The Business Culture Podcast

From a childhood treehouse dinner party in Johannesburg to a loan-shark-funded first café and now restaurants across South Africa, the UAE, the UK and Saudi Arabia — this episode traces how Natasha Sideris built Tashas into one of South Africa's most recognisable hospitality brands. We dig into the market gap she spotted, why she deliberately refused to mass-roll-out her franchise, what she learne...

In this episode, we explore the grit and philosophy behind the meteoric rise of Freedom of Movement, a brand born not in a boardroom, but in a chaotic South African home where freedom was a reward for discipline. Join us as we follow brothers Roal and Léan Boezaart from their stable corporate careers into a tiny, ten-square-meter "cupboard" office, where they risked everything to turn a childhood...

In this episode, we look past the mining giants and tech startups to uncover the true South African business success story of the last decade: Checkers Sixty60. We take listeners back to the retail stagnation of the late 2010s—a time when online grocery shopping was dismissed by experts as a "logistical nightmare" and a quick way to lose money.   Join us as we explore how the ShopriteX innovation...

In this season premiere of the Business Culture Podcast, host Joe tackles a common frustration among leaders: why team members often lack initiative and fail to act like owners. This episode explores the structural reasons why companies claim to want "owners" but accidentally build systems designed for "renters".   For more information, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz

In this RCA Short, we unpack the power of hospitality for any business. The concept and notion of hospitality beyond an industry.  This podcast is brought to you by RCA Consulting, a specialist in staff training and market research.  For more information, do visit www.rcaconsulting.biz

In this episode, Rob had the wonderful opportunity to engage with Mark Wernich , General Manager at the TAJ Hotel in Cape Town. Mark has enjoyed a remarkable career in the hospitality industry and become an industry leader in turnaround strategy. An individual willing to get his hands dirty, Mark speaks to us about the lessons he has gleaned from environments like the Protea Group (now Marriott) a...

In this episode, Rob had the great fortune of chatting with J onathan Menteath , the General Manager at the Heritage Golf Club in Mauritius.  Jonno is a soft-spoken but deliberate individual who leads through the power of context and community. Throughout his career, he has found himself somewhat outside of his comfort zone which has allowed for a steep learning curve and maturity in the hospitali...

In this episode, Rob had the great pleasure of chatting with Alison Boruchowitz, head of People and Organisation at Puma South Africa . Alison has enjoyed a highly successful career in the HR space since her formative days at Cape Union Mart.  A significant part of Alison's impact within the HR space in her career has been her passion for organisational culture. In this conversation, we unpack the...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Business Culture Podcast powered by RCA . In the first episode of this season, Rob had the great pleasure of chatting with a legend of the golfing world, Mr Jeff Clause. As one of the front-running advocates for people-centricity in golf, Jeff has brought an immense amount of positive change to how the club industry delivers value to its members. We get into his journey...

In the final episode of Season 2, I had the pleasure of spending time with a good friend of mine and General Manager of Pearl Valley Golf Estate at Val de Vie, Damian Wrigley .  I’ve always believed that some of the great leaders in business are able to find the optimal balance between ambition and humility. Damian is somebody who, for me, truly personifies an evolutionary mindset to leadership an...

In this episode, I once again had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Bentley .  A familiar face and voice to the golf and club industry, Chris is a futurist. Somebody who can see things before it becomes a reality in greater society.  In this episode, we unpacked the importance of running a club like a business rather than a club. Chris, together with his capable team at Royal Johannesburg and Ke...

Michael Leemhuis, M.A. Ed., CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional, was born in South Africa and had his initial education in that country. After graduating from Pretoria Boys High School, he studied at Wits University in Johannesburg, graduating in 1976 with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History. Leemhuis started his teaching career at the famous King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, w...

Rob was once again joined by Monique Landman (Chief Empathy Officer) to unpack the concept of resilient leadership as well as the shaping of a robust company culture.  This episode delves into some insightful psychology behind leadership in testing and uncertain times as well as what leaders can do to instil confidence and certainty back into the workforce.  ---- For more information about RCA's c...

In this episode, I got to chat with Dale Hayes, former European #1 Pro Golfer and fondly known as the voice of golf in South Africa.   If you’ve ever watched a European or Sunshine Tour event, chances are you’ve heard Dale’s voice. A man with a story for every occasion, a wicked sense of humour and a remarkable CV in golf.    A big thank you to our friends at Steenberg Golf Club for hosting this p...

In this episode, I got to chat with Robbie Marshall, Chairman of Golf Data.  A man of humble beginnings, Robbie takes us on a fascinating journey of how Golf Data, South Africa’s most successful course design business became the force it is today as well as befriending Jack Nicklaus and others along the way. We also delve into the partnership between Golf Data and Pearl Valley.  A special thanks t...

Guest Biography: Monique's career started in 1985 as a junior in the hospitality space. What followed from there was managing events and consulting in communications, which then organically lead Monique into leadership development and change management. To date, she has worked with a diverse range of companies including: Rabobank Rovos Rail Fancourt PGA of South Africa Pearl Valley ASN Bank Moniqu...

As much as we like to think that the personal and business world are separate - I’ve come to learn in the last 10 years that they in fact really aren’t.  The fundamentals of building a relationship with another human being in the business context is not that far removed from the fundamentals in our personal world.  We as individuals get so caught up in our own worlds that we don’t communicate ofte...

The company behind the Business Culture Podcast series, RCA Consulting, turned 10 years old in January 2020 and in reflection, Rob Arnold our founder, has accumulated a few key lessons about PEOPLE after those 10 years of business.  This is a mini-pod with no frills and fuss but rather some key insights that have taken us to a far greater understanding of how people in business work.  A bit more a...

Guest BIOGRAPHY Michael Leemhuis, M.A. Ed., CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional Michael was born and had his initial education in South Africa. After graduating from Pretoria Boys HS, he studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg graduating with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History.  Michael started his teaching career at the renowned King Edward VII School in Sout...

In this episode, I got to chat with Elma Smit. Having recently covered both the Cricket and Rugby World Cups in England and Japan respectively, Elma graciously gives us a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like to create a personal brand in the world of content creation. An individual who continues to make global impact in very much her own, authentic way.  To follow Elma's journey, visit...

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Business Culture Podcast! A platform to learn through the power of context & story.  Great to be back with you. This season is all about IMPACT.  I’ll be chatting to impact-makers across industries and geographies to understand how they have made true impact on their customers, colleagues and communities. Our first guest for season 2 is Brett Graham - Director of th...

In the final episode of season 1, I got to chat with Simon Ekin - a prominent performance & life coach based in Cape Town.  Simon has worked with an interesting cross-section of professionals across the sporting and business worlds. Growing up in the UK, Si speaks of his time serving in the army to ultimately stumbling onto performance-coaching and falling in love with South Africa.  Thanks to our...

In this episode, I got to chat with Mark Fawzy - the founder of Boxchamp, a globally successful tech solution for gyms born right here in South Africa.   Mark tells his fascinating story about going from detesting academia to disrupting an industry and the tough lessons learnt along to ultimately achieving global presence.  Thanks to our friends at Spaces for providing the venue for the interview.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Scotty Fraser, one of South Africa’s leading financial advisors.  Scotty and his team have built up an impressive client base over the last 7 years. More significant though, is his story of how he got to where he is today. He generously shares a rather personal journey with us in this podcast. Thanks to our friends at Spaces for providing the ve...

In the final episode of 2019, Rob sat down with one of RCA's brightest young recruits, Claudia Gevers. Completing her masters in 2018, Claudia started working at RCA in January 2019 and discusses what the youth of today look for in a preferred organisation.  As RCA is about to turn 10 years old, we also look back at some of the key lessons learnt from the last decade in business.