In this episode of Candid, we engage in a rich and insightful conversation with Colin Timmis, the country manager for Xero in South Africa.

Colin shares his comprehensive views on implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), the significance of leadership in driving organizational success, and offers practical advice on enhancing personal productivity.

Through discussing his professional journey and experiences, Colin provides valuable perspectives on understanding macroeconomic factors that affect business, the importance of continuous learning and mentorship, and the strategic role of HR in nurturing a productive work culture. 

Additionally, Colin underscores the importance of balancing technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial responsibilities to optimise personal effectiveness and contribute significantly to the organisation's growth.

00:00 Introduction to Candid with Colin Timmis
00:52 Colin's Current Focus and Professional Growth
02:33 The Power of Reading and Learning from Leaders
15:30 Implementing OKRs for Business Success
21:35 The Practical Application and Challenges of OKRs
25:35 Exploring the Qualitative Nature of Objectives
25:57 The Solar System Analogy in Team Objectives
26:55 The Role of HR in Supporting Business Growth
28:00 Redefining HR's Role: From People Problems to People Experience
29:19 Leadership's Role in Culture and HR's Supportive Function
33:58 The Impact of OKRs on Feedback and Team Dynamics
35:33 Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Corporate Roles
42:18 Embracing Entrepreneurial Spirit in Corporate Settings
46:32 Strategic Focus as a Country Manager
49:02 Effective Time Management and Leadership Insights

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In this episode of CANDID, Michael Coles, a veteran in the retail industry with over 40 years of experience, shares his journey of building monumental brands like Pick n Pay Clothing and UNIQ for the Shoprite Checkers Group.

From his early career shifts, teaching moments at Woolworths, and strategic decisions at Pick n Pay, to launching a new retail brand during the challenging times of COVID-19, Michael provides an in-depth look into the decisions and philosophies that shaped his successful career. Key discussions include the importance of doing one's job to the best of their ability, the significance of assembling the right team, the power of making fast decisions and learning from failures, and insights on how to build a business within a business.

This conversation provides valuable lessons for aspiring professionals and those seeking to understand the foundations of building a successful career in retail.

00:00 Welcome & Intro to Michael Coles
01:17 From Economics to Retail: The Journey Begins
02:06 Discovering a Destiny in Retail with Woolworths
03:41 Exploring the World and Finding a Path Back to Retail
04:40 The Pick n Pay Era: Building a Clothing Empire
05:19 Retirement and Beyond: The UNIQ Brand and Reflections on Startups
08:01 Passion, Curiosity, and the Path to Professional Fulfillment
11:43 The Importance of Doing Your Best in Every Role
14:55 Training and Development: The Woolworths Way
22:54 Building a Business Within a Business: Insights from Pick n Pay
25:57 Building a Business with the Right People
27:07 The Power of a Well-Founded Business
27:47 Innovation and Risk-Taking in Retail
28:22 Leadership and Team Dynamics
30:29 The Challenge of Unlearning and Adaptability
33:15 Personal Coaching and Employee Development
37:36 Decision-Making and Learning from Failures
38:49 Strategic Moves: From Retirement to Revitalising Retail Giants
43:37 Simplifying Choices for Consumers
46:18 Final Thoughts: Career Advice and Self-Reflection

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This episode of CANDID features Godiragetse discussing the growth and business strategies of his company, Delivery Ka Speed.

The company, which originally started its operations in South African townships including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng, focuses on providing last-mile delivery services for fast food and groceries, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within these communities.

Godiragetse shares insights into the company's early days, its current focus on preparation and planning for future growth, and its emphasis on both customer and supplier relationships.

Key developments include launching the Stock App to aid local merchants with inventory management and developing strategic partnerships to enhance service, such as with Telkom and Spar2U.

Moreover, Godiragetse highlights the company's focus on improving the customer experience and expanding into more urban areas, further supported by recent venture capital funding.

Lastly, he discusses the importance of maintaining strong connections with all stakeholders and investing in his team's well-being as the business scales.

00:00 Welcome to Candid: Unveiling the Success of Delivery Ka Speed
00:33 A Deep Dive into Business Operations and Future Plans
01:25 Exploring the Dual Convenience of Delivery Ka Speed
02:46 Innovative Solutions for Supplier Challenges: The Stock App
06:48 Expanding Reach: Partnerships and Last-Mile Delivery in Townships
08:38 Empowering the Township Economy: Opportunities and Challenges
09:50 Transforming Lives Through Gig Economy and Tech
14:06 Deliverica Speed: Beyond Delivery, Building Community and Dignity
16:38 Redefining Customer Service in the Township Economy
20:04 The Power of Personal Touch in Business
21:22 Supporting Local: A Visit to Soweto
22:04 Understanding Customer Convenience and Delivery Challenges
23:28 The Journey of Testing and Expanding Delivery Services
24:26 Navigating Logistics Challenges in Uncharted Territories
26:47 Leveraging Technology for Efficient Delivery Operations
33:16 Building a Competitive Edge Through Business Design
35:43 Funding and Strategic Partnerships for Expansion
38:00 Maintaining Customer Service Excellence During Scale
41:05 Fostering Team Well-being and Customer Satisfaction

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In this episode of CANDID, we discuss the business of RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers with its Managing Director, Graeme Lazarus.

Graeme shares insights about the logistic industry in South Africa, the unique business model of RAM that currently operates with a fully employed team across 29 locations, and plans for future growth.

He also stresses on the importance of accountability, teamwork, and professional conduct at work while discussing conflict resolution in a family-run business. Towards the end of the conversation, Graeme explains their future focus on the existing infrastructure, bolstering the network and potential expansion plans.

00:00 Introduction to RAM and Graeme Lazarus

00:56 Understanding RAM's Business Model

01:26 The Importance of Employee Wellbeing

01:53 The Evolution of RAM since 1988

02:39 The Significance of Insourcing Staff

03:43 The Role of Security in RAM's Operations

04:20 The Impact of Company Culture on Customer Service

04:49 The Challenges and Opportunities in the Logistics Industry

05:12 The Importance of Family in Business

08:16 The Role of Accountability in Business Success

12:45 The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Family Business

34:41 The Future of RAM and the Logistics Industry

38:48 Conclusion: The Importance of Service over Price

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Beauty on TApp is a South African beauty retailer founded by former investment banker Mathebe Molise.

With a strong focus on customer education and efficient delivery, Beauty on TApp successfully pivoted to an eCommerce model in 2016 and has since grown from stocking five beauty brands to over 60 by 2022. 

Two years after the launch of the eCommerce site, the team doubled down on their efforts, introducing a more user-friendly website and 25 additional brands. Amidst the 2020 pandemic, the company was strategically positioned to meet the needs of consumers moving towards self-care at home.

As of 2022, Mathebe still held a full-time job, underscoring the calculated and responsible approach she took in her entrepreneurship journey.

The company culture emphasises authenticity, growth, and efficient service delivery, both online and in their mall shop.

In 2021, they ventured into manufacturing with their own beauty brand, Pastry.

Mathebe envisions Beauty on TApp becoming a global African beauty shopping destination.

00:00 Introduction to Beauty on TApp

00:22 The Beginning of Beauty on TApp

01:01 Pivoting to eCommerce

01:22 Building Trust and Educating Customers

02:26 Growth and Expansion

03:00 The Impact of the Pandemic

03:37 The Journey of Mathebe

04:18 The Importance of Team Culture

05:29 The In-Store Experience

06:58 Launching Their Own Beauty Brand

07:20 The Future of Beauty on TApp

08:13 Conclusion

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Navigating Leadership, Team Dynamics, and Organisational Structure: In Conversation with Patricia Stock

In this inspiring episode of CANDID, we get to hear from Patricia Stock, the recently appointed CEO of SAICA.

Patricia shares invaluable insights from her first 60 days in her new role, discussing strategies for transitioning into a new team or organisation, and the importance of building relationships and continuous learning.

She also details her observations on board structures, focusing on the thin line between operational and oversight roles. Patricia then speaks to the crucial role of diversity within organisations, underlining the need for an 'open door policy of the mind and mouth' to encourage inclusivity and fair opportunities.

This episode offers enriching advice for professionals at all career stages.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:37 Patricia's Journey and Transition into SAICA

03:06 Understanding Leadership and Influence

08:53 Transitioning into a New Team or Organisation

18:42 Understanding the Role of Boards and Their Functionality

29:38 Embracing Diversity within Businesses

35:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of CANDID, we are joined by Norman Drieselmann, CEO of Retailability, who discusses the process of turning around businesses like Edgars after their acquisition.

Norman shares valuable insights about the steps Retailability took, the lessons they learned along the way, and how they managed to re-establish a positive image for Edgars.

He also discusses the importance of directly communicating with customers and maintaining data integrity in today's retail landscape.

Tune in to learn more about Retailability's journey and get practical advice on successfully managing a turnaround.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:01 Discussing the Acquisition of Edgars

01:21 Lessons from the Legit Acquisition

01:54 Challenges and Learnings from the Edgars Transaction

04:18 Revamping the Edgars Stores

04:52 The Importance of Rebranding in Retail

05:49 The Big Five Initiatives for Business Shift

12:02 The Difference Between Strategy and Plan

16:59 The Role of Supply Chain in Retailability's Strategy

21:21 The Importance of Robust and Simple Systems

22:06 Building a Scalable Business Infrastructure

22:53 Challenges in Finance and Payroll Management

23:40 Choosing the Right IT Platforms

24:17 The Art of Cost-Effective Operations

24:32 The Toyota Analogy: Adapting to Different Business Needs

25:09 The People Side of Business: Gaining Buy-In from the Team

26:17 Overcoming Challenges in Business Rescue

27:12 Building Credibility and Trust with Staff

29:13 Improving Customer Experience: The Customer First Program

33:45 The Power of Direct Communication with Customers

36:27 The Importance of Flat Organizational Structures

39:03 Leveraging Customer Loyalty Programs

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In this engaging conversation, Zuby discusses crucial aspects of effective leadership, emphasising the need for competence, empathy, honesty, and authenticity. 

He also delves into his personal growth journey, particularly the importance of building meaningful professional relationships. Zuby shares his strategy of 'giving first', which involves being of service and providing value to others, suggesting that this approach opens doors and builds a flourishing network. 

Encouraging viewers to be proactive, gracious, and generous, Zuby emphasises the power of appreciation and giving back to those who have helped or inspired them.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership
00:18 The Importance of Leadership
01:12 Building Relationships and Networking
02:39 The Power of Giving and Being of Service
04:23 The Art of Reciprocity
04:42 The Value of Helping Others
05:24 The Power of Acknowledgement
05:48 Conclusion: The Importance of Giving More Than You Ask

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In this informative discussion, the co-founder of Get Smarter, Valencia Institute, and UCT Online High School, Rob Paddock, shares insightful thoughts on tech-facilitated education and parenting in the digital age. 

Rob comments on how technology should be interspersed into early development and underscores the importance of parental involvement in a child's academic progress. 

He also gives a personal recount of facing public criticism and death threats, and how he dealt with the emotional toll of it. 

The talk prompts parents to introspect on their approach to technology in children's education and their role in their child’s learning progress.

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Blended Learning
00:37 Parenting in the Digital Age
02:29 The Role of Parents in Child's Education
03:19 The Power of Learning Analytics and Data
04:47 Facing Criticism and Challenges as an Entrepreneur
05:34 Dealing with Personal Attacks and Threats
06:36 The Emotional Toll and Healing Process

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In our professional lives, there are three expected outcomes we should be conscious of fulfilling in any professional situation we're involved in. In episode 8 of CANDID, we explore the three outcomes, which are:

1. Learning,
2. Earning, and
3. Returning

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