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LeadUP Podcast

University of Pretoria Alumni Relations Office

32 episodes

1 month ago

Izak Smit is the Group Chief Executive Officer at PPS, one of South Africa’s last remaining mutual insurance companies. He completed a BCom Honours in Economics at UP and holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. He is a proud Tuks alum and sits on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS). On this episode, he speaks to us about: Why he believes that he already has his dream job.How to build and strengthen culture in a ...

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Izak Smit is the Group Chief Executive Officer at PPS, one of South Africa’s last remaining mutual insurance companies. He completed a BCom Honours in Economics at UP and holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. He is a proud Tuks alum and sits on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS). On this episode, he speaks to us about: Why he believes that he already has his dream job.How to build and strengthen culture in a ...

Show more...

Episodes (20/32)

LeadUP Podcast

Izak Smit, CEO of PPS, on how to lead an impactful company

Izak Smit is the Group Chief Executive Officer at PPS, one of South Africa’s last remaining mutual insurance companies. He completed a BCom Honours in Economics at UP and holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. He is a proud Tuks alum and sits on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS). On this episode, he speaks to us about: Why he believes that he already has his dream job.How to build and strengthen culture in a ...

1 month ago

30 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Puno Selesho, poet and entrepreneur, on using creativity for social change

Puno Selesho is a spoken word artist who has performed for presidents and celebrated companies, locally and internationally. In her capacity as a social entrepreneur, she established Harvest House Creative Agency, where she currently serves as creative director. She graduated with an LLB from the University of Pretoria and a certification in social entrepreneurship from UP’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), in 2020. On this episode, she speaks to us abou...

3 months ago

28 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of Naked Insurance, on disrupting an industry and leading with vision

Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of insurance industry upstart Naked Insurance, graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BCom Honours degree in Actuarial Science. After leaving the corporate short-term insurance world, she decided to shake the sector up with a fresh perspective – and in the process she’s rethinking the status quo with a bold, human-centred approach shaped by her belief in fairness, simplicity and innovation. On this episode, she speaks to us about: what she enjoys mos...

5 months ago

36 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Prof Francis Petersen, new VC of the University of Pretoria, on leading one of Africa’s top universities

Prof Francis Petersen became Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria in October 2024, starting a new chapter in his already illustrious career in education. He was most recently Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, where he was lauded for his focus on stability and transformation. He has previously served at a variety of higher education institutions and organisations in his industry. He is an engineer by training. In this episode, he chats...

11 months ago

29 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Clement Manyathela, experienced broadcaster, on finding his on-air style

Clement Manyathela is known for asking tough questions of some of the biggest politicians and changemakers in South Africa and beyond. After completing his BA degree at the University of Pretoria in 2013, he worked for the likes of Power FM, Eyewitness News, and Newzroom Afrika. Now he hosts The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702, and a show on eNCA. On this episode, he chats to us about: What running marathons has taught him;Defining his style as an interviewer; Some of his favourite ...

1 year ago

27 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Tatjana Smith, Olympic gold medallist, on swimming for hope.

Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) is a top South African female swimmer and University of Pretoria alumna (BCom Financial Sciences, 2020), who became a hero to millions throughout her country when she won gold and silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In July 2024 she heads to the 2024 Paris Olympics with high hopes and heaps of humility. On this episode, she chats to us about: How she discovered her passion for swimming in her teens. The support network that kept her focused on h...

1 year ago

25 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Abdullah Verachia, global strategist, on how to face a disruptive world

Abdullah Verachia is CEO of The Strategists, Head of Faculty for Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Pretoria’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and Programme Director of the Harvard Senior Executive Programme For Africa, among other accolades. He is also a globally renowned public speaker and the author of Disruption Amplified: Reset. Rewire. Reimagine Everything. On this episode, he chats to us about: How his childhood Model UN experience led him...

1 year ago

26 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Sipho Ngwenya, media executive and former child star, on how to find your space in the entertainment industry

Sipho Ngwenya, formerly known as Psyfo, was a child star before becoming a household name playing Ajax on Generations. After a successful period as a musician, he received his MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and is now a senior manager at Showmax. On this episode, he chats to us about: Lessons he’s learned from achieving fame and success early on. How he’s transitioned between different parts of the entertainment industry.De...

2 years ago

26 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Robyn Oates, UN Sustainable Development Officer, on working for good

Robyn Oates is a Sustainable Development Officer in the United Nations Secretary General’s Office in New York City. After completing her BCom Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria, she worked in the private sector, including at Deloitte and Barclays Capital. On this episode, she chats to us about: How her family’s support helped her find the courage to explore internationally. Finding her voice in the private sector.Living her dream in New York City.How she holds o...

2 years ago

23 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Munozovepi Gwata, fintech entrepreneur, on financial literacy for success

Munozovepi Gwata is the founder of Kukura Capital, and an entrepreneur passionate about teaching Africans about financial literacy. She completed her LLB at the University of Pretoria before moving to Webber Wentzel, and is currently a Principal Consultant at IQbusiness. She has been involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered a TEDxTalk, and has written for a variety of financial media outlets. On this episode, she chats to us about: What ...

2 years ago

25 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Shakila Dada, communications expert, on communication as a way to boost inclusivity

Professor Shakila Dada is the Director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her work focuses on improving the lives of people with severe communication difficulties. She is a powerful example of UP alumni becoming staff and building long-running relationships with the institution that ultimately help change lives on a large scale. On this episode, she chats to us about: How improved communication can help people live better, fuller lives...

2 years ago

27 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Laurie Dippenaar, millionaire and businessman, on building trust and wealth

Laurie Dippenaar is a South African millionaire, businessman, investor, and banker with a wealth of knowledge who co-founded the FirstRand Financial Group, which includes subsidiaries WesBank, FNB, and RMB. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Master of Commerce degree, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate. On this episode, he speaks to us about: How he started out in banking. Creating a business environment based on trust.How he’s encouraged other entrepr...

2 years ago

21 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Ndavi Nokeri, Miss SA 2022, on overcoming inequality in education

Ndavi Nokeri is now the third consecutive Miss South Africa to have graduated from the University of Pretoria. She received her Bcom Investment Management degree a few months before she was crowned Miss South Africa and instantly became a role model to young and older people all over the country. On this episode she speaks to us about: How and why she decided to study at the University of Pretoria.How little things contribute towards achieving a big goal.Entering the Miss SA competition to ma...

2 years ago

24 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Broadcaster Carmen Reddy on making it in media

Carmen Reddy started her journalism career at TuksFM while studying at the University of Pretoria, and has since worked for the likes of 5FM, Primedia, eNCA, and Newzroom Afrika. She is currently a media consultant. On this episode she speaks to us about: Starting out on campus radio. Taking risks and proving herself in commercial radio.How her ideas about success have evolved over time. The importance of helping others in the industry. Learning to take no as an answer and adj...

3 years ago

21 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Dr Anton Meyberg on being on the frontline of the pandemic

Dr Anton Meyberg is a specialist physician and pulmonologist, working in clinical medicine as an ICU physician and intensivist at Linksfield Clinic in Johannesburg. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic he faced the disease in wards – and educated the public about it through podcasting and more. On this episode he speaks to us about: Studying in Afrikaans while growing up in English.How COVID-19 taught doctors humility and collaboration.The emotional and psychological effects of the pandemic.How h...

3 years ago

24 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Faan van der Walt, co-founder of WeBuyCars, on building a successful company from scratch

WeBuyCars was founded by two brothers and quickly became one of the biggest car-buying companies in South Africa. Faan van der Walt, one of the co-founders, has learned a lot about success on this journey of growing and evolving a business. On this episode he speaks to us about: How his childhood fascination with cars turned into a long-term career.What it is like to build a business with his brother.How their success was built on determined focus.The story behind buying The Dome in Johannesb...

3 years ago

23 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Dr Perekeme Mutu, Centre for Child Law researcher, on resilience and hard work

Known as ‘Mr Deadline’, Dr Perekeme Mutu moved to South Africa from Nigeria to pursue his studies, and worked multiple jobs – including as a security guard and a car washer – to fund his academic career. His perseverance paid off handsomely when he completed two degrees at the same time, including his Doctor of Philosophy (Law) from UP. He is currently a researcher at the Centre for Child Law and a post-doctoral fellow with UNESCO Education Law in Africa, at the University of Pretoria. ...

3 years ago

22 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Yolana Du Plessis-Martin, management consultant, on transitioning between ideas of success

Yolana Du Plessis-Martin, who is now an Engagement Manager at Deloitte Consulting in New York, was a promising young swimmer at the University of Pretoria’s TuksSport High School and its first Head Girl in 2006. When an injury dashed her Olympic dreams, she had to rethink her ideas of the future. A move abroad later, she graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with majors in Global Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, while also competing as a Division 1 stud...

3 years ago

27 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Nozipho Tshabalala, conversation strategist, on choosing significance over success

We kick off the second season of the podcast, which speaks to University of Pretoria (UP) alumni about their experiences of success, with Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO of The Conversation Strategist. Tshabalala works with big brands globally to help shape their strategies and work. She has been an award-winning journalist and has worked with CNBC Africa among others. She also completed her Honours in International Relations at UP. On this episode she speaks to us about: How she defined her own role...

3 years ago

23 minutes

LeadUP Podcast

Special episode: Professor Tawana Kupe, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, reflects on leadership lessons from our podcasts

Professor Tawana Kupe is not only Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, but a big fan of the LeadUP Podcast! In this special episode to wrap up this first season of the podcast, Prof Kupe reflects on some of the highlights of our previous interviews with UP alumni, and shares his own experiences of leadership. On this episode he speaks about: His ‘why’, and the purpose guiding him. The importance of reflection as a leader.The privilege of being a leader...

3 years ago

38 minutes