Watts Involved

In this episode, I chat with Allen about his younger days and his roller coaster journey through life as he starts the restaurant chain we all know and love.

So join  Allen Ambor on a rock ’n’ roll ride through the restaurant business and pioneering days of franchising in South Africa. Allen's exuberance for life and exacting management style shines through on every page of this memoir of a man who went from being a hippy waiter to opening the first Spur in 1967 and growing it into an empire that included more than 500 franchises under the Spur, Panarottis, John Dory’s and RocoMamas brands.

And he now teaches Yoga how cool is that?

https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9780624087236

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I chat with Wahbie about his latest book Nation On The Couch, this is a fascinating interview as we discuss the psychology of South Africa.

About Wahbie:

Wahbie Long, PhD, is a senior lecturer and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology at UCT. He is a Mandela Mellon Fellow of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, a member of the American Psychological Associations Task Force on Indigenous Psychology, and the 2016 recipient of the Early Career Award of the Society for the History of Psychology (Division 26 of the APA). Wahbies general research interests include history, theory and indigenization of psychology. His current work focuses on the field of African psychology, in which he attempts to replace cultural questions with an analysis of the interpersonal, institutional and structural violence that pervades life in South Africa.

http://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9781990973307

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I chat with Marc about an incredible project and book that he has release called In Good Company.

About Marc:

I am a visual artist, storyteller and portrait photographer, working with brands and leaders  to create standout imagery.

Our creative agency specialises in conceptualization, photography and digital art to  both local and international clients. 

Look out for the  In Good Company book, a  celebration of South African culture and features 32 greats including Thuli Madonsela, Pearl Thusi,  Siba Mtongana, Vusi Thembekwayo, J'Something, and Maps Maponyane.

When I’m not working I love to travel, and have photographed in the deep recesses of India, the favelas of South America, the peaks of Kilimanjaro and the Gorillas of Uganda. My photos have appeared on the cover of The Sunday Times Travel and Huffington Post.

https://www.marc-gregory.com/InGoodCompany

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I chat with Johan about his latest book Our Long Walk To Economic Freedom.  It must be said that economics scare me and I have never really been able to grasp the various aspects of economics.  So when I came across Johan's I was a little hesitant to read it. Boy am I glad I did, Johan uses catchy chapter titles and explains things in an easily digestible manner.  Well worth a read.

How did Einstein help create Eskom? Why can an Indonesian volcano explain the Great Trek? What do King Zwelithini and Charlemagne have in common?

These are some of the questions Johan Fourie explores in this entertaining, accessible economic history spanning everything from the human migration out of Africa 100 000 years ago to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom is an engaging guide to complex debates about the roots and reasons for prosperity, the march of opportunity versus the crushing boot of exploitation, and why the builders of societies – rather than the burglars ­– ultimately win out.

Johan Fourie is Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University. He is a founding member of the African Economic History Network and president of the Economic History Society of Southern Africa. He has published award-winning peer-reviewed articles and is a regular columnist for local newspapers. His passion is to equip the next generation of African scholars with the skills to benefit from the data revolution. Find more of his work at johanfourie.com.  

https://www.johanfourie.com/ourlongwalk/

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I talk with Ralph about his latest book The ANC's Last Decade. Ralph is an incredibly humble man with a keen political eye in his book he talks about the decline of the ANC and how it could potentially transform South Africa

Ralph Mathekga is one of SA’s leading political analysts. He taught politics at the University of the Western Cape and worked as a senior policy analyst at National Treasury. He is often quoted by local and international media and comments regularly on TV and radio. Ralph is the author of the bestseller "When Zuma Goes" and holds a PhD in politics.

https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9780624092032

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I chat with Ali about some of the Myths around Covid and the various vaccines. 

On this episode I chat with Tracy about her accident, her becoming a quadriplegic and her journey to date, we also discuss her book Brave Lotus Flower Rides The Dragon.

On this episode I chat to Luyando about his childhood, growing up in the apartheid era and how he went on to become one of South Africa's first black architects. His journey to Berlin and subsequent return to South Africa.

He is also the co author of a fantastic book called

This dynamic change management offering from a Robben Island freedom fighter-turned Berlin architect and a pioneering global change management expert is a how-to-guide for South African business and organisational leaders on how to manage diverse people in ways most beneficial for aims, that move both organisations and the country forward.

https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9780624090762

https://www.wattsinvolved.com/

On this episode I chat with Jonathan who is one of the founders of Hypernova Space Technologies. We chat about the innovative solution that they have come up with in regards to small satellite propulsion.

Hypernova Space Technologies builds cutting edge electric propulsion for small satellites. Their plasma thrusters are based on over a decade of research & development in vacuum arc thruster technology.

https://www.hypernovaspace.com/

https://wattsinvolved.co.za/

https://davidwattsblog.com

On this episode I chat with the visionary Mic Man,

Mic is a storyteller, futurist, entrepreneur and speaker on how exponential technologies can help to #futureproofAfrica. I believe that the future will be abundant, as the convergence and potential of exponential technologies increase and their price gradually drops to zero. This will ultimately democratise numerous industries and improve the lives of all.

After completing his honours degree in scriptwriting, directing and producing film at AFDA, Mic joined as co-owner of the family business, Mann Made. This Sandton-based award-winning experiential brand agency has worked with top global and local Fortune 500 companies. Mic has 19 years of experience in the media, marketing and eventing industry.

After completing the Singularity University Executive Programme in Silicon Valley in 2015, Mic realised that in order to #futureproofAfrica we need to embrace exponential technologies. In 2016, he established the non-profit SingularityU Johannesburg and Cape Town Chapters to help build the local community, so that South Africans can create employment, drive education and stimulate the economy with new opportunities.

https://singularityusouthafrica.org/

https://wattsinvolved.co.za/

https://davidwattsblog.com