Young Professional: Africa Edition

On today's show, Jonathan and Shaneil talk about networking during lockdown. They provide some examples of what has work for them, and also highlight key things to consider on your networking journey during lockdown. Support the show

In today's episode we speak to Dean Benjamin. Dean is a CA(SA) who formed part of Investec's specialist banking practice in South Africa, London and Sydney. He was also the founder of 2 non profit organisations, and would continue to develop these initiatives over the years as well as representing South Africa and speaking at One Young World.  Dean is currently pursuing an M.B.A. at the...

Today's episode features Gracia Munganga, a sustainable energy expert currently working at Carbon Trust at their Southern Africa office in Pretoria, focusing on delivering strategic advice and analysis for public and private sector clients in sustainable energy.  Before joining the Carbon Trust, Gracia was senior manager at The Innovation Hub, mandated with the commercialisation of clean tech...

In today's episode we speak to Neo Maboe, stage name 'The Yze' (pronounced "the wise"). Neo is a 28 year-old Pretorian who is passionate about the African hip hop scene.  Neo's day job is in the financial services sector, but he is also a recording artist, songwriter, and content producer.  We discuss the African music scene and delve deeper into some of the challenge...

In today’s episode, we chat to Wanjiku Kimani.  Wanjiku is from Kenya and is currently completing her Masters at the London School of Economics (LSE). She is passionate about using Inclusive technologies that provide solutions for economically marginalized groups, with a special focus on women empowerment.  Wanjiku is a Mandela Rhodes scholar, as well as a Derek Cooper fellow. In today’s episode w...

In todays episode Jonathan and Shaneil chat to Serisha Iyer. Serisha is a product manager for one of the biggest banks in Africa, and is also one of the youngest managers in her team.  Serisha comes from a non-traditional commerce background (having a bcom undergrad with a masters in Philosophy).  She delves into some of the insights thats she's gained from working in the industry, specifical...

Today's episode features Ziyanda Khumalo, a Debt Capital Markets Deal Originator at Africa's largest bank, who is currently based in London. She has worked on some landmark deals over the years including deals for the South African and Ghaninan sovereigns, and most recently, closed the first corporate bond deal executed in Africa in the Covid-19 era.  Before a career in investment bankin...

A completed CV/resume aims to impress recruiters and is sent as an application to jobs adverts or as a speculative approach to prospective companies. CVs are valuable and important because they are your first and maybe only direct communication with a potential employer. In today's episode, Jonathan and Shaneil discuss some of the key insights that they've learnt from industry leading ex...

On todays episode we have Jonathan Asiamah the founder of South African insurtech start-up DentX. Dent X is disrupting the insurance space by creating a new data-driven vehicle repair pricing platform that changes the way vehicle owners and insurance partners source quotes for repairs. Jonathan shares his journey from corporate banking to starting his own start up. Support the show

In this episode we chat to Clarity Mapengo, a food scientist and innovator whose currently completing her Ph. D. at the university of Pretoria. Her research focus and work experience are centered around sustainable food engineering and food security.  Her work in the development of biopolymers contributed to the development of low-energy dense food and food ingredients and has been presented at ma...

Today Jonathan and Shaneil are joined by Runyararo Cassidy Nyandoro a young professional who currently works as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of the Pan African Bank, Bank ABC. Runyararo is passionate about finance and tech and how the two can be used to create a more inclusive society. He is the co-founder of Emerge Zim Trust an organization to improve the quality of education f...

Today Jonathan and Shaneil are joined by Kalé  Akwei, an Investment Officer for the International Finance Corporation (IFC).  Kalé  shares her journey that started in the capital city of Togo, and spanned across west and east Africa, and finally, Washington DC.   We discuss her thoughts on how best to develop the continent, and what role innovation and technology should play in building the Africa...

Jonathan and Shaneil dissect the common problems of planning, time management, and goal setting. They chat about how setting goals can be a powerful visualization tool that aides in self-reflection and go a bit deeper into what organizational and time management tools they use to improve on their own effectiveness. The chat also touches on how to deal with the new phenomenon of working from home a...

In today's episode, Jonathan and Shaneil discuss savings culture, investments, and financial planning. They retrospect on their journey from earning their first salary to where they are now, providing insight on some of their best investment decisions, and some of their worst.  Support the show

Today Jonathan and Shaneil are joined by Quincy Malope,the founder of Hello Coach K a company that helps graduates and young professionals reach their career goals.  She shares how she transitioned from a comfortable corporate job to the running a business full time. She also goes into detail about the lessons she learnt, and provides valuable advice to others that wish to start their own side hus...

Today Jonathan and Shaneil are joined by Chido Nyandoro a Talent Business Partner, speaker, and career strategist currently based in Berlin Germany. She shares her journey of unemployment and her thoughts on what could be useful to those currently out of work. She breaks down job hunting at a strategic level and points to why the scattergun approach is not a good strategy for job hunting. Chido go...

In this episode, we are introduced to our new co-host, Shaneil Moodley. Jonathan and Shaneil served on an Africa wide Advisory board together, and have now partnered to spread the gospel of information to young professionals across the continent. The episode is focused on getting to know the co-host, and understanding some of the key drivers behind his corporate success.  Support the show

There is a rift between our expectations and the true realities of entry-level jobs. YP sheds more light on this issue and proceeds to suggest what one needs to do to stand out. Support the show

Just like any relationship you need to get to know each other before committing. This introductory episode shines a light on the man behind the mic. Support the show