What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

What's Next
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What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

  1. Aliyah Allie on the future of innovation-driven healthcare in South Africa

    6D AGO

    Aliyah Allie on the future of innovation-driven healthcare in South Africa

    In this episode, we sit down with Aliyah Allie, Executive Head at X, bigly labs by Dis-Chem, to explore how Dis-Chem is transforming from a traditional pharmacy retailer into a fully integrated health authority. Aliyah unpacks the role of Executive Head at X, bigly labs as Dis-Chem’s innovation hub, driving progress across data, digital platforms, automation, and customer-centric design to improve healthcare access and affordability in South Africa. The discussion dives into the real structural barriers limiting healthcare access, the importance of partnerships between the private sector, government, and fintech, and how technology, data, and AI can be used responsibly without widening inequality. From simplifying customer journeys and modernising loyalty and insurance models to building trust through secure digital experiences, this conversation offers a forward-looking view of preventative, accessible, and human-centred healthcare.

    30 min
  2. Craig Nowitz and Ryan Martyn on tech price spikes in South Africa

    FEB 10

    Craig Nowitz and Ryan Martyn on tech price spikes in South Africa

    RAM, SSDs, GPUs, CPUs — the tech building blocks behind everything from laptops to media players — are getting harder to source and more expensive by the week. On What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou is joined by Craig Nowitz (CEO) and Ryan Martyn (Co-founder, Sales & Marketing Director) from Syntech Distribution to unpack what’s really behind the supply crunch — and why it’s not a “COVID-style” blip. They explain how hyperscalers racing to build AI infrastructure are soaking up global capacity, pushing manufacturers toward higher-margin enterprise memory, and triggering sharp price increases that filter straight into South Africa’s consumer and corporate IT budgets. The conversation also gets practical: what procurement teams should prioritise in 2026, why Windows 11 hardware readiness has become a security issue, and how businesses can adapt by moving faster, planning smarter, and considering alternative hardware choices. If you’re responsible for IT upgrades — or you’re wondering whether to buy now or wait — this episode lays out the market reality and the smartest moves to avoid getting caught out.

    23 min
  3. David McDonald on how solar, wheeling & energy trading are reshaping SA business power

    JAN 28

    David McDonald on how solar, wheeling & energy trading are reshaping SA business power

    South Africa’s energy crisis isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about cost, strategy, and long-term competitiveness. This podcast cuts through the noise to explain how power, policy, and private innovation are reshaping business in real time. Hosted by Aki Anastasiou, the show is built for business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who need clarity on complex issues like renewable energy, electricity pricing, energy trading, sustainability, and infrastructure. It’s not for casual commentary or recycled headlines — it’s for people responsible for real decisions and real balance sheets. Through direct conversations with industry leaders such as David McDonald, CEO at SolarAfrica, the podcast unpacks how solar, wheeling, energy trading, and evolving market structures actually work, what they cost, and where the risks and opportunities lie. Expect grounded insight, commercial realism, and clear explanations rooted in South African and global business realities. If you want perspective instead of panic, and insight you can apply, this is where you start. Follow the show and listen regularly to stay ahead of the energy and business curve.

    21 min
  4. Precious Nduli on how tech and AI are transforming the future of insurance

    JAN 21

    Precious Nduli on how tech and AI are transforming the future of insurance

    In this episode of What’s Next, Precious Nduli, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Insure, joins Aki Anastasiou to unpack how technology, telematics, and data-driven insights are transforming the insurance landscape. She explains how Discovery Insure incentivizes safer driving through real-time behaviour tracking, fuel rewards, and innovative features like impact alerts and sleep-related risk analysis. Precious also highlights how AI-powered tools, including the Advanced Driving Instructor, provide personalised coaching to help drivers improve behind the wheel. The discussion explores Discovery Insure’s seamless integration with Discovery Bank, enabling clients to obtain and activate car insurance instantly in-app. Precious shares compelling statistics on how Vitality Drive reduces accident risk and explains how the company is extending its impact beyond its customer base through initiatives such as the Pothole Patrol and Safe Journeys to School. She offers a clear view of how technology and AI are shaping the future of insurance and helping build a nation of safer, more responsible drivers.

    16 min
  5. What's Next – Nicolaas Hanekom on how smart air conditioning is reshaping modern home living

    12/22/2025

    What's Next – Nicolaas Hanekom on how smart air conditioning is reshaping modern home living

    In this episode of What’s Next, Nicolaas Hanekom, Sales Lead for Digital Air Solutions at Samsung South Africa, joins Aki Anastasiou to unpack how consumer expectations around home air conditioning have transformed in recent years. Nicolaas explains why air conditioners have become essential, all-year appliances focused on comfort, efficiency, and seamless integration within the modern smart home. He highlights Samsung’s leading technologies, including AI-driven temperature optimization, and full SmartThings connectivity, which allow users to control, monitor, and automate their climate with ease. Nicolaas also discusses the growing importance of indoor air quality, outlining how Samsung’s multilayer filtration helps remove bacteria, pollen, and impurities from the environment. He breaks down the efficiency benefits of Samsung’s advanced inverter technology and how AI and SmartThings insights help households reduce energy consumption while enhancing comfort. With a focus on correct installation, long-term reliability, and sleek design, Samsung’s latest air conditioners deliver powerful performance and meaningful savings for South African homes.

    22 min
  6. Hector Beyers on how quality software and AI will shape the future of business

    12/11/2025

    Hector Beyers on how quality software and AI will shape the future of business

    In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Hector Beyers, CEO and founder of Codehesion, to unpack the remarkable growth of his software development company. Beyers shares how his passion for computer engineering and early leadership experience shaped his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to build a business focused on high-quality custom software, strong development processes, and a culture of delivery. From starting alone in 2018, Codehesion has grown into a 50-strong team serving clients across the globe. Beyers also explores the evolving role of AI in software development, the importance of scalable and maintainable code, and the challenges of recruiting top talent. He highlights how Codehesion helps businesses modernize, streamline operations, and rescue struggling software projects through expert guidance and disciplined processes. This insightful conversation reveals what it takes to build world-class technology and stay competitive in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

    37 min
  7. Amantha Naidoo on how AI and transformation are reshaping South African business

    12/10/2025

    Amantha Naidoo on how AI and transformation are reshaping South African business

    In this episode of What’s Next, Amantha Naidoo, Managing Executive at NTT DATA South Africa, joins Aki Anastasiou to discuss her career journey and the forces shaping modern transformation. She shares how her background in engineering, consulting and culture change led her to NTT DATA, and why timing, purpose and the desire to lead meaningful change made this the right step in her career. Amantha highlights the critical ingredients of successful transformation, including strong leadership, clear direction and building a culture that can adapt to rapid shifts in technology and business. Amantha also explores the real impact of AI across industries, the challenges of moving from experimentation to large-scale value, and why foundational technology, data readiness and trust are essential. She explains what differentiates NTT DATA in a competitive market, from its full-stack capabilities to its AI smart agent ecosystem, and outlines the company’s strategic priorities in South Africa. From cybersecurity to customer experience to societal upliftment through education, she offers insight into how NTT DATA is preparing organisations for the next wave of technological evolution.

    19 min
  8. Hylton Kallner on how Discovery Bank is redefining SA's digital banking future

    12/09/2025

    Hylton Kallner on how Discovery Bank is redefining SA's digital banking future

    In this conversation, Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner unpacks the remarkable growth of South Africa’s fastest-growing bank and the shared-value model powering its success. He explains how Discovery Bank’s full-service digital approach, industry-leading security, seamless ecosystem integration and customer-first design have reshaped the banking experience for nearly one and a half million clients. From crypto investing with Luno to AI-driven fraud protection and effortless insurance activation, Hylton highlights the innovations redefining modern finance. He also shares insight into Discovery Bank’s expanding rewards ecosystem, new partnerships, and the momentum behind its award-winning service. With breakthroughs in digital behaviour analysis, lifestyle-linked benefits and a rapidly growing client base, Hylton outlines how the bank is positioning itself at the center of people’s financial lives—today and over the next five years.

    29 min
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What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

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