BizNews Thought Leaders - Economic & Financial News Contributors

The three decisions that made Nelson Mandela the greatest Leader of our Age

23rd September 201513th July 2013

As South Africa prepares for the loss of its icon, here’s a timely reminder why we’re so emotional about being forced to say goodbye. Academic, author and strategic management guru Dr Paul Schoemaker wrote this brilliant piece after a recent visit here. With stark reminder’s of Madiba’s pivotal words, and precious legacy to his nation. … Read more

My obituary: What will others say about you after you’ve gone?

24th July 201328th June 2013

I first came across the idea of learning about self-reflection through writing your own obituary in the late Stephen Covey’s life changing Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In this piece, Richard Wright has a go at his own. Once you’ve had a look, am sure you’ll agree that writing talent like his deserves the widest possible exposure.

Mooi River’s well paid Councillors fiddle while the town slowly dies

24th July 201317th May 2013

Mooi River is home to a man who reminds me what politics is supposed to be about – selfless leaders fearlessly serving the people. Ken Denysschen is the sole DA representative on the Mpofana City Council. He provides insight into how dysfunctional some small municipalities like his have become. Brace yourself.

Power of social media – Oosthuizen’s online endorsement boosts Sawagat

18th July 20143rd May 2013

Greetings from La Guardia Airport, New York. I’m waiting for the flight to Omaha where the Berkshire Hathaway AGM is to be held tomorrow. While checking emails, picked up this note from Dr Thomas Oosthuizen. You may recall his recent blog on a start-up KNZ restaurant. His note warmed my heart. Yours too?

Starting a business – sometimes helps to think less, do more

25th July 201322nd April 2013

The late, great Bill Lynch (World Entrepreneur of the Year 2006) liked advising prospective business owners to follow Nike and Just Do It. This superb blog by Dr Thomas Oosthuizen reaches a similar conclusion. Intellectual, direct and so very smart, Oosthuizen is SA’s branding Tzar. After reading this you’ll agree with me that he also knows a bit about starting businesses.

Sean Act II

25th July 201316th April 2013

Act Two – Play it again Sam or

dare I follow my heart this time?

IT entrepreneur Sean O’Connell and I have corresponded over the years. As Sean prepares for the future a year after selling his business to JSE hot stock EOH, I asked him to share his throughts as he reflects on lessons learnt and the way ahead. His response is inspirational, a masterclass for any would-be entrepreneur.

Disruptors Cell C, 8ta make the fall of Vodacom, MTN shares inevitable

22nd December 20133rd December 2012

I’m a fan of independently-minded First Avenue, investment managers who revealed why the unsecured lending bubble is unsustainable. Now they’ve exposed smoke and mirrors inflating the MTN and Vodacom bottom line. Here’s the executive summary of Nadim Mohamed’s report with a link to the full version. – AH Executive summary of SA Mobile Telecoms – … Read more

AKC’s career lessons

25th July 201314th November 2012

Seven career lessons former MXiT leader Alan Knott-Craig says he’s learnt already

I consider both Alan Knott-Craigs to be friends. Senior, the country’s cell visionary and founding CEO of Vodacom. A man who returned after a heart-attack instilled sabattical and is now running Cell-C (and soon, if sense prevails, Telkom). We’ve shared some deep moments. I was privileged to be asked to speak at the launch of his book. And he has been quick to offer support during my difficult periods.

After the US Election – searching for common good

25th July 20138th November 2012

I met Jim Wallis at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos and have been following his work ever since. He writes a brilliant column, God’s Politics, for www.sojourners.com. This is the piece he wrote just after the US Election results were released.

The day after the 2012 election brought a great feeling of relief. Most of us, whether our candidates won or lost, were so weary of what elections have become that we were just glad the process was over. Many were disappointed that dysfunctional and bitterly partisan politics in Washington, D.C., had undermined their deep desires for “hope” and “change.” Politics have severely constrained those possibilities by focusing on blame instead of solutions, and winning instead of governing. And, as the most expensive election in American history just showed, the checks have replaced all the balances.

Simply great: Charlie Munger’s speech to the Harvard School, June 1986 – “Invert, always invert.”

8th January 202113th June 1986

Charlie Munger is the lower profile half of a duo that have turned Berkshire Hathaway from a near bankrupt New England textile operation into the world’s fifth most valuable company.