Shapers Podcast

Hosted by Riël Mallan

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Jan 2026

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About the show

We now have the ability to access the collective wisdom of the leading thought leaders of our day. In this podcast Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw will have in-depth conversations with.... The "Shapers" - the visionaries, the seekers, the philosophers and dreamers. The ones who innovate and live in a world of ideas The "Makers" - who create. The artists, artisans, performers and musicians. The "Builders" - who are the strategists, the organizers. Leaders that take ideas and products and incorporate them into organizations that are larger than themselves. The "Breakers" - that are outspoken and controversial. The ones who challenge the status quo and our thinking, that "breaks" convention and pushes our boundaries.

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60 recent

January 20, 202648 min

Episode #59: Habib Noorbhai: Professor (Health and Sports), Innovator, Creator, Author, Entrepreneur, Former Mr. South Africa

In this episode of Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw is joined by Habib Noorbhai – professor, entrepreneur, author and former Mr South Africa. Together, they bring us an intriguing conversation about the human body as "the most sophisticated piece of technology we'll ever work with". Habib shares how he has built his career at the intersection of science and innovation, translating biomechanics and performance research into real-world applications through entrepreneurship and collaboration with startups. This delves into African leadership, peer-to-peer learning and what it takes to move knowledge out of journals and into products, platforms and everyday lives. Presented by EXEO Capital

July 28, 2025Episode 5858 min

Episode #58: Riël Mallan on Lucentlands Podcast: Big Ideas for Brave Farmers

What does the future of agriculture look like when you blend risk, branding and bold thinking? In this crossover episode, Shapers co-host Riël Mallan joins Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie on the Lucentlands Podcast to reflect on three decades of hard-earned lessons in agri-business, brand building and navigating change in a deregulated market. From his early days trading in a shifting post-90s environment to building premium fruit export brands and shaping investment strategies in private equity, Riël brings his signature blend of wisdom, wit and candour to the conversation. This episode dives into: The realities of deregulation and what it taught farmers about risk Why product quality alone won't cut it in a brand-driven world How private equity changed his outlook on scale, succession and sustainability Whether you're in farming, finance, or just fascinated by how bold ideas take root – this is an unmissable listen. 🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

June 25, 20251 hr 1 min

Episode #57: Professor Japie Greeff PhD: Turning Imagination Into Strategy | Serious Games and Gamification Expert

In this episode of Shapers, host Benjamin Shaw sits down with Professor Japie Greeff – electronic engineer, AI educator and one of South Africa's leading minds in gamification and serious game design. With over two decades of experience spanning RF design, embedded systems, software development and academia, Japie brings a compelling perspective on how play, purpose and technology intersect. From his early days in product manufacturing to his current role as Deputy Director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at North-West University, Japie shares how he's turned his passion for persuasive design into powerful learning tools that impact people on a deeply human level. This conversation sheds light on: How gamification can replace drudgery with meaning The psychology behind motivation and reward systems Why serious games are more than just fun And how the future of education and capability-building may well be game-shaped If you've ever wondered how games can change the world – start here. Presented by EXEO Capital

May 2, 2025Episode 5651 min

Episode #56: Bernard Laurendeau – Culture consultant. Connection merchant. Brain-drain reversal engineer.

In this episode of Shapers, host Benjamin Shaw is joined by Bernard Laurendeau – a trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of Laurendeau & Associates. With roots in Ethiopia and France, and over 15 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, Bernard shares his unique journey from Silicon Valley to Addis Ababa and Tokyo. They discuss the launch of Enkopa Lab Japan, a new advisory firm empowering Japanese businesses to expand into African markets, and the broader implications of tech, data and partnerships in shaping Africa's economic future. This conversation offers critical insights into market development, intercultural strategy and what it takes to execute impactful change across continents. Presented by EXEO Capital

December 11, 2024Episode 5528 min

Episode #55: Co-Hosts Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw | Season's Reflections and Future Trends: A Holiday Special

In the final episode of Shapers for 2024, Co-Hosts Riël Mallan and Benjamin Shaw reflect on an extraordinary season filled with insights from leaders like Prof Nkuhlu, Dion Chang and Caitlin Nash. They also highlight key trends shaping the future and share holiday cheer while looking ahead to what 2025 has in store. Perfect for a reflective moment during the festive season!

November 20, 2024Episode 5458 min

Episode #54: Anita Nel – CEO: University of Stellenbosch Enterprises, LaunchLab founder, Technology Commercialisation Specialist

From her humble beginnings in a small Free State town to reshaping the future of technology and innovation in Africa, Anita Nel's story is truly extraordinary. On The Shapers Podcast, Anita sits down with Benjamin Shaw to recount her remarkable journey – from working alongside tech pioneer Mark Shuttleworth to founding the renowned LaunchLab and establishing the University Technology Fund. Her career is a testament to curiosity, resilience and adaptability, navigating a path that spans teaching, psychology and technology commercialisation. Anita reflects on the early days of internet security, the pivotal milestones in her career and her mission to empower startups while tackling real-world challenges. She shares how she transformed Stellenbosch University's Innovus into Africa's leading technology transfer office, all while driving innovation in healthcare, education and society at large. Tune in as Anita explores the lessons she's learned, the obstacles she's overcome and her vision for Africa as a global leader in the next wave of technological advancement.

September 26, 2024Episode 531 hr 13 min

Episode #53: Ronak Gopaldas, Africa Expert on Politics, Economics and Business

In this episode of The Shapers Podcast, host Benjamin Shaw sits down with Ronak Gopaldas, a political economist, writer and Africa specialist. Ronak's career spans across multiple sectors, including his role as Director at Signal Risk, Fellow at GIBS and co-founder of Mindflux Training. He shares insights into his journey from aspiring journalist to a leader in risk analysis, having served as Head of Country Risk at Rand Merchant Bank. The conversation dives into his passion for geopolitics, economics and how Africa fits into the global landscape. Ronak recounts his early love for current affairs, sparked by childhood quizzes with his father and his "accidental" and successful transition into the world of banking and risk management. He also discusses his perspective on Africa's development, how hard work, sponsorship and a bit of luck paved his path and why he describes his mission as "explaining Africa to the world and the world to Africa." This episode is a must-listen for those interested in African politics, business and global trends.

September 5, 2024Episode 5255 min

Episode #52: Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town

The latest episode of Shapers features Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town and a key figure in South African politics. In a candid conversation with Riël Mallan, Hill-Lewis reflects on his journey from his childhood in Plettenberg Bay and Edgemead, to his rise within the Democratic Alliance. He shares insights from his early passion for politics, starting with his time as a student leader at UCT, where he founded the DA Students Organisation and spearheaded numerous student election victories. From volunteering with Helen Zille to becoming the youngest MP in South Africa, Hill-Lewis's path to leadership offers lessons in dedication, resilience, and a vision for the change South Africa needs. Tune in to hear his reflections on the state of the country, the challenges ahead, and the leadership required to navigate this pivotal moment.

July 26, 20241 hr 9 min

Episode #51: Caitlin Nash, Co-Founder: Global Innovation Group, CEO: Loudhailer, Credibility Expert.

In the next episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw hosts Caitlin Nash, an advisor to emerging startup nations and the co-founder of a global innovation group. Caitlin founded Loudhailer, a market innovation and engagement business, and is a key driver behind the South Africa Startup Act. She is an impact investor and also represents Blockchain for Good. Born and raised in Graaff-Reinet, Caitlin studied psychology and media at UCT before diving into the innovation scene, where she now supports leaders that are building innovation-based businesses for a Global Africa. With over a decade of experience, Caitlin focuses on innovation design and support, co-creating social capital value chains. She co-founded GIIG Africa, operating the Global Startup Awards Africa in 54 African countries and managing the GIIG Africa Fund. Caitlin leads Loudhailer, focusing on market strategies to raise visibility for people and companies alike. Serving on the National Committee for the South Africa Startup Act and the Korea-Africa Startup Business Network, Caitlin facilitates the exchange of ideas, investment opportunities, and growth strategies that benefit the continent and contribute to global progress. Without any further ado, let's dig in as Ben unearths the most meaningful arcs of Caitlin's story and we learn of her impactful work in shaping the future of Africa's innovation.

June 25, 2024Episode 501 hr 0 min

Episode #50: Tishanya Naidoo, SA Venture Capital Leader & Entrepreneur.

In this episode, we are delighted to host Tishanya Naidoo, Principal of Venture Capital at 27four Investment Managers as our guest, where we chat about her expertise in venture capital, diverse sectoral experiences and the general outlook on Africa's potential. With advanced degrees in finance, economics and in financial technology, Tishanya has already cultivated a remarkable career. Her professional path includes roles at Laurium Capital and the Public Investment Corporation before having joined 27four to lead the VC team. As a member of Impact Investing South Africa, Tishanya unpacks what it takes to build an investment ecosystem that integrates financial, social and environmental returns across the continent. Join us in this conversation with Tishanya – a leader whose journey exemplifies resilience and tenacity, and whose work contributes to shaping the future of investment in Africa.