyes - entering the stadium under our flag during the opening ceremony of the ill-fated Tokyo Olympics. Perhaps it was my surprise that the event went ahead at all in the midst of multiple disruptions, or the fact that it came at a time when my national energy was at an all time low but the sight of our beautifully and eclectically dressed athletes reinvigorated me with all of those feelings that I’m almost certain are unique to the experience of being South African. One of the most noticeable aspects of those outfits were the brightly soled Veldskoen shoes that each athlete wore. These weren’t just veldskoene with a small V, there were Veldskoen, with a big V, the now internationally famous footwear and lifestyle brand born out of SA, for the world, and inspired by the traditional footwear. These comfortable, rawhide shoes, rumoured to date back to 17th century Dutch settlers who were in turn influenced by the traditional Khoisan footwear of the same period from the DNA of an incredible story of entrepreneurship. Now funded by notable international venture capitalists the likes of Mark Cuban, Veldskoen and their flip flop off-shoot, Plakkie, are a product, a brand, and a story we can all be very proud of. Talk about doing something original with something traditional! The 5th episode of our #originalbytradition series, brought to by The Glenlivet, is a conversation with Nick Dreyer, one of the co-founders of Veldskoen. Easily one of my favourites so far, and I know you’ll feel the same. Veldskoen Shoes · Nick Dreyer · Glenlivet Website · Watch on YouTube · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#051 Unpacking innovation in media and broadcasting — Relebogile Mabotja 46:52

4 years之前46:52

46:52

My next guest in our Original By Tradition series brought to you The Glenlivet can only be described as superhuman. Imagine running two successful production businesses, maintaining roles on various industry boards and panels as a lobbyist and commentator, public speaking, mentoring and training up and coming talent, producing and appearing in a wildly popular and impactful TV show, and raising a family, all in a normal work day. Somehow, Relebogile Mabotja does this, and does it exceptionally. This series as you know is all about inspiring entrepreneurs who spend their time finding original and creative solutions to challenging problems and Relebogile embodies that more than most. Having come from a very traditional broadcast and media background, she is constantly innovating and reinventing this tremendously exciting space with a fresh approach to content and engagement that we can all learn from. We spoke about a broad range of topics, but I could easily have spent another hour or two tapping into her experience and wisdom. Again, I’m really grateful to the Glenlivet for making conversations just like this one possible, and look forward to your feedback on this one in particular. Enjoy! Glenlivet Website · Connect with Relebogile · Watch on YouTube · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#050 What's at the heart of cause-based marketing? — Michael Baretta 41:07

4 years之前41:07

41:07

"The only social responsibility of business is to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits. So long as it stays within the rules of the game, which is to say engages in open and free competition without deception, or fraud." - the words of famed economist Milton Friedman from his seminal essay on the topic of social responsibility and what businesses should be responsible for and prioritise their time on. Now, 50 years old, that essay, and we've seen fluctuations in the understanding of businesses and its responsibility towards social impact over the years and certainly in the last couple of years, more and more prominence of big organisations and corporations putting purpose, putting causes at the centre of their focus, or at least pretending to do so. It's not always the case that it is really their number one priority. But I'm really interested in this topic, of course, and I've covered it at length on this podcast in the past, and as part of our "Original by Tradition" series with The Glenlivet, which, of course, I'm glad you are participating in, and of course, want to hear your feedback on. I'm speaking to a really special guest today, Michael Baretta, who runs an agency called [dot]GOOD, South Africa's leading cause-based marketing, cause marketing and implementation agency. [dot]GOOD’s focus really is on helping organisations not just discover their purpose, but communicate that purpose effectively to their audience, to their employees, to various stakeholders, to the population at large, and I really wanted to tap Michael's brain to understand how he helps typically complex corporates distil their intentions in the space, how they incorporate that into their traditional marketing efforts, and how they ensure that really authenticity is held at the core of these efforts, otherwise, they tend to fall flat. Michael's got a great story, runs an incredible business an was very generous with his time. Enjoy! Connect with Michael · Glenlivet Website · [dot]GOOD Website · Watch the video · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#049 How to build the world's biggest coffee brand — Neo Moleko & Brad Symons 48:31

4 years之前48:31

48:31

In this second episode in our #originalbytradition entrepreneurship series, brought to you by The Glenlivet, I talk to Neo Moleko and Brad Symons from Manaka Coffee. What would make a couple of old school friends start a new coffee brand when the likes of Seattle, Vida and even Starbucks exist as competition already? Well, these two will tell you it’s a firm belief that African innovation and originality can bring something truly unique – something fresh - to even the most crowded industries. The Manaka story really is one of hope and that’s my wish for you as you listen to the show today - a ray of optimism. A sense of possibility. Watch on YouTube · Manaka Coffee Website · Glenlivet Website · Connect with Neo · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#048 Lessons learned launching a tech start-up in lockdown — Mike Sharman 58:06

4 years之前58:06

58:06

I am thrilled to tell you that we're partnering with the Glenlivet to bring you a series of conversations with innovative entrepreneurs over the next 10 episodes. The whiskey connoisseurs amongst you will know the Glenlivet as an award winning sought after collection of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, just like that collection, this series of conversations, we'll have a little something for everyone. We're going to be talking to inventors creatives, financial wunderkinds, problem solvers and more, celebrating those who strive to find answers and solve problems, where others have given up even asking questions. In our first episode, I talked to arguably South Africa's leading expert on branded content, an old friend and colleague in the digital marketing industry, Mike Sharman. Mike is the CEO of marketing agencies Retroviral and Retroactive and more recently a co-founder with ex-Springbok rugby player Bryan Habana and Ben Karpinski of a company called Match Kit, an exciting tech startup that was recently included in a prestigious alpha code incubator program. I talked to Mike about this, and other remarkable achievements. About his insatiable and infectious enthusiasm for creative work, and about the lessons he learned building these incredible businesses. Before we get into the show, please remember to pay close attention and keep an eye on my social media. Toward the end of the series, we'll be giving away some incredible Glenlivet hampers to a few lucky listeners. Glenlivet Website · Connect with Mike Sharman on LinkedIn · Retroviral · Match Kit · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#047 Small business as the bedrock of economic growth — Lesley Waterkeyn and Dawn Nathan-Jones 40:47

4 years之前40:47

40:47

Lesley Waterkeyn and Dawn Nathan-Jones (you may recognise Dawn as one of the investors from Shark Tank SA) have a vision for economic growth by inspiring and supporting entrepreneurs to start and grow successful and impactful small businesses. They provide resources in the form of training, coaching and business tools through Over The Rainbow (www.overtherainbow.co.za), and we talk about their offerings and learnings in this discussion. Over The Rainbow Website · Connect with Dawn · Connect with Lesley · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#046 Is it naïve to be optimistic about South Africa? — Dr Graeme Codrington 1:00:06

4 years之前1:00:06

1:00:06

In the wake of a series of protests, riots and lootings across South Africa and especially in KZN, many of us are trying to make sense of what we saw and experience. Those of us fortunate enough not to be caught in the middle of the unrest juggled misinformation, panic, a limp government response, and the visible and visceral impact on thousands of our compatriots who are already in dire straits. We've also seen the juxtaposition of extraordinary hope and unity demonstrated as a response to heinous acts of a destructive minority. How do well-meaning South Africans make sense of all of this? Is this the final straw, or the beginning of a new era? Is it neither? Is it naive or even irresponsible to hope, or has it never been more important to do so? I explore these and other questions I've wrestled with my dear friend and ex-colleague, futurist and public speaker extraordinaire, Dr Graeme Codrington, in this very personal episode. I trust you'll find some value in our discussions. Connect with Graeme · Graeme's Website · An article I wrote in response to the countrywide upheaval · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#045 It's ok to not be ok — Bridget McNulty 44:50

4 years之前44:50

44:50

We're back from a brief hiatus, in the midst of a trying time for South Africa and South Africans. Well, a more trying time - it feels like being and believing has been an uphill battle for years now. In this episode talk to Bridget McNulty about grief. About loss. About how we think about loss, respond to loss, and live with it rather than get over it. This episode is a bit out of the ordinary for this podcast, but the last few months have been months of loss for me personally, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that many of you will be feeling the same, and need a space to reflect on it. The Grief Handbook website · Bridget's website · Buy now on Takealot · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#044 Does your business need a "fixer"? — Chris Loker 36:41

4 years之前36:41

36:41

Chris Loker is the founder of https://Moksha.biz, a company that had its genesis as a wellness business encompassing a yoga studio, clothing line, retreats, international teaching, teacher training and workshop, and has evolved in time to an advocate and provider of the concept of “Leadership Yoga”. Leadership yoga has been advocated by Rosabeth Moss Kanter who specialises in strategy, innovation, and leadership for change at Harvard Business School. Interestingly, Moksha also offers interim executive services, something that I was particularly intrigued about in our conversation. Chris is a wise, thoughtful, considered leader and I really enjoyed our connection and discussion. Moksha.biz · Connect with Chris on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#043 Why big tech projects fail, and how to make sure yours doesn't — Wayne Zwiers and Vutlhari Rikhotso 37:30

4 years之前37:30

37:30

Wayne Zwiers and Vutlhari Rikhotso are the CEO and CTO of Basalt - a leading South African fintech solutions builder (https://www.basalt.co/). Having spent decades watching clients and their agencies fumble over complex digital integrations and transformations, I'm always intrigued by service providers who seem to do things differently. I've known Wayne Zwiers for many years and have watched him grow from a client service executive to a powerhouse entrepreneur. Wayne and his partner VT have been recognised for their passion and execution by being awarded the prestigious Technology Company of the Year award at Africa Tech Week. They reached out recently, wanting to share a little of their story and what they believe is the secret to their success, and I was thrilled to host them on the show. basalt.co · Connect with Wayne Zwiers on LinkedIn · Connect with Vutlhari Rikhotso on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

1
#042 The secret to e-commerce success in South Africa — Ryan Bacher 37:20

4 years之前37:20

37:20

Ryan Bacher is the co-founder and MD of https://NetFlorist.co.za one of South Africa's earliest and now leading online businesses. Starting off as an online florist and enjoying significant success in the early days of e-commerce in SA, NetFlorist has continued to grow and innovate, and diversify its offering to adapt to changing consumer needs. Ryan and I sat down on e-commerce day (10 March) to discuss what makes their business so special, how they have dealt with the rollercoaster ride of COVID-19, his principles for leadership and success, and their ongoing plans for the months to come. Netflorist · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#041 Pursuing the goal of leadership perfection (Leading on the Field Part 4) — Kataino Tembo 36:22

4 years之前36:22

36:22

This Leading on the Field series of conversations with key sporting personalities is brought to you by sports management specialists, Forwardzone (https://forwardzone.com). Kaitano Tembo is the current Head Coach of PSL club SuperSport United. He took up the position in 2018 after ten years in the club's leadership ranks, following a career that saw him perform for top Zimbabwean club Dynamos, the Zimbabwean national team and SuperSport United. In this conversation we talk about his meticulous and calculated approach to leadership, both in terms of his own leadership philosophy and in terms of what he expects from technical staff and his team. Kaitano's passion for the development of the sport in Africa is palpable, and I'm sure you'll enjoy learning from his wealth of experience as much as I did. Thank you also to Platform45 (https://platform45.com) for their continued support of the show. MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#040 Building a winning team (Leading on the field part 3) — Desiree Ellis 34:26

4 years之前34:26

34:26

Thanks to sports management specialists, Forwardzone (https://forwardzone.com), and software development geniuses Platform45 (https://www.platform45.com/) for their continued support of the One-Eyed Man podcast. Desiree Ellis is the coach of the South Africa women's national football team, Banyana Banyana. She was awarded Confederation of African Football Women's Coach of the Year in 2018 after the team finished second place in the African Women Cup of Nations and qualifying for the Women's World Cup for the first time. During her club career she played as a midfielder for Spurs Ladies among other teams, but tragically, as I was to discover early in our conversation, now supports Manchester United ;) We talk about her journey through the professional game, the many influences over her leadership style, her hopes and dreams for our national team, and some of the challenges they've had to overcome over the last year. Forwardzone · Platform45 · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#039 Playing against yourself (Leading on the field part 2) — Ashleigh Buhai 37:35

4 years之前37:35

37:35

This Leading on the Field series of conversations with key sporting personalities is brought to you by sports management specialists, Forwardzone (https://forwardzone.com). At the tender age of 18, golf prodigy Ashleigh Buhai turned pro after breaking almost every amateur record in South Africa. She was the youngest player (14) to receive full African colours, the youngest player to win the Ladies South African Amateur Stroke Play and Match Play double, and the first player in 101 years to win the South African Open title three times. She went on to win three times on the European Tour, where she currently plays, and is a fantastic ambassador for young South Africans rising through the sport, not to mention the consummate professional in all aspects of her game. I spoke to Ashleigh about the unique challenge of playing a sport at the highest level where, unlike football, rugby or cricket, you really have nobody else to blame for your shortcomings other than you. You're out there alone on the golf course, and that means taking extraordinary levels of responsibility for your own readiness and performance. Not unlike, I think, the unique challenge of entrepreneurship or leading any organisation of significance, which can often be a very lonely job. A big thank you to the teams at Forwardzone and Platform45 for making this episode of the One-Eyed Man possible Forwardzone · Platform45 · Connect with Ashleigh on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#038 Pushing the boundaries of sports leadership (Leading on the field part 1) — Enoch Nkwe 57:45

4 years之前57:45

57:45

This Leading on the Field series of conversations with key sporting personalities is brought to you by sports management specialists, Forwardzone (https://forwardzone.com). Enoch Nkwe is the assistant coach of the South African national cricket team, the Proteas. A former professional cricketer himself, Enoch's promising career was cut short by injury. Rather than be defeated by this setback, he reinvented himself as a successful coach in the franchise system, then in the Netherlands national team make up, and after a hugely successful stint at the coach of the Highveld Lions, settled into a new role with his beloved Proteas. We talk about the unique challenge of leading a national sports team, and how leadership influences in his early life shaped the philosophy he brings to the team today. Enoch's passion for his work is palpable, and I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion. I hope you do too, and if you do, please share it with your network. A big thank you to Platform45 (https://platform45.com) for their continued support of the podcast. Forwardzone · Platform45 · Connect with Enoch on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#037 WhatsApp and the real price of free social networks — Nerushka Bowan 45:22

4 years之前45:22

45:22

A big thank you to Platform45 (https://platform45.com) for making this episode possible. Should we be jumping the WhatsApp ship? In this episode I talk to Nerushka Bowan about the recent panic over - and exodus from - WhatsApp. Nerushka is an emerging technology law specialist and legal technology innovator, and has been one of the more balanced and lucid voices in the noise around this interesting development. Nerushka's website - book her talks! · Nerushka on Twitter · Platform 45 · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#036 A counter-intuitive approach to innovation in media and news — Styli Charalambous 54:30

4 years之前54:30

54:30

A big thank you to Platform45 (https://platform45.com) for making this episode possible. Styli Charalambous — Daily Maverick | CEO/Publisher The thinking behind the launch of print weekly DM168 In this episode I talk to Styli Charalambous, the visionary CEO and Publisher of Daily Maverick. In the midst of a particularly unpredictable time for media businesses (and the world at large, to be fair), South Africa’s digital-first-and-only news publication drew international attention with its launch of a print weekly, DM168. We discuss the vision and motivation for this bold move, in context of a broader conversation about misinformation, disinformation, and the politicisation of media in general. Platform45 · 48h — My new social media crisis communication consultancy · Halo brand agency · The Daily Maverick · Connect with Styli on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#035 Rethinking organisational design and effectiveness through CEOship — Rowan Belchers 50:03

4 years之前50:03

50:03

Rowan Belchers — Lockstep | Founder Dismantling and demystifying some widely held misconceptions about CEOs In this episode I talk to specialist CEO advisor Rowan Belchers about what being a CEO really means, why the role is more important than ever in determining organisational success, and how modern CEOs are having to revise their views on leadership to adapt and thrive. Rowan is the founder of Lockstep, which delivers customised leadership solutions to significantly impact business performance, and the creator of The CEO Project a programme specifically designed for leaders who sense they need a new blueprint for success in a rapidly evolving business and societal landscape. Lockstep Consulting · The CEO Project · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#034 Inclusive service cultures are the key to impactful leadership — Ian Fuhr 42:35

4 years之前42:35

42:35

Ian Fuhr — Hatch Institute | Founder How race relations and diversity are fueling business growth and prosperity In this episode I talk to Ian Fuhr, known to many as the dynamic founder of the Sorbet group, about his new project the Hatch Institute and its work in helping entrepreneurs build more inclusive, progressive and impactful businesses. Ian defines the work of the Hatch Institute with the phrase 'cultureneering'. His first business, K-Mart, catered to underserved black markets in the late 1970s and early 1980, deep in darkest years of segregationist Apartheid South Africa. In the early 1990s, Ian launched a labour consultancy, Labour Link, to assist businesses navigate race relations within their organisations during one of South Africa’s most tumultuous periods. Throughout his career Ian has remained convinced that, despite the complexity of the South African socio-political landscape, fostering working environments and cultures that revolve around a common purpose of obsessive customer service we will result in success. We talk about his passion for South African business owners, about the opportunities and challenges of our complex business landscape, and especially about the power of having difficult conversations. The Hatch Institute · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#033 Master Oogway's timeless lessons for leadership — Charlie Quirk 54:28

4 years之前54:28

54:28

Charlie Quirk — Google | Consultant Director of Strategy Why Kung Fu Panda should be in every leader's resource bank "One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it. In this episode I talk to one of my favourite internet friends, Charlie Quirk, about our mutual passion for cinema, the lessons we can all learn from the Hollywood, and particularly, the wisdom of the Kung Fu Panda animated movies. I've been trying to find someone keen to have this discussion with me for ages, so I'm disproportionately excited about this show :) Charlie Quirk describes himself as a global strategy director, cinephile, failed clarinetist, doting dad. He's worked with a broad range of companies including Google, Microsoft, HP, Chevrolet, PayPal, Samsung, AT&T, Visa, Symantec, Zillow, MetLife, Best Buy, Grant Thornton, Dickies, Adidas, Nissan, Qatar Airways and others." Charlie's website · The Furious Curious podcast. Charlie and Britton Rice go into unreasonable depth discussing the weird and wonderful of modern culture. · Charlie's tremendous Hollywood insights deck. · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#032 Perseverance is the ultimate start-up capital — Robert Mtshali 42:55

4 years之前42:55

42:55

Robert Mtshali — MobiWashSA | Founder Discussing perseverance and passion with Alexandra's Robin Hood "In this episode I talk to the self-proclaimed Robin Hood of Alexandra township, Robert Mtshali (and who am I to argue?). Robert is a serial entrepreneur who reached out to me on Twitter because he believed his story would resonate with you, and wow, was he right. After suffering unimaginable tragedy at a very young age, Robert consistently overcame odds and obstacles to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur. It hasn't been an easy route, but it has produced a young man wise beyond his years, deeply passionate about creating value, impacting lives and importantly, teaching others to follow in his footsteps." Robert Mtshali on Twitter · The MobiWash SA website - but look up the App on your chosen App store! · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#031 BONUS Breaking up is hard to do 18:39

4 years之前18:39

18:39

I just ended a 13 year relationship... with Facebook. Now, before you laugh (ok, you can laugh), this was a bigger deal for me than I'd like to admit. For over a decade I ran a social media business that relied heavily on the existence of Facebook - and its impact on companies and customers - to grow and thrive. Much of my reputation and self worth is wrapped up in the existence and success of that company, and so part of my reluctance to quit Facebook, apart from questions about its utility and the healthiness of using it, was the potential hypocrisy of quitting now. In fact, I found my own reluctance to pull the 'delete my account' trigger so surprising, comical and revealing, that I decided to record a catharsis of sorts which I've published on the One-Eyed Man podcast. This monologue style recording is a little out of character for me, so I'd appreciate your feedback and thoughts on the approach. And the topic, of course. I explore not only my decision to quit Facebook but the reasons I'm still so dependent on other social media. MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#030 Psychedelic medicine and the potential of your mind — Ronen Aires 51:39

4 years之前51:39

51:39

Ronen Aires — CEO | Student Village How society and business is taking a new look at psychedelics In this episode I talk to Ronen Aires about the future of psychedelic medicine and innovation. I am admittedly ignorant on the topic, but have kept a keen eye on Ronen's journey into the subject over the past decade and wanted to hear more about how leaders and innovators should consider the growing interest in the medicinal and mindfulness benefits of psychedelic drugs Ronen and I were fellow forum members in EO for many years, both running agencies (albeit with slightly different focuses) based in Johannesburg, ran many kilometers of many crazy trails together, and have stayed good friends over the years. I now refer to him exclusively by the moniker the Joburg Mystic! Ronen on Twitter · How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollen · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#029 Building a free online money university for everybody — Kristia van Heerden 38:40

4 years之前38:40

38:40

Kristia van Heerden — JustOneLap.com | CEO Uncovering why so many people have a dysfunctional relationship with money In this episode I talk to financial wellness evangelist and crusader Kristia van Heerden about her work on JustOneLap.com - a free online money university for traders, investors, and just about everyone else. Kris hosts the popular Fat Wallet podcast, a highly practical and tactile approach to building financial literacy in and through the lives of real people. Whether you have a natural aptitude for personal financial management, or, like me, wrestle with the role of money in your life, this show will be enlightening and inspiring. The home of money, investment and trading · Kristia on Twitter · The Fat Wallet Show - Kris's wildly popular personal financial management podcast · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

1
#028 Turning attitude into altitude — Gidon Novick 32:52

5 years之前32:52

32:52

Gidon Novick — Entrepreneur How to innovate in the face of disruption and unpredictability In this episode I talk to Gidon Novick about his decision to launch a new airline in the midst of a global pandemic. Gidon is a well known entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, and in his own words, a big believer in the potential of South Africa. He is interested in creating businesses that are both profitable and impactful, and we speak about how the last year has informed his thinking in this regard. Gidon on Twitter · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

1
#027 Is podcasting a bubble or a business? — Jeff Large 44:23

5 years之前44:23

44:23

Jeff Large — Comealivecreative.com | Founder Is podcasting a bubble or a business? — Jeff Large (Comealivecreative.com | Founder) In this episode I talk to Jeff Large, purveyor and producer of profitable podcasts (my title, not his) about the burgeoning business of podcasting, and whether it's a viable marketing and sales strategy, or just hype. Jeff Large helps individuals and businesses establish trust, authority, and relationships with their customers through podcasting. His advice was invaluable in my planning around this show, and has been a valuable sounding board as it has evolved. If you are an individual or representative of a brand considering podcasting as a communication channel, this show will be a helpful primer to the opportunities and challenges of the platform. Jeff Large's personal website · Jeff's full-service podcast solution agency for corporate brands · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

1
#026 The trouble with having an open mind — Bronwyn Williams 53:26

5 years之前53:26

53:26

Bronwyn Williams — Flux Trends | Partner Fixing the world and breaking echo chambers In this episode, my friend and speaking colleague Bronwyn Williams and I finally get around to solving all the world's problems, and in only 45 minutes or so. Bronwyn is a futurist, economist and trends analyst with over a decade’s experience in strategic management and foresight. She holds tertiary qualifications in Marketing Management (UJ), Economics (University of London), Foresight (University of Manchester), and Future Studies (University of Stellenbosch). She is currently completing a Master's in Applied Economics from the University of Bath. We both have ideas about how to address some of the world's most complicated problems, but they're seldom the same ideas. This has produced many interesting debates and rich conversations, and I hope this show is one of them. Bronwyn's website · Flux Trends website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy…

The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth

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#025 How big is Big Enough? — Lee LeFever 40:58

5 years之前40:58