In this episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw sits down with Tessa Forman and Theresa Michael to look at the work of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani and the role of Early Childhood Development in building stronger foundations for children and communities.

Their conversation spans ECD, teacher development, curriculum, assessment, technology, leadership and sustainability, with a focus on supporting practitioners, principals and families in rural and township communities.

The episode also looks at how organisations can create lasting social impact by investing in people, strengthening centres and using innovation to improve access to quality early learning.

Presented by EXEO Capital

Shownotes:

Theresa Michael

Connect: LinkedIn

Job title: CEO – Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

Expertise: Early Childhood Development, Education, Leadership, Community Development, Child Development, Social Impact

Education: Marist Brothers Linmeyer

Professional Career:

1. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani – CEO; leads the organisation’s Early Childhood Development work and its focus on strengthening learning foundations for children in rural and underserved communities.
2. BambaLearn – Supports the use of educational technology to extend play-based learning and strengthen development for young children.
3. ECD Leadership & Advocacy – Champions investment in the early years and stronger leadership and support systems for ECD centres.
4. Community Development – Works with practitioners, principals, parents and communities to strengthen learning environments and create sustainable centres.
5. Child Development & Assessment – Supports monitoring of children’s developmental progress and identification of areas requiring additional support.

Tessa Forman

Connect: LinkedIn

Job title: COO – Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

Expertise: Early Childhood Development, Education, Teacher Development, Curriculum Development, Community Development

Education: University of the Witwatersrand – Pass with distinction

Professional Career:

1. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani – COO; supports the organisation’s delivery of programmes designed to strengthen ECD centres, practitioners and learning outcomes.
2. Teacher Development & Mentorship – Supports ECD practitioners through training, mentorship, practical classroom support and digital learning.
3. Curriculum Development – Contributes to the development and implementation of age-appropriate learning programmes and resources for young children.
4. Early Childhood Development – Focuses on developmental support and school readiness for children in underserved communities.
5. BambaLearn and digital tools – support teaching, learning and assessment.
6. Community Development & Leadership – Works with ECD centres, principals, practitioners and communities to strengthen learning environments and long-term sustainability.

The conversation looks at:

• Early Childhood Development and school readiness
• Teacher development and mentorship
• Curriculum and assessment
• Educational technology and BambaLearn
• Leadership and sustainability in ECD centres
• Rural and township education
• Community development and social impact
• Women in leadership and education

In this episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw sits down with Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends, to cut into how a single barber’s chair in Eldorado Park became the foundation of one of Africa’s most recognisable barber brands. Their conversation spans entrepreneurship, customer experience and leadership, while highlighting the importance of building businesses that create opportunities for others.

Sheldon reflects on the power of relationships, the role of faith in shaping organisational culture and why investing in people has been central to the Legends story. From training thousands of young barbers to embracing artificial intelligence as an enabler for small businesses, he shares practical insights on growing with purpose while remaining deeply connected to community.

It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation and creating impact that extends far beyond business.

Presented by EXEO Capital

Shownotes:

Connect:

Legends Barber – Facebook, Instagram & TikTok

Sheldon Tatchell – LinkedIn & Instagram

Job title: Founder & CEO – Legends Barber

Expertise: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Barbering, Brand Building, Community Development

Education:

1. Harvard Business School – Owner/President Management (OPM) Programme

Achievements:

1. Legends Barber – Founder & CEO; built the business from a single chair in Eldorado Park to over 70 stores across four African countries.

2. Legends Training Academy – Established free barber training centres to upskill young people and create employment opportunities.

3. The Fade Company (FXDE Company) – Founder; professional clipper brand that donates one clipper to an informal barber for every ten sold.

4. Legends Township Marathon – Sponsor and supporter of the annual community marathon promoting health and community development.

5. Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024

6. Community Outreach – Provides free haircuts at schools and old age homes while investing in youth development and entrepreneurship.

Books Mentioned:

1. The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber

2. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business – Gino Wickman

In this episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw sits down with Professor Habib Noorbhai – innovator, author and former Mr. South Africa to discuss what it means to design for human performance in a data-rich world. From biomechanics and movement science to innovation and entrepreneurship, the conversation traces how scientific insight can be translated into practical tools that shape sport, business and everyday life. It is a thoughtful look at African leadership, applied science and the future of performance beyond the lab.

Presented by EXEO Capital

Shownotes:

Connect:
Habib Noorbhai

Universities & Academic Institutions Mentioned

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • PhD in Sports Science and Biokinetics
  • Master’s studies in Biokinetics
  • Worked with Professor Tim Noakes (Discovery Chair of Exercise, Sports Science and Medicine)
  • Research conducted during PhD (from January 2012)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ): Undergraduate studies in Sports Psychology
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): Honours degree in Biokinetics
• Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), Cape Town: Internship in Biokinetics

Companies & Organisations Mentioned

• Discovery: Linked through the Discovery Chair of Exercise, Sports Science and Medicine at UCT
• Saudi Arabian Sports Investment Entities (SURJ): Sports investment vehicle aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy

Websites & Online Platforms

• https://www.habibnoorbhai.com/: Access to Habib’s projects, research and recommended books
• https://a4digest.substack.com/
• YouTube:
  A4 Digest

Major Sporting Events

• Wimbledon: One of the highest-viewed sporting events according to UK broadcasters
• Indian Premier League (IPL): One of the most watched cricket tournaments globally
• Olympic Games: Discussion on why the Olympics continue despite global challenges

Emerging Technologies Mentioned

• Metaverse-related technologies
• Smart glasses (including operating systems and app stores)
• Payment systems integrated into smart glasses
• Biohacking concepts
• Robotics supporting human performance
• Wearable technology

People Mentioned

• Professor Tim Noakes
  • Mentor and collaborator during Habib’s PhD

Awards & Achievements

• Mr South Africa 2017
• Science and Innovation Award (40 Under-40 South Africa): Recognised in 2023 for his significant impact in the field of exercise science and health technologies
• HSRC-USAf and NSTF-South32 “Science Oscars” in Communication: Nominated for his scholarly contributions in 2022 and 2024

Current Projects

• Launch of
  A4 – YouTube and Subtack channel focused on AI, Academia, Athletes and Altruism

With over 20 years of experience spanning tech and academia, Japie shares how game-based thinking can reshape education, unlock motivation and drive meaningful progress. From the classroom to real-world impact, this conversation highlights why the future of learning might just look a lot more like play.

Presented by EXEO Capital

Shownotes:

Connect: LinkedIn

Education:

1.        University of Johannesburg – PhD in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, with a focus on Engineering Education and Gamification

2.        Tshwane University of Technology – MTech in Electrical Engineering (Embedded Development)

3.        Tshwane University of Technology – BTech in Telecommunications (with Distinction)

4.        UNISA – National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications)

5.        Centurion College – National Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Industrial Electronics)

Professional Career:

1. Belgium Campus – Research Coordinator: Leading research strategy, staff development, curriculum reform, and external engagement to strengthen academic impact.
2. North-West University – Associate Professor & Deputy Director: Taught AI, led research in serious games and gamification, and managed postgraduate research programmes.
3. Britehouse Mobility – Development Manager (SharePoint): Oversaw a team of developers delivering Microsoft stack solutions; also served as technical lead and architecture advisor.
4. TFT – Senior Electronic Engineer: Designed turnkey test and product systems; specialised in embedded development and PCB design.
5. UTIL LABS – Senior Technologist: Developed embedded systems and testing frameworks for energy load management and electronics manufacturing.
6. Zaptronix – Embedded Developer & Support Engineer: Created embedded systems for telemetry and load management; supported field deployments.
7. HartRAO (NRF Facility) – Technician / Microwave Engineer: Maintained RF and fibre optic systems for SA’s radio astronomy infrastructure, including SKA project support.
8. HartRAO Science Awareness – Facilitator: Delivered science outreach to thousands of learners and trained educators in effective science teaching.

• Gamification
• Artificial intelligence
• Automation
• National Qualification Framework
• Design Science
• Pathfinding
• RAMP – relatedness, autonomy, mastery, purpose
• Escapism
• Generative AI
• Gameful Mindset
• Russel Goldman – teaches creative writing at Unisa (game master)
• Games:

• 1. Tabletop role-playing
  2. Legend of the Five Rings
  3. The Call of Cthulhu
  4. Ars Magica
  5. Balatro (gamifying poker)
  6. Red Dead Redemption 2
  7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Terry Pratchett – “The anthropologists got it wrong when they named our species Homo sapiens (‘wise man’). In any case it’s an arrogant and bigheaded thing to say, wisdom being one of our least evident features. In reality, we are Pan narrans, the storytelling chimpanzee.”
• Jane McGonigal’s two books – Reality is Broken and Superbetter

• Contact on: Greeff.j@belgiumcampus.ac.za

They discuss the launch of Enkopa Lab Japan, a new advisory firm empowering Japanese businesses to expand into African markets, and the broader implications of tech, data and partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future.

This conversation offers critical insights into market development, intercultural strategy and what it takes to execute impactful change across continents.

Shownotes:

Connect: LinkedIn

Education:

1.        Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business – MBA in Strategy and Operations

2.        Georgia Institute of Technology – Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

3.        ENSTA Paris – Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

4.        Lycée Saint-Louis, Paris – Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles (Maths & Physics)

Professional Career:

1.        Laurendeau & Associates – Managing Partner: Trusted advisor helping bridge the gap between strategy and execution for leaders in emerging markets. (San Francisco | Addis Ababa | Tokyo)

2.        Enkopa Lab – Founder & Owner: Leads a Tokyo-based boutique firm helping Japanese organisations enter African markets with AI-powered data and advisory services.

3.        Enkopa Lab / Ethiopia’s Digital Financial Service Providers Association – Board Member: Supports Ethiopia’s digital financial ecosystem through strategic governance.

4.        Arifpay Financial Technologies S.C. – Angel Investor & Former CEO/Co-Founder: Invested in and led Ethiopia’s first licensed POS operator offering digital payment solutions.

5.        CAFE – Club d’Affaires Franco-Ethiopien – Vice-President: Represented and supported French business interests in Ethiopia.

6.        Jobs Creation Commission, Office of the Prime Minister (Ethiopia) – Senior Advisor to the Commissioner: Provided strategic counsel to a national agency focused on employment and entrepreneurship.

7.        Zenysis Technologies – Regional Director (Africa/Europe): Directed tech-for-development projects in public health and governance across regions.

8.        Bank of the West (BNP Paribas) – Vice President, Location Strategies: Led workforce strategy and rightshoring projects for the banking group’s U.S. division.

9.        Slalom Consulting – Delivery Leadership: Managed large-scale transformation projects in revenue management and post-merger integration.

10.   Trianz Consulting – Manager: Focused on go-to-market strategies and operations for tech and public sector clients.

11.   Kalypso Consulting – Senior Consultant: Advised on new product development and lifecycle management for innovation-driven industries.

12.   Georgia Institute of Technology – Research Assistant (Rotorcraft Design): Worked in aerospace engineering research during his academic years.

13.   Bose Corporation – MBA Summer Intern (Product Development): Contributed to portfolio management and product innovation strategies.

14.   Dassault Systèmes – Product Management Technical Analyst: Worked on CAD and mechanical design systems for structural engineering applications.

Notes:

1.        Strategic partners: Culture Factor and Kasi Insight

2.        Capitalism

3.        Risk Capital

4.        Impact Funding

5.        Lionel Messi for his talent

6.        Cristiano Ronaldo for his hard work

7.        Gig Economy

8.        Robotic Process Automation

9.        Digital Economy

10.   Telemedicine

11.   Cultural Advisor

12.   Culture Strike

13.   Silicon Valley

14.   Ubuntu

]]> https://shaperspodcast.co.za/episode-55/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:54:56 +0000 https://shaperspodcast.co.za/?p=859 In the final episode of Shapers for 2024, Co-Hosts Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw reflect on an extraordinary season filled with insights from leaders like Prof Nkuhlu, Dion Chang and Caitlin Nash.

They also highlight key trends shaping the future and share holiday cheer while looking ahead to what 2025 has in store. Perfect for a reflective moment during the festive season!

Anita reflects on the early days of internet security, the pivotal milestones in her career and her mission to empower startups while tackling real-world challenges. She shares how she transformed Stellenbosch University’s Innovus into Africa’s leading technology transfer office, all while driving innovation in healthcare, education and society at large. Tune in as Anita explores the lessons she’s learned, the obstacles she’s overcome and her vision for Africa as a global leader in the next wave of technological advancement.

Professional Career:

• Innovus – Restructured and grew the technology transfer office into a leading institution in Africa.
• University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (Pty) Ltd – CEO.
• LaunchLab (Stellenbosch University) – Founder of the highly successful business incubator.
  • Global award for the best university-based incubator on the African continent
• Stellenbosch University – Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation.
• Mark Shuttleworth’s Thawte – Worked on a cybersecurity solution during the early days of internet technology.
• Paul Roos Gymnasium – Science and Mathematics Teacher.

Education:

• Stellenbosch University: She pursued her bachelor’s degree in science, a postgraduate diploma in education and a master’s degree in psychology.

Connect: LinkedIn

Notes:

• Chilli Festival
• Popular Mechanics
• Atomic Energy Corporation
• Here Be Dragons investment group
• CubeSpace
• Biocode

The conversation dives into his passion for geopolitics, economics and how Africa fits into the global landscape. Ronak recounts his early love for current affairs, sparked by childhood quizzes with his father and his “accidental” and successful transition into the world of banking and risk management.

He also discusses his perspective on Africa’s development, how hard work, sponsorship and a bit of luck paved his path and why he describes his mission as “explaining Africa to the world and the world to Africa.”

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in African politics, business and global trends.

Shownotes:

Professional Career:

1.      Signal Risk, Director (Business Development): Apr 2018 – Present

2.      Nanyang Technological University, Research Fellow, NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies: Jun 2019 – Present

3.      GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science), Part-time Faculty and Fellow at The Centre for African Management and Markets: Sep 2018 – Present

4.      ALU School of Business, Part-time Faculty Mar 2022 – Present

5.      Mindflux Training Ltd., Co-Founder/Strategist: Jan 2020 – Present

6.      ENACT (implemented by the Institute for Security Studies) Advisory Board Member: Nov 2017 – Present

7.      Archbishop Desmond Tutu African Leadership Fellow: Sep 2019 – Present

8.      Global South Africans Brand Ambassador: May 2024 – Present

9.      Rand Merchant Bank: 8 years, Jan 2010 – Dec 2017

Education:

·        SOAS University of London: Master of Science (MSc) Finance, Economic Policy

·        [The%20University%20of%20Pretoria’s%20Gordon%20Institute%20of%20Business%20Science%20(GIBS)]Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS): Nexus Leadership Programme

·        University of Cape Town: B Com (Hons), Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management

·        University of Cape Town: B Com, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) with Business French

Connect: LinkedIn, Instagram, X

Tune in to hear his reflections on the state of the country, the challenges ahead, and the leadership required to navigate this pivotal moment.

Shownotes:

Professional Career

Education: University of Cape Town, University of London

Party: Democratic Alliance

Office: Executive Mayor of Cape Town since 2021

Previous offices:

·        Shadow Minister of Finance of South Africa (2019–2021)

·        Member of National Assembly of South Africa (2011–2021)

·        Shadow Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa (2012–2014)

·        Shadow Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa (2011–2012)

Connect: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X