LeadUP Podcast University of Pretoria Alumni Relations Office

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 to...

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.Dedi...

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 on ...

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 dri...

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.W...

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 entreprene...