Every learner deserves a future, not just a classroom. Fuel South Africa’s future innovators and support Siyafunda today: https://www.siyafundaef.org.za/ Felix Spies, founder of Siyafunda Education Foundation, joins John Watson to unpack how philanthropy in South Africa can evolve from charity handouts to sustainable wealth creation. Felix shares how he’s bridging the gap between corporate boardrooms and rural classrooms - from building trust-based partnerships to transforming education in the Northern Cape. Together, they explore what real impact looks like, why short-term “show and go” projects fail, and how the five T’s - Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and Ties - can change how companies and individuals serve communities. If you’ve ever wondered how to connect purpose, profit, and people - this conversation will challenge how you think about giving, leadership, and being in your right place. Connect with Felix Spies here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixspies/

The Lekker Network is built to connect South African business owners around the world. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Guy Ellis, chairman, founder and author of the brand new book "The Negotiation Code", talks to John Watson about how AI can be used as a training tool for negotiation skills. They explore the intricacies of negotiation, emphasizing the importance of preparation, adaptability, and the power of silence. Guy also shares insights from his personal experiences and discusses how using AI can sharpen your negotiation preparation. The conversation also touches on the significance of building a network and the value of relationships in business. Guy reflects on his recent experiences lecturing at Harvard and the lessons learned from students. The episode concludes with a discussion on how the The Lekker Network came to be and it's mission to connect South Africans globally. Grab your own copy of The Negotiation Code: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647049636 Connect with Guy Ellis here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-ellis/ https://www.thenegotiationcode.com/ Connect with John and Rudolf here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-watson-connects/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolf-rautenbach/ #therightplacepodcast #thelekkernetwork

I Coach Frustrated Business Owners and Introverts to Connect with Confidence and Grow Their Network: https://forms.gle/hjes2RmV5Jw9TWsf7 Stephan Weyers, Co-Founder of Wingman, talks to John Watson about his role as an endurance coach who helps busy executives transform their fitness and lives. They discuss Stephan's journey from being an unfit lawyer to a successful Ironman coach, the common challenges faced by athletes, the importance of lifestyle choices over genetics, and how to design realistic training programs for busy people. Stephan shares insights on building trust with clients, the role of technology in coaching, and the significance of consistency in endurance sports. He also highlights a success story of former Springbok and Blue Bulls rugby player, Flip van der Merwe, who transformed his life through endurance training and just completed his first Half-Ironman at Vichy, France. Connect with Stephan Weyers here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-weyers/ https://wingmansport.com/

Are You A Frustrated Business Owner or Introvert? If You Want To Connect with Confidence, Start Here: https://forms.gle/hjes2RmV5Jw9TWsf7 Andrew Fick, Founder of Finance Fusion, talks to John Watson about the importance of financial literacy for non-finance teams and how understanding finance can empower employees to make informed decisions that positively impact the bottom line. He emphasizes the need for intentional decision-making, the significance of cash flow, and the value of training non-finance professionals in financial concepts. The discussion also touches on the role of networking, collaboration, and the lessons learned from both public and private sectors, highlighting the importance of asking for help and the power of community in business success. Connect with Andrew Fick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-fick-ca-sa-financefusion-finance-training/ https://financefusion.com/ #therightplacepodcast #financefusion

Make good ethics part of your business' foundation with Ethics In Action: https://ethicsinaction.co.za/ Ilene Power, the head of Ethics in Action under the Unashamedly Ethical banner, talks to John Watson about working with courageous leaders to align values with behaviour, and turning ethics into a strategic advantage that builds trust, reduces risk, and drives purpose-aligned performance. They discuss the importance of ethics in leadership and organizational culture where Ilene emphasizes that ethics should not be viewed merely as compliance but as a strategic advantage that fosters trust and accountability. Ilene outlines how organizations can proactively manage ethics, create a culture of integrity, and navigate the evolving landscape of ethics education. She also addresses the challenges posed by AI in business ethics and the necessity for clear policies. The discussion then highlights the personal commitment required from leaders to instill ethical practices within their organizations. Connect with Ilene Power here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilene-power/

Are you ready to reach your business dreams? Talk to Scale Up Partners today: https://scaleup.partners/ John Watson and Jordaan Jacobs unpack 6 key actions from Daniel Priestley's recent appearance at The Suits and Sneakers⁩ Main Event in South Africa, focusing on his business growth and networking strategies. They explore the importance of leveraging technology, building confidence through networking, the necessity of self-disruption, and the value of personal stories in business. The conversation emphasizes actionable steps for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses effectively while embracing progress over perfection. #therightplacepodcast #scaleuppartners #suitsandsneakers

Michele de Kreek, Director at Up Time and strategic advisor and change management coach, talks to John Watson about navigating high-stakes transformations. They discuss the importance of understanding resistance as valuable data, the role of leadership in fostering change, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for vulnerability. Michele emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively and engage all employees, including introverts, in conversations. The discussion also covers the impact of AI on change management, the importance of alignment in organizations, and the value of community in supporting business owners through challenges. Connect with Michele de Kreek here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-de-kreek-40711625/

Connect with extraordinary South Africans around the world by joining The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Leigh Stefanski, MD at Now Boarding Digital, talks to John Watson about current UX design trends and the evolving landscape of user experience and product design when it comes to apps and websites. They discuss the importance of understanding user needs, the role of product management, and the significance of design systems. Leigh shares insights from her experience in improving user onboarding processes and the critical nature of design in the MedTech space. The conversation also touches on the benefits of outsourcing design work and the ongoing nature of product development, emphasizing the human role in navigating these challenges. Finally, they explore the value of The Lekker Network in fostering connections among South African professionals. Connect with Leigh Stefanski here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighstefanski/

The Lekker Network was built around LinkedIn and connecting South African business owners around the world. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Madeleine Henstra, acting CEO of FDC Agency and co-founder of The Lekker Network talks to John Watson about the importance of community and communication in 2025. They discuss the journey of The Lekker Network, what she brings to the team of founders, listening to members inputs and working with an amazing team to bring life to the vision. They also discuss the role of women in networking, and how to leverage LinkedIn for business growth. Madeleine shares insights on personal branding, refining client experiences, and the value of having a personal board of advisors. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collaboration and authenticity in building meaningful connections and how ⁨@thelekkernetwork⁩ is the perfect vehicle to connect you and your business around the world. Connect with Madeleine Henstra here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-henstra/ #therightplacepodcast #thelekkernetwork

Engage with extraordinary South Africans around the world by joining The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Angela De Longchamps, CEO of Inspired Leadership Development, talks to John Watson about the critical issues of employee disengagement and the transformative role of leadership in fostering engagement. They explore the complexities of modern workplaces, the importance of first-line managers, and the need for organizations to create a culture of listening and nurturing talent. Angela shares insights on her leadership development journeys, emphasizing the significance of consistent behavior change and the human factor in onboarding new employees. The discussion also touches on Angela's personal growth and her vision for the future of Inspired Leadership Development, highlighting the value of networking and collaboration among South Africans abroad through The Lekker Network. Connect with Angela De Longchamps here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-de-longchamps/

Connect with extraordinary South Africans who are building bridges between Mzansi and the world: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ John McLoughlin, CEO of J2 Software and cybersecurity pioneer, talks to John Watson about the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of viewing cybersecurity as a business risk rather than just an IT issue. They discuss the necessity of building cyber resilience, the role of cyber insurance, and the impact of AI on both cybersecurity and cybercrime. McLoughlin shares insights on practical measures businesses can take to protect themselves and emphasizes the importance of community and networking in navigating the challenges of cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on personal resilience and growth, as well as the journey of expanding J2 Software into new markets. Connect with John Mc Loughlin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j2johnmcloughlin/ #therightplacepodcast #thelekkernetwork

Help change your customers behaviour by becoming more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Kevin Joseph, Chief Behavioural Economist at ThriveBPO, talks to John Watson about the intersection of behavioral economics and business performance. What is behavioral economics? It's a field that studies how psychological, social, and emotional factors influence economic decisions, deviating from the traditional economic assumption of perfectly rational decision-making. It combines insights from economics and psychology to understand why people sometimes act in ways that seem irrational or deviate from predicted economic models. Kevin explains how understanding human behaviour can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes in various business contexts, and particularly in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. They delve into the importance of simplifying processes, the role of empathy in communication, and how behavioral insights can enhance leadership effectiveness. Kevin also shares his vision of democratizing access to behavioral science and the impact of empathy in call center interactions. Connect with Kevin Joseph here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-joseph-thrive-partner/ #theightplacepodcast

Attract less snakes and more ideal connections by becoming more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ In an episode inspired by a recent LinkedIn post, John Watson and Rudolf Rautenbach discuss the various types of toxic connections, or 'snakes', that can infiltrate your professional network. They explore the characteristics of 5 types of snakes: takers, underminers, thieves, saboteurs and dead weights. John and Rudolf also discuss personal experiences of encountering such people. 5 strategies to protect yourself from snakes are discussed and they emphasize the importance of trusting one's instincts and recognizing red flags to protect oneself from negative influences. Connect with John and Rudolf here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-watson-connects/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolf-rautenbach/ #therightplacepodcast

Get out of your own way and become more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ This week John Watson and Rudolf Rautenbach discuss how to support friends and connections during challenging times in their businesses. They explore five common situations that may indicate someone is struggling, such as losing a major client or experiencing burnout. The conversation then shifts to five practical remedies for offering support, including making relevant introductions, hosting support circles, and promoting others within your network. The importance of compassion, listening, and creating a safe space for open dialogue is emphasized throughout the discussion, highlighting the value of community and connection in overcoming challenges. Connect with John and Rudolf here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-watson-ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolf-rautenbach/ #therightplacepodcast #thelekkernetwork

It's not just the Springboks that connect South African's around the world, The Lekker Network is doing their part too. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Flip Van Der Merwe, Managing Partner at Level Six Consulting, and former Blue Bull and Springbok rugby player, talks to John Watson about his journey from a successful rugby career to now helping companies navigate the complex landscape of data-driven decision-making. Flip reflects on his experiences in rugby, the lessons learned, and how they translate into the business world, particularly in data strategy and AI readiness. He emphasizes the significance of practical strategies, people management during change, and the ripple effect of helping others. He discusses the importance of routine, incremental improvements, and family support in achieving success. The discussion also touches on maintaining relationships post-career and the importance of personal growth through fitness. Connect with Flip van der Merwe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flipvandermerwe/

South Africa's greatest export? It's people! Connect with South African business owners around the world with The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Shaun Smith, founder of Outsource SA Solutions and Blossom Technology, talks to John Watson about the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and outsourcing in the tech industry in 2025. Shaun emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality over cost in hiring, the role of AI in enhancing outsourcing models, and the misconceptions surrounding outsourcing. He also explores the dynamics of nearshore and offshore teams, the onboarding process for outsourced resources, and strategies for managing talent retention in a competitive market. Shaun also discusses the importance of building strong relationships in business, the foundational role of values, and the impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth. He highlights the opportunities in the outsourcing sector between the UK and South Africa, and shares his experiences with The Lekker Network, emphasizing the value of collaboration and support among members. Connect with Shaun Smith here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunsmithoutsourcing/

Connect with South African business owners around the world with The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ This week Rudolf Rautenbach and John Watson discuss the challenges of maintaining relationships during busy seasons in life. Rudolf is back on the podcast after a few hectic months of work projects. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of communication, accountability, and intentionality in nurturing connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for regular check-ins, updates, and celebrating milestones to keep relationships strong, even when life gets hectic. 10 practical tips are provided to help listeners navigate their own busy periods while ensuring they stay connected with friends and colleagues: ✅ Quick Check-Ins ✅ Brief Regular Updates ✅ Voice Notes Save Time ✅ Celebrate Milestones ✅ Shared Digital Workspaces ✅ Clear Expectation Setting ✅ Offer Value Without A Meeting ✅ Drive-By Updates ✅ Acknowledge Pressure ✅ Post-Pressure Reconnects Connect with John and Rudolf here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-watson-ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolf-rautenbach/ Prefer to listen to this podcast? Click here: 🟢Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Dl8wqe 🟣Apple: https://apple.co/3DkkQXL #therightplacepodcast

Transform your prospects for clients by becoming a more connectable business. Take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Patrick 'Paddy' McBane, consultant, coach and lead trainer with Transformational Leadership, talks to John Watson about the leadership crisis facing the world in 2025. He works with small and medium-sized organizations to help identify and remove critical barriers to personal and team success and has been developing emerging leaders in countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, DRC, Uganda and the Philippines since 2013. They discuss the importance of personal transformation as a foundation for effective leadership and why communication will always be the most important aspect of leadership. Paddy shares insights on building trust, navigating conflict, and the significance of soft skills in leadership. He introduces the TFA (Thoughts, Feelings, Actions) tool and highlights the importance of positive thinking and willingness in building leadership. The conversation concludes with a focus on the concept of flow and its relevance to leadership success. Connect with Paddy McBane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmcbane/ Learn more about Transformational Leadership Training here: https://www.transformlead.com #therightplacepodcast #transformationalleadership

Connect with extraordinary South Africans who are building bridges between Mzansi and the world: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Samantha Hanreck, AI Adoption Strategist, Founder of DataSync, and member of The Lekker Network talks to John Watson about the transformative power of AI in business. They discuss the importance of clarity in AI implementation, the rise of fractional leadership, and the accessibility of AI for businesses of all sizes. Samantha shares insights on building a solid AI adoption strategy, the significance of data management, and the need for cybersecurity in the age of AI. She also highlights the value of networking and collaboration within the IT industry, while sharing more of her journey from the accounting office to the IT labs. Meet Samantha at next week's IT Web Summit in Sandton where she will be speaking on the topic "Future-proofing cyber security with AI: adoption strategies for SMEs". https://www.itweb.co.za/event/itweb-security-summit-2025/ Connect with Samantha Hanreck here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hanreck/

Good marketing is an important part of being a connectable company - learn more here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Kirsten Dixon, founder and head strategist of Pink Soda Marketing, talks to John Watson about the marketing landscape in 2025, the importance of a marketing strategy, the pitfalls of legacy marketing, and the need for more authenticity. She explains the unique positioning of her agency, Pink Soda, in the B2B marketing space, focusing on outcomes rather than outputs, the significance of simplifying marketing strategies and the power of consistency in achieving success. Kirsten also shares insights on how businesses can navigate the complexities of modern marketing, including the integration of AI, the significance of an omnichannel approach, and the value of mentorship in shaping a successful marketing career. She also shares her views on networking, creating a collaborative work environment, how building relationships can unlock opportunities and how being adaptable in a rapidly changing world is vital. Connect with Kirsten Dixon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-dixon-2b83a449/ #therightplacepodcast #pinksodamarketing