Risky Business with Bryan Hattingh

In Episode 44 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan "Jono" Shaw are joined by technology strategist and executive Graham Vorster. Graham shares his journey from humble beginnings in Roodepoort to leading global tech initiatives, before reflecting on how a stage-four cancer diagnosis profoundly shifted his focus from chasing corporate success to driving meaningful human impact. The conversation explores the intersections of AI and robotics, the future of mainframe technology, the power of reframing adversity, and why true resilience comes from faith, gratitude, and loving the process of surviving.

Music to pair with this show:

• Phil Collins - The Times They Are A-Changin'
• Simple Minds – Alive And Kicking
• U2 and Mary J Blige - One

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 43 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jono Shaw sit down with international speaker, leadership coach, and author Steven Dossou. Steven shares his journey from navigating immense resource constraints as a student in Togo to building global businesses across South Africa, Singapore, Portugal, and Finland. The discussion explores how leaders can overcome fear, self-doubt, and low self-esteem by shifting their mindset toward calculated risk, adaptability, and unwavering conviction.

Music to pair with this show:

• Moody Blues - Question
• Simply Red - Money's Too Tight (To Mention)
• Moody Blues - Legend Of A Mind

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, hosts Brian Hattingh and Jonathan "Jono" Shaw sit down with Megan Pydigadu, CFO of The SPAR Group. Megan shares her career journey from Deloitte through diverse sectors including mining, engineering, and tech to senior corporate leadership. She discusses the core tenets of courageous leadership, conscious capitalism, and driving cultural alignment during organizational transitions. Additionally, Megan offers practical advice for emerging leaders on maintaining personal boundaries, managing high-pressure situations, and leading with empathy and authenticity. 

Music to pair with this show:

• The Beatles - The Long And Winding Road
• Santana - Put Your Lights On
• Pink Floyd - Time

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

Hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw interview third-generation master distiller and wine producer George Dalla Cia on Risky Business. George shares his family's rich history in Italian grappa making, dating back to his grandfather in the 1920s, and how his parents relocated to South Africa. He discusses the pioneering creation of the first South African grappa, the legendary Rubicon Bordeaux-style blend at Meerlust, and the development of Dalla Cia Wine & Spirit Company alongside their Italian food and wine bar, Pane E Vino, in Stellenbosch. The conversation covers the intricate 10-step distillation process of grappa, the creation of a 10-year oak-aged grappa, overcoming international trade registration battles, and navigating current challenges within the global and local wine markets. 

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In the 40th episode of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw sit down with Bernard Jansen, founder and principal consultant of Fire Juice—a strategic marketing consultancy. Bernard shares his journey from a structured, analytical household into the world of marketing, describing his role as a "fractional CMO" who helps mid-sized and privately held companies navigate growth plateaus and strategic shifts. The discussion explores the core differences between B2B and B2C brand building, the common mistake of over-proliferating sub-brands, and the sensitive process of separating a growing brand’s identity from its founder. Bernard emphasizes that while marketing tactics and digital tools constantly evolve, the underlying fundamentals—aligning customer needs, competitive differentiation, and core company capabilities—remain the true drivers of sustainable business success.

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome Vanessa Haripersad, founder and CEO of Shankara People Solutions. Vanessa reflects on her 24-year career evolution across major organisations—from traditional human resources to strategic leadership coaching and talent advisory. She challenges conventional definitions of resilience as merely "bouncing back," arguing instead for a sustainable, internal system of resilience. She introduces her proprietary SCCR framework—encompassing Self-Awareness, Compassion, Curiosity, and Resourcefulness—and shares a deeply personal account of her journey through severe health challenges, including lupus and kidney failure, culminating in a remarkable recovery. The panel discusses the necessity of human-centred, purpose-driven leadership in today’s complex work environment, the importance of mentoring young graduates to articulate their core values, and how leaders can leverage AI to automate routine management tasks, freeing up time to foster meaningful human connection.

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 38 of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw welcome Steve Johnson, founder and CEO of Growth Leaders Africa. The episode opens with a poignant dedication to Bryan’s late lifelong friend, Clive Samra, and Jonathan’s late mother, Evelyn Shaw. Steve then shares his 45+ year journey in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development across Southern Africa. He reflects on how a defining childhood experience at age 12 sparked his passion for nature and non-exclusion. He discusses his progression from a game ranger in Wankie National Park to establishing national parks in Bophuthatswana, advising regional SADC programs, and working with international bodies like the UNDP and WWF. The panel explores how the traditional philosophy of Ubuntu and community ownership are essential for sustainable wildlife management. Concluding the discussion, Steve highlights his transition into executive leadership coaching, emphasizing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-discipline under his guiding principles: "In all you do today, think of the greater good" and "Me before We."

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome Alan Hosking, founder and CEO of HR Futures, to explore career transitions, leadership development, and the pursuit of lifelong purpose. Reflecting on 25 years in publishing and coaching, Alan breaks down his framework of the four seasons of life, illustrating how true fulfilment shifts from personal success to outward significance. The panel examines why traditional leadership programmes fail without genuine behavioral change, highlighting the vital role of empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity in modern leadership. Closing with a look at neurodivergence, brain plasticity, and Alan’s completed musical project, Footprints and Fingerprints, the discussion delivers an inspiring call to continuous self-creation at every stage of life.

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 36 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome tech veteran and AI specialist Mark Walker for a deep dive into three decades of industry evolution. Reflecting on his early days at BMI TechKnowledge and IDC, Mark shares invaluable perspectives on local market intelligence, the pitfalls of imposing foreign business models, and how research has transformed from expensive blue-chip reports to accessible AI-driven insights. The conversation navigates the rapid rise of generative AI, examining pricing deflation, the realities of hallucinations, cybersecurity challenges, and the fundamental shift in project management where defining outcomes takes precedence over execution. Ultimately, the episode underscores the enduring necessity of human critical thinking and purpose in an increasingly automated world.

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 35 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw engage in a thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion on how to navigate adversity, personal responsibility, and daily ethics. Opening with reflections on local natural disasters and global tensions, the pair explores the critical need for empathy, mentorship, and self-care in troubled times. Drawing on philosophical frameworks—including deontology, virtue ethics, and axiology—Jonathan and Bryan unpack how hidden biases and small, everyday choices shape our character. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to clear away the noise, practice genuine reflection, and lead with intentionality and compassion.

Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/