Stafford Unplugged

By Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeardBusiness

Stafford Unplugged episodes

September 17, 2020 Global Philanthropy | Colleen Ebbitt (J.P. Morgan | Vice President for Global Philanthropy EMEA)
Global Philanthropy — "...stakeholders, not just shareholders."
Colleen Ebbitt (J.P. Morgan | Vice President for Global Philanthropy EMEA)

Colleen and I met in 2019 and I walked away so impressed with her work and remarkable views of the world; her brief bio below speaks for itself. In this conversation we covered so much; her history and JP Morgan's philanthropical efforts in South Africa (not many folks know that they're behind several high profile initiatives over here).

I pushed Colleen on her BREXIT work, angles on inclusive economic growth versus capitalism, social enterprises, definition of 'value' and we covered the philosophical (and controversial) aspects of philanthropy.

A casual chat that surfaces her fascinating posits. What a privilege to spend this time interviewing another incredible woman making a global impact!

Enjoy!

P.S. The book mentioned can be found via the link below.

Colleen Ebbitt has oversight for philanthropic grants supporting more inclusive economic growth in South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden and Turkey.

Colleen joined from the UK Government’s Inclusive Economy Unit where she was a Senior Policy Advisor specializing in innovative social finance and social enterprises.

Colleen was also on temporary assignment as team lead in EU Exit data management as well as EU strategy.

She spent 9 years as a Vice President private banker at J.P. Morgan in Switzerland and the United States managing wealth for individuals and family offices. She was a 2015 LGT Impact Ventures Fellow working on strategic growth initiatives for a sub-Saharan African maternal HIV/AIDS charity, mothers2mothers, based in South Africa. Colleen is a frequent public speaker and champion for impact investment and gender empowerment.

Colleen's incredible professional career https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-ebbitt-6232052a/
The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy by Mariana Mazzucato https://amzn.to/3c88Vdj
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
52 min
September 11, 2020 Making sense of 'Resilience' | Taryn Marie Stejskal Ph.D. (Resilience Leadership | (CRO) Chief Resilience Officer)
Making sense of 'Resilience' — Approaching any challenge an allowing it to enhance you! - Taryn Stejskal
Taryn Marie Stejskal Ph.D. (Resilience Leadership | (CRO) Chief Resilience Officer)

Resilience' is the new, global, C-suite buzzword and what an honour to present to you the leading mind within this emerging, critical, strategic practice.

I met Taryn Marie recently when we jointly keynoted on a global webinar and what I heard from her finally made 'resilience' make sense; from EQ (emotional intelligence) to AQ (adaptability) to RQ (resilience quotient)!

She is a foremost international expert on resilience, in leadership and life. She is also the former Head of Executive Leadership Development and Talent Strategy at Nike.

Who wouldn't want the privilege and honour of speaking to this remarkable woman?!

Enjoy!!

Corporate executive at a global Fortune 50 company heading up leadership development, writer, Mom, athlete, international traveler and philanthropist https://www.resilience-leadership.com/our-story
THE FIVE PRACTICES OF PARTICULARLY RESILIENT PEOPLE https://www.resilience-leadership.com/resilience-blog/five-practices-of-particularly-resilient-people
Resilience Media Hub; center for all news, podcasts, and events surrounding the topic of Resilience, Cultivating a Resilient Mindset, Finding Courage! https://www.resilience-leadership.com/media
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
1 hr
September 07, 2020 Woman pioneering science | Rachel Chikwamba (CSIR-Leadership Industrial Development | Group Executive and active member of the Academy of Science of S..
Woman pioneering science — Leading female scientists' journey and fascinating perspectives
Rachel Chikwamba (CSIR-Leadership Industrial Development | Group Executive and active member of the Academy of Science of South Africa)

Finally managed to corner Rachel and now you all have the opportunity to listen to this incredible scientist and thought leader. I serve on the board of the CSIR and it is always such a privilege to engage Rachel in that capacity.

She leads some of the most jaw-dropping scientific research projects and here she provides you with a glimpse into them.

Her life story & career path contains so many learnings and lessons.

Rachel's perspectives on COVID-19, plant genetics, leadership, mentorship...through to her philosophical stance on global topical matters is so insightful.

Another great woman doing globally impactful things in the world of scientific research & invention.

Loved this interview, you'll hear why I'm such a fan and why Rachel is my most favourite scientist.

Description of Rachel's achievements and career to-date. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Chikwamba
Conenct with Rachel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-chikwamba-10944714/
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
50 min
September 07, 2020 Woman pioneering science | Rachel Chikwamba (CSIR-Leadership Industrial Development | Group Executive and active member of the Academy of Science of South Africa)
Woman pioneering science — Leading female scientists' journey and fascinating perspectives
Rachel Chikwamba (CSIR-Leadership Industrial Development | Group Executive and active member of the Academy of Science of South Africa)
Finally managed to corner Rachel and now you all have the opportunity to listen to this incredible scientist and thought leader. I serve on the board of the CSIR and it is always such a privilege to engage Rachel in that capacity.
She leads some of the most jaw-dropping scientific research projects and here she provides you with a glimpse into them.
Her life story & career path contains so many learnings and lessons.
Rachel's perspectives on COVID-19, plant genetics, leadership, mentorship...through to her philosophical stance on global topical matters is so insightful.
Another great woman doing globally impactful things in the world of scientific research & invention.
Loved this interview, you'll hear why I'm such a fan and why Rachel is my most favourite scientist.

Description of Rachel's achievements and career to-date. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Chikwamba
Conenct with Rachel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-chikwamba-10944714/

Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
50 min
August 21, 2020 Female entrepreneurship | Arlene Mulder (Entrepreneur | WeThinkCode and BiB | Co-Founder)
Female entrepreneurship — A truly successful, inventive, African (woman) and tech entrepreneur
Arlene Mulder (Entrepreneur | WeThinkCode and BiB | Co-Founder)

I first met Arlene when she reached out to me about a crazy idea; establish an entity that could identify and truly uplift disadvantaged (even uneducated) humans by giving them a free shot at becoming a skilled computer programmer.

Since those early stage discussions she launched 'WeThinkCode' which did exactly this and has already transformed the lives of over ONE THOUSAND individuals...and continues to increment this today.

The impact of that vision is probably one of the most successful (and impactful) startup stories in the South African ICT sector! Women leadership!

Obviously she was on my list of incredible woman to showcase this season. Her history and the challenges she outlines, specifically related to female tech entrepreneurship, are revelatory!

This discussion allowed me to ask her the dumb-guy questions and her reverts every male will find valuable! If you’re a woman thinking of venturing into the startup scene, Arlene shares very useful insights.

Arlene is launching another startup; BiB (see link below) and she once again articulates the related conviction - inspirational - can’t wait to see what this does for undiscovered African authors and creative talent.

Audio library for African literature and creatives https://www.mybib.africa/
Training Africa’s top tech talent https://www.wethinkcode.co.za/
Connect with Arlene on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-mulder/
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
46 min
August 19, 2020 Female leadership personified | Jacqui O'Sullivan (MTN | Communication and Reputation Management Executive)
Female leadership personified — A woman's fascinating executive journey, challenges, and lessons
Jacqui O'Sullivan (MTN | Communication and Reputation Management Executive)

This is one my favourite interviews to-date; I absolutely loved Jacqui's posits, experiences and perspectives!

We covered so many areas in this episode : 5G, WFH, BLM, EQ, PR vs Marketing, global female leadership, Etc. But, what I found most profound is Jacqui's description of the challenges women experience in the corporate (South African) environment and her perspective on traditional (masculine) leadership.

* If you are a man - this one is for you!
* If you're a woman - this one has so many lessons and learnings.
* If you're a parent of teenagers or young adults - please have your kid(s) join and listen to this with you.

I personally learnt so much - little nugget; ""...men tend to solve the problem...but don't always consider the people""...within the context of human focused leadership.

Enjoy!!

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-o-sullivan-0260a7a9/
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
51 min
August 14, 2020 State of (our) nations | Ferial Haffajee (Daily Maverick | Associate Editor | Author and Award-winning Journalist)
State of (our) nations — An incredible woman's take on our sociopolitical landscape
Ferial Haffajee (Daily Maverick | Associate Editor | Author and Award-winning Journalist)

We start off season 2 themed (in conversations with) 'Incredible Women' and Ferial Haffajee was one of the first names that came to mind. My entire family are massive fans of her work and career, and I fervently follow her writings. This interview was a huge honour, privilege and very timely considering the worries that all South African's have today about our country.

We explore Ferial's early childhood growing up in Bosmont (a Johannesburg 'Coloured area') and how that has influenced her career and tenacity. But, we quickly branch into her views regarding South Africa's political landscape, rampant corruption, Etc.

My questions were focused on the topics all of us are currently surfacing:
'Is there a future for South Africa?'
'Should we stay in the country?'
'Why does our President seem so inept in dealing with the adversities?'
'Why isn't anyone going to jail due to the corruption?'
and more...

As usual, Ferial fascinates with insightful responses and her perpetual South African positivity - I loved this conversation!

Not only is this an incredible woman but also one of THE top journalists our country has produced.

Ferial's latest Daily Maverick articles https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/ferialhaffajee/
Follow Ferial on Twitter https://twitter.com/ferialhaffajee
Connect with Ferial on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferial-hafajee-30252515/
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
44 min
June 15, 2020 HR during a pandemic | Professor Shirley Zinn (Non-Exec Director of Boards, Author of 'Swimming Upstream', Coach, Mentor, and Entrepreneur)
HR during a pandemic — What do you do when your staff test C19 positive and die?
Professor Shirley Zinn (Non-Exec Director of Boards, Author of 'Swimming Upstream', Coach, Mentor, and Entrepreneur)

Human Resource (HR) executives have found themselves in the corporate nucleus of this pandemic storm. COVID-19, WFH...through to 'Black Lives Matter' are rocking the foundations of every business - crazy times which HR folks have to orchestrate.

Shirley is considered the leading HR exec in South Africa and after a friendly catch-up call, which FLOORED me, I decided that we just had to do this recording.

Herein she articulates real-world challenges associated with that dreaded confirmation that your staff member, or team, have tested COVID-19 positive. What do you do? What do you say? What if one or several of them die? - she describes examples of organizations and leaders getting it right and those that just do not.

Leadership, organizational restructuring, compensation, performance management, employee wellness...SO so so many fascinating learnings in here!

Shirley's transversal experiences/insights into what companies are grappling with today are real-world, tangible, frightening and practical.

Goosebumps!!

Connect with Prof. Zinn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-zinn-b5205a5/
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
54 min
June 11, 2020 Origins of Africa's arterial Internet veins | Brian Herlihy (SEACOM | Founder, Black Rhino Group | Founder, and World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 192..
Origins of Africa's arterial Internet veins — An audacious marine-fibre project to reticulate Africa's eastern seaboard
Brian Herlihy (SEACOM | Founder, Black Rhino Group | Founder, and World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 192 Young Global Leaders for 2012)

Imagine deciding that you're going to connect Africa to the Internet...then actually going out and doing it! Well, my friend Brian did just that and I managed to catch up with him and capture some of the history of the founding of SEACOM.

He shares the fascinating origins of his endeavour, the challenges of laying a few (hair thin) strands of glass all the way down our eastern seaboard and the challenges of maintaining it all.

Brian also surfaces his thoughts on the present state, and future(s), of the Internet's African topology.

The impact SEACOM has had in Africa, specifically South Africa, has been tectonic; we finally connected to the real Internet backhaul, it collapsed prices, increased bandwidth capacity and performance, and totally altered the economics of our telecoms industry.

The empowering business and human impact Brian's project has had on the continent is perhaps immeasurable; what a legacy, what a story and this is how it all started.

SEACOM's history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEACOM_(African_cable_system)
Brian's WEF accolades https://mybroadband.co.za/news/business/45579-seacoms-brian-herlihy-receives-top-accolade.html
Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
1 hr 14 min
June 11, 2020 Origins of Africa's arterial Internet veins | Brian Herlihy (SEACOM | Founder, Black Rhino Group | Founder, and World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 192 Young Global Leaders for 2012)
Origins of Africa's arterial Internet veins — An audacious marine-fibre project to reticulate Africa's eastern seaboard
Brian Herlihy (SEACOM | Founder, Black Rhino Group | Founder, and World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 192 Young Global Leaders for 2012)
Imagine deciding that you're going to connect Africa to the Internet...then actually going out and doing it! Well, my friend Brian did just that and I managed to catch up with him and capture some of the history of the founding of SEACOM.
He shares the fascinating origins of his endeavour, the challenges of laying a few (hair thin) strands of glass all the way down our eastern seaboard and the challenges of maintaining it all.
Brian also surfaces his thoughts on the present state, and future(s), of the Internet's African topology.
The impact SEACOM has had in Africa, specifically South Africa, has been tectonic; we finally connected to the real Internet backhaul, it collapsed prices, increased bandwidth capacity and performance, and totally altered the economics of our telecoms industry.
The empowering business and human impact Brian's project has had on the continent is perhaps immeasurable; what a legacy, what a story and this is how it all started.

SEACOM's history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEACOM_(African_cable_system)
Brian's WEF accolades https://mybroadband.co.za/news/business/45579-seacoms-brian-herlihy-receives-top-accolade.html

Follow Stafford on Twitter https://twitter.com/staffordmasie
Connect with Stafford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stafford-masie-69489726/

When you're ready to #BeHeard, contact the podcast specialists at SolidGold.co.za
1 hr 14 min