The Right Place

Get your own copy of "Networking For Introverts" here: https://helen-nicholson.com/products/networking-for-introverts Helen Nicholson, author of the brand new book "Networking For Introverts" talks to John Watson about the networking superpowers that introverts have. Helen emphasises the importance of storytelling, the neuroscience of introversion and extroversion, the role of attention in network...

Jordaan Jacobs, CEO of Esron Projects and MD of the PG Group, talks to Rudolf Rautenbach about navigating the unknown, solving the right problems and his journey as a corporate adventurer. Jordaan emphasizes the significance of the people element in both adventure racing and business, and how it shapes the direction and success of a venture. He shares insights on his approach to consulting work, t...

Pierre Du Plessis, founder of https://www.be-brave.co.za/, and a strategist, speaker and consipirator, talks to John Watson about building business strategy, the founders journey and professional speaking. Pierre discusses the challenges faced during business strategy sessions and how to navigate them. He also talks about helping people figure out how to win and make difficult decisions, highlight...

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), talks to Rudolf Rautenbach about the current political landscape in South Africa and the role of civil society in holding the government accountable. Wayne shares his journey from being the CEO of a leading player in the fleet and tourism travel industry to becoming a civil activist focused on challenging inefficiencies and corrupti...

In this episode, John Watson interviews Rudolf Rautenbach about his new book "Sustainable NPO Funding in South Africa - Making BBBEE work for your cause". They discuss the challenges facing NPOs, the difference between NPOs and public benefit organizations, and the importance of diversifying funding. Rudolf clarifies the tax exempt status and how structuring your organisation can make it attractiv...

Andy Spence, director of Merapar Agile Technologies, talks to John Watson about how scrum tactics and agility can help your business. Andy highlights the three biggest problems that scrum can solve for clients: namely speed, burnout, and relevance. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in both trainers and trainees, and the need for interactive and immersive learning experiences at your business...

Kimlynn Temple, founder and CEO of TIPPED, talks to John Watson and shares her journey of building a digital tipping and payment solution. The journey has been full of highs, lows, and lessons, but Kimlynn is proud of where TIPPED is now. The digital wallet and QR code system have not only increased earnings for service personnel but also encouraged saving. The safety and convenience of the cashle...

Should you spend years studying after high school or should you rather network and find your right place? This week John and Rudolf discuss this question, and weigh up the options you have when you're young. They explore the pros and cons of both approaches and emphasize the importance of building relationships and connections no matter what you choose. They also discuss the accessibility of knowl...

Charles Hsuan loves people and loves helping them grow. But his journey to find his right place wasn’t easy. Born with ADHD he struggled at school, much to the disappointment of his Taiwanese parents who had high expectations. Despite his efforts, meeting those expectations were tough. Everything changed in the final year of his Financial Management degree. Charles discovered the power of words an...

Former Olympian and world record holder in rowing Ursula Grobler talks to John Watson about her career and experience at the 2016 Olympic Games. She covers the build up, the thrill of designing the race kit, the challenges and handling disappointments. Ursula also shares her thoughts on the balance between camaraderie and competitiveness in sports, as well as the challenges of balancing her career...

Mark Sham, entrepreneur, speaker and world traveller, talks to John Watson about his passion for showcasing South Africa to the world and the importance of being a tourist in your own country. He shares insights on his ventures, the Suits & Sneakers events @ The Tryst, and the impact of community-driven movements. Mark also discusses the origin of Like A Tourist, the intensity of video production,...

John and Rudolf explore the concept of networking up or connecting with others at a new level. They emphasizes the importance of networking with people above your current level to accelerate your progress and open up new opportunities. This requires a different mindset and approach, including being uncomfortable, having a plan, and being mindful of the right time and place for conversations. They...

In this conversation, Rudolf Rautenbach interviews Karlien Delport-Botha, a strategic communications professional from The Communication Collective. They discuss Karlien's background in communications, the importance of networking, and the value of being a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Karlien emphasizes the need for effective communication in leadership...

How do you talk to famous people? You start by not being an idiot about it! In this episode, Rudolf and John discuss how to approach and interact with famous people. They emphasize treating them as regular human beings and not putting them on a pedestal. They advise being respectful, keeping interactions short and sweet, and avoiding bringing up scandalous topics. They also highlight the importanc...

John talks to LinkedIn supremo Jason Luboyera, the Head of Growth @ FDC Agency, about his journey from being a busy child, to his passion for rugby and studying abroad. They discuss his learnings from Toastmasters, and how he landed up working for Top 35 Under 35 CA Louw Barnardt at Outsourced CFO and how this lead him to start 360Digisales. Jason shares the origin of his relationship with FDC Fou...

We were very intrigued by Sahil Bloom's recent article "The Anti-Networking Guide" so naturally John and Rudolf had to talk about it on the podcast. Do we agree with Sahil that networking is dead? Yes we think so! Smart relationship building is where it's at, and Sahil gave four great principles of anti-networking. We cover each one individually and share what we think can work for you. Plus we sh...

Is Pretoria the wildest Capital City in the world? Susan Marais certainly thinks so and she is on a drive to show off the best of what Pretoria has to offer. Rudolf spoke with her on her personal journey, from growing up on a farm to running her own guest house 3 Marion in Colbyn, Pretoria. She also discusses her involvement with the Pretoria Bucket List, a resource for tourists and locals to disc...

John talks to neighbour and fellow CA, Christine Du Toit, about her journey and experiences as a working mom and business woman. They discuss similarities between being an auditor and a spy, and the importance of building relationships and maintaining connections with colleagues and mentors. Christine shares her experiences starting her own practice and the importance of creating a supportive and...

John and Rudolf discuss the topic of connection rejection and how to handle setbacks in networking. They share their experiences with rejection and non-responsiveness, emphasizing the importance of not taking it personally. They provide practical advice and strategies for following up and staying persistent, such as using different communication channels and offering alternative options. They also...

Gerhard Cruywagen joins John Watson this week and shares his journey of entrepreneurship, from buying and selling as a child to starting his own computer business, PC Laptops. He discusses the importance of building connections and trust in business and highlights the value of networking. He also talks about his involvement in co-founding the Clara Business Network and the benefits of creating a r...

Is public speaking scarier than death? And can anyone do it? This week Rudolf and John give their views on these questions and share their own experiences and tips. They emphasize the need for preparation, focusing on the audience, and practicing to overcome nerves. They also highlight that public speaking is not limited to formal speeches, but includes everyday situations like meetings and negoti...

This week John talks to Ilana Steyn, the MD at Company Partners. Company Partners is a One-Stop-Shop for all the Company Registration and Tender Compliance Documents you need. Their online system and team of Experts will get you what you need in record time. Contact them Toll Free on 0800 007 269, or at http://www.companypartners.co.za/ Ilana describes her journey from university to MD and how she...

This week John Watson and Rudolf Rautenbach continue their series on "Connect while you're young", with the focus this week being on your first job. How should you start your first job and transitioning to new jobs? What is the importance of networking in the job space? They emphasize the impact of career decisions and the need to make choices that align with your long-term goals. They also provid...

This week Rudolf Rautenbach interviews Yoke van Dam about her work as a professional speaker and trainer, and her views of networking. They discuss the importance of adding value in networking, the power of building relationships over time, and the role of associations like the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) in the speaking industry. Yoke also shares insights from her...

In this episode, John and Rudolf discuss the importance of networking and building relationships, particularly in the early stages of one's career. They reflect on their own experiences and the lack of emphasis on networking in their school days. They emphasize the need to be aware of opportunities, take initiative, and start something, even if it's small. They also highlight the value of learning...