Set for 15 August at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, this year’s In Good Company Conference will be celebrating the ‘Art of Business’. Its fifth iteration, the conference will bring together business leaders, social innovation experts and impact investment thinkers to engage in solution-driven conversations, providing creative solutions to build impactful businesses in South Africa.
“Building on the successes of the previous years’ conferences, we look forward to engaging with attendees and unpacking needs and challenges prevailing in South Africa’s socio-economic environment,” states Keri-Leigh Paschal, executive director of Nation Builder which is responsible for organising the conference. Every year, both corporate and small-business leaders across all industry sectors come together with the aim of sharing practical lessons, useful insights, and to unlock new ways of collaboration.
“This year’s theme is the ‘Art of Business’ and aims to showcase and celebrate businesses who have embraced creative solutions to solve complex business issues, while at the same time contributing positively in their communities. Our aim is to inspire and equip businesses to lead social change and leave a legacy in our nation,” explains Paschal.
“Business is a powerful medium that has the influence to bring about the change we’d like to see in South Africa. The conference is crafted for delegates to discover how they can evolve corporate social investment strategies that will create business solutions for complex social problems,” says Paschal.
“Managing a successful impact-driven business requires more than lateral thinking. In mastering the art of business, leaders need a deep sense of awareness and understanding of how their business is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of its staff, its various stakeholders, broader society, and the nation,” says Paschal.
2019 speaker lineup
This year the conference will again feature South African musician Majozi to entertain guests, and will also once again be hosted by Dr Michael Mol.
Some of the speakers who have already been confirmed include:
- Venete Klein, accomplished banking pioneer and the first South African to be invited to serve on the World Trade Organisation’s International Policy Commission. She is also the first woman to serve as vice chair of the Agricultural Business Chamber and the first woman to be appointed as president of the Afrikaanse Handels Instituut (AHI). An esteemed and celebrated business icon in South Africa, she previously served as the executive director for corporate affairs and sustainability for ABSA.
- Hendrik Pfaff is responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of the investment strategy for WWF-SA funds. He is an internationally recognised investment professional and has previously served as the CEO and CIO of Sanlam International Investments.
- John Adams, legendary South African artist, better known as “The Madiba Painter” and famous for raising half a million rand for charity in eight minutes at the inaugural AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction.
- Professor Morné Mostert, director of the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch University and writer of the influential book Systemic Leadership Learning – Leadership Development in the Era of Complexity. Mostert advises globally on futures-based executive decision-making and cognitive development for senior leaders. At the conference, he will unpack the concept of systems thinking to show the interconnectedness of businesses.
- Elna Schoeman from the megafarm Schoeman Boerdery, which has been family-owned for seven generations and is celebrating their centenary this year. She will be sharing lessons learnt over 100 years of successfully competing as a leading agricultural producer in an international market, while remaining rooted in the local context and building the South African nation through agriculture with a social conscience.
- Gideon Galloway, experienced entrepreneur and CEO of King Price Insurance – a successful industry disruptor that after a mere seven years employ about 850 staff and look after 156,000 clients.
