Robert Mtshali — MobiWashSA | Founder

Discussing perseverance and passion with Alexandra's Robin Hood

"In this episode I talk to the self-proclaimed Robin Hood of Alexandra township, Robert Mtshali (and who am I to argue?). Robert is a serial entrepreneur who reached out to me on Twitter because he believed his story would resonate with you, and wow, was he right.

After suffering unimaginable tragedy at a very young age, Robert consistently overcame odds and obstacles to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur. It hasn't been an easy route, but it has produced a young man wise beyond his years, deeply passionate about creating value, impacting lives and importantly, teaching others to follow in his footsteps." Robert Mtshali on Twitter · The MobiWash SA website - but look up the App on your chosen App store! · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

I just ended a 13 year relationship...

with Facebook.

Now, before you laugh (ok, you can laugh), this was a bigger deal for me than I'd like to admit. For over a decade I ran a social media business that relied heavily on the existence of Facebook - and its impact on companies and customers - to grow and thrive. Much of my reputation and self worth is wrapped up in the existence and success of that company, and so part of my reluctance to quit Facebook, apart from questions about its utility and the healthiness of using it, was the potential hypocrisy of quitting now.

In fact, I found my own reluctance to pull the 'delete my account' trigger so surprising, comical and revealing, that I decided to record a catharsis of sorts which I've published on the One-Eyed Man podcast. This monologue style recording is a little out of character for me, so I'd appreciate your feedback and thoughts on the approach. And the topic, of course. I explore not only my decision to quit Facebook but the reasons I'm still so dependent on other social media. MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Ronen Aires — CEO | Student Village

How society and business is taking a new look at psychedelics

In this episode I talk to Ronen Aires about the future of psychedelic medicine and innovation. I am admittedly ignorant on the topic, but have kept a keen eye on Ronen's journey into the subject over the past decade and wanted to hear more about how leaders and innovators should consider the growing interest in the medicinal and mindfulness benefits of psychedelic drugs

Ronen and I were fellow forum members in EO for many years, both running agencies (albeit with slightly different focuses) based in Johannesburg, ran many kilometers of many crazy trails together, and have stayed good friends over the years. I now refer to him exclusively by the moniker the Joburg Mystic! Ronen on Twitter · How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollen · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Kristia van Heerden — JustOneLap.com | CEO

Uncovering why so many people have a dysfunctional relationship with money

In this episode I talk to financial wellness evangelist and crusader Kristia van Heerden about her work on JustOneLap.com - a free online money university for traders, investors, and just about everyone else. Kris hosts the popular Fat Wallet podcast, a highly practical and tactile approach to building financial literacy in and through the lives of real people.

Whether you have a natural aptitude for personal financial management, or, like me, wrestle with the role of money in your life, this show will be enlightening and inspiring. The home of money, investment and trading · Kristia on Twitter · The Fat Wallet Show - Kris's wildly popular personal financial management podcast · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Gidon Novick — Entrepreneur

How to innovate in the face of disruption and unpredictability

In this episode I talk to Gidon Novick about his decision to launch a new airline in the midst of a global pandemic. Gidon is a well known entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, and in his own words, a big believer in the potential of South Africa. He is interested in creating businesses that are both profitable and impactful, and we speak about how the last year has informed his thinking in this regard. Gidon on Twitter · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Jeff Large — Comealivecreative.com | Founder

Is podcasting a bubble or a business? — Jeff Large (Comealivecreative.com | Founder)

In this episode I talk to Jeff Large, purveyor and producer of profitable podcasts (my title, not his) about the burgeoning business of podcasting, and whether it's a viable marketing and sales strategy, or just hype.

Jeff Large helps individuals and businesses establish trust, authority, and relationships with their customers through podcasting. His advice was invaluable in my planning around this show, and has been a valuable sounding board as it has evolved.

If you are an individual or representative of a brand considering podcasting as a communication channel, this show will be a helpful primer to the opportunities and challenges of the platform. Jeff Large's personal website · Jeff's full-service podcast solution agency for corporate brands · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Bronwyn Williams — Flux Trends | Partner

Fixing the world and breaking echo chambers

In this episode, my friend and speaking colleague Bronwyn Williams and I finally get around to solving all the world's problems, and in only 45 minutes or so.

Bronwyn is a futurist, economist and trends analyst with over a decade’s experience in strategic management and foresight. She holds tertiary qualifications in Marketing Management (UJ), Economics (University of London), Foresight (University of Manchester), and Future Studies (University of Stellenbosch). She is currently completing a Master's in Applied Economics from the University of Bath.

We both have ideas about how to address some of the world's most complicated problems, but they're seldom the same ideas. This has produced many interesting debates and rich conversations, and I hope this show is one of them. Bronwyn's website · Flux Trends website · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Lee LeFever — CommonCraft.com | Co-founder

In this episode I talk to Lee LeFever, co-founder of Common Craft and author of the freshly released book Big Enough. I've been following Lee since my earliest social media (ad)ventures, and deeply respect the quality of Sachi (Lee's wife and partner) and his work, their articulation of purpose, and their deliberate commitment to designing a business that perfectly enables their quality of life.

We talk about the process of writing this important and timely book, Lee and Sachi's partnership, the dangers of success without direction, and much more.

Common Craft is known for being pioneers in the field of ""explainer"" videos, having inspired the explainer video genre in 2007 with their ""in Plain English"" series of videos. The business has grown into a membership service used in over 50 countries today. Membership provides access to online libraries of original videos and downloadable visuals. In 2012, Common Craft founder Lee LeFever published The Art of Explanation (Wiley). It has been translated into 7 languages. Common Craft also operates the Explainer Academy, which teaches explanation and animated video production skills via online courses. The Common Craft website. · Big Enough: Building a Business that Scales with Your Lifestyle page on Amazon · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Dr Louise van Rhyn — Symphonia | Founder

In this episode, I talk to Dr Louise van Rhyn, founder of Symphonia.net and the visionary behind the wildly successful and impactful Partners for Possibility programme.

Louise holds a doctoral degree in organisational change, has 25 years' experience as a change practitioner with a focus on large scale change in complex social systems, and has worked with diverse local and global organisations, across all sectors, in many countries. She is an inspiration to any South African who believes and is invested in the future of our country." The Partners for Possibility programme · Louise van Rhyn on Twitter · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy

Ntsiki Mkhize — MentHer | Founder

In this episode I talk to Ntsiki Mkhize about her journey to social entrepreneurship and her passion for mentorship and the role it plays in uplifting and empowering young women in South Africa.

Ntsiki previously achieved success as a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, and as a published author(My Hall of Mentors), and has used her platform and influence to inspire thousands of young women across the nation. Ntsiki on LinkedIn · MikeStopforth.com · Connect with Mike on LinkedIn · Follow Mike on Twitter · 48h crisis communication consultancy