https://solidgold.co.za Accelerate your growth. CEO Nights with Nyimpini is a monthly live podcast that brings together top CEOs for casual yet aspirational discussions on life lessons to foster success, providing practical tips and guidance to others who aspire to be the next generation of leaders. We dive into insightful, relaxed conversations with top CEOs, exploring their personal journeys. Each episode introduces a CEO from a renowned organisation, offering a glimpse into the person behind the title. This podcast is inspired by Nyimpini Mabunda's best selling book titled 'Take Charge", where he shares the lessons and personal experiences that shaped his journey to becoming CEO of an international company before the age of 40. Set in an intimate auditorium-style venue, the show emulates a coffee-house conversation and atmosphere, blending professional insights with personal development themes. CEO Nights with Nyimpini focuses on the human aspects of the leader and not the title or role; the family person, the individual in and outside of work – providing insight into a ‘day in the life of a CEO’ and your journey to the top. Business en Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:28:18 +0200 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:26:35 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard no Yearly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p1036/logo_9008_20250908_193508_1400.jpeg https://solidgold.co.za Accelerate your growth. Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard episodic Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard info@solidgold.co.za false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1667375 https://iono.fm/e/1667375
Vukani traces his journey from a village in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to the helm of Accenture Africa, where he served seven years as CEO, to his new role driving AI and digital transformation at Microsoft South Africa. He explains how he has never applied for a job, why a good dancer knows when to leave the stage, and how taking charge of your career means positioning yourself for opportunities before they arise. This is a masterclass in strategic career thinking, mentorship, sponsorship, and the difference between the two.

The conversation goes deep on artificial intelligence and what it actually means for the South African workforce. Vukani gives three candid takeaways from the Microsoft AI Tour, addresses whether AI will replace white-collar jobs, and explains how agentic AI works in plain language including how to govern AI agents the way you govern employees, using Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, and Agent 365 as real examples. He covers AI readiness in banks and telcos, Microsoft's 5.4 billion rand South African data centre investment, and the Microsoft Elevate skilling programme targeting 1.4 million people.

Leadership in turbulent times is addressed directly. Vukani draws on his experience leading Accenture through COVID-19 as a new CEO, sharing lessons on honesty, inclusive leadership, empathy, and why pretending to have answers destroys trust faster than admitting uncertainty. He also discusses gambling addiction and social grants, preventative healthcare and AI wearables, and the Phoenix Encounter framework for reimagining a business from scratch. If you are a young professional with C-suite aspirations, this episode delivers a rare, unfiltered view of what separates leaders who get invited into top roles from those who wait. Connect with Vukani Mngxati on LinkedIn · Miscrosoft SA · The Phoenix Encounter · Human + Machine by Daugherty and Wilson · Watch this episode on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0200 0 0 Vukani Mngxati | CEO of Microsoft South Africa - AI transformation and taking charge of your career 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:01:32 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1654344 https://iono.fm/e/1654344
This conversation with Martina Biene traces the arc of a deeply unconventional leader. A German theology graduate who stumbled into Volkswagen and spent 25 years becoming Chairperson & MD of VW Group Africa. The central theme is purposeful disruption: of her own career, of how a century-old automotive manufacturer operates, and of how Africa is imagined as a market. Martina's conviction is that Africa shouldn't inherit Europe's automotive history - it should leapfrog it, finding mobility solutions suited to its own realities of affordability, infrastructure and culture. Alongside this external vision runs an equally strong internal one: building an organisation where psychological safety, entrepreneurial thinking and authentic leadership replace hierarchy, compliance and fear.

3 Key Insights
- African Solutions, Not European Templates
Martina is clear that VW Africa's innovation mandate is not about importing the group's global tech strategy — it's about solving African problems with African logic. She draws an explicit parallel to M-Pesa and India's smartphone leapfrog, arguing that Africa may never need to go through conventional car ownership at all. Rwanda's mobility pilot — reducing the cost of a Volkswagen to the cost of a ride through car-sharing and shuttle services — is her proof of concept: it runs at a small profit and puts Africans into Volkswagens without requiring them to own one. Her two framing questions capture the spirit: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" and "What if it would work?"

- Culture Change Cannot Be Rushed, But It Compounds
One of the sharpest leadership moments in the episode is Martina's comparison of VW Africa's 2023 and 2025 management conferences. In 2023, even the company's top 160 leaders needed anonymous iPads to ask questions — too afraid to speak up in front of management. By 2025, the same room was full of people owning the Africa vision, challenging ideas openly and bringing their own solutions. Her insight is that culture transformation is invisible in the daily grind but undeniable when you compare across years. She also makes a frank observation that big transformation sometimes requires refreshing leadership — not through removals, but through promotions that bring the right energy forward.

- Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage
When pressed on what gave her a career edge, Martina returns repeatedly to authenticity — not pretending to know what she doesn't, speaking up constructively even when it's uncomfortable, and following genuine curiosity rather than a structured career plan. She's the self-described "anti-career plan," having never been able to answer "where do you see yourself in 10 years?" She challenges the impostor syndrome that disproportionately holds women back, noting the well-documented gap between the % match men versus women require before applying for a role. Her parting advice is disarmingly simple: "Don't be someone else. Just be yourself." Watch this episode on YouTube · Listen on MyPod.zone · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:51:00 +0200 0 0 Martina Biene | Chairperson & MD - Volkswagen Group Africa 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:10:39 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1643398 https://iono.fm/e/1643398 In this episode of CEO Night, host Nyimpini shares an intimate conversation with Dion Shango, CEO of PwC Africa. A lifelong PwC professional, Dion became one of the firm’s youngest partners, the first black CEO of its Southern Africa practice, and later leader of the entire African business. Blending personal anecdotes, from high-school rugby captaincy and family road trips to his pride as a husband and father, with practical leadership wisdom, he offers rare insight into authentic, Pan-African leadership at one of the world’s top professional services firms.

The discussion explores key themes: the power of hiring people smarter than you, learning more from failure than success, the art of genuine listening and creating psychological safety, delivering tough messages without destroying relationships, and empowering teams so leaders can truly step away. Dion addresses pressing realities, AI’s disruption of professional services, responsible AI adoption, rapid global change, and energy access as Africa’s biggest growth enabler, while lighter moments reveal his Deep House passion, limited home DIY skills, and family playlist battles.

Sponsored by NedBank, AVIS Chauffeur Drive, and Heineken Beverages, this episode mixes inspiration, vulnerability, and actionable advice. Dion’s closing tough-love message urges professionals to embrace discomfort and persevere through challenges, because true growth (and greatness) lies just beyond the comfort zone. Ideal for aspiring and seasoned leaders seeking real, human-centered insights on leadership in a complex African and global context.

Key Learnings / Insights
- Hire people smarter than you; leadership strength is humility, not being the smartest in the room.
- Failure teaches more than success, resilience and a “never say die” attitude matter more than raw intellect.
- Authentic listening > constant talking; know when to follow, create psychological safety for risk-taking.
- People leave people, not organisations, persevere through difficult relationships for growth.
- AI won’t replace professionals; the one who uses AI better will, upskill aggressively and adopt responsibly.
- True empowerment shows when you step away (e.g. sabbaticals); teams often perform better than expected.
- Energy access is Africa’s critical unlock for sustainable growth, healthcare, education, and opportunity.
- Leadership is a people business, mentoring, presence, and authenticity outweigh technical skill long-term.
-Greatness lives outside your comfort zone, endure pain and uncertainty for the biggest leaps.
-Balance ambition & family is imperfect; be fully present at home (no multitasking with devices). Watch this episode on YouTube · Connect with Dion on LinkedIn · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Dion Shango | Partner and CEO at PWC Africa 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:08:02 constant talking; know when to follow, create psychological safety for risk-taking. - People leave people, not organisations, persevere through difficult relationships for growth. - AI won’t replace professionals; the one who uses AI better will, upskill aggressively and adopt responsibly. - True empowerment shows when you step away (e.g. sabbaticals); teams often perform better than expected. - Energy access is Africa’s critical unlock for sustainable growth, healthcare, education, and opportunity. - Leadership is a people business, mentoring, presence, and authenticity outweigh technical skill long-term. -Greatness lives outside your comfort zone, endure pain and uncertainty for the biggest leaps. -Balance ambition & family is imperfect; be fully present at home (no multitasking with devices).]]> CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1617274 https://iono.fm/e/1617274
In this peer to peer leadership conversation with Angelo Swartz, Group CEO of The SPAR Group Ltd — one of South Africa’s biggest retailers and a leading JSE Top 100 company, we explore

• What it truly means to lead in times of crisis
• Leading in a highly competitive retail environment
• Building resilient teams that thrive under pressure
• Driving growth that impacts communities across the country
• How to lead with confidence in uncertain times
• The mindset required to turn around a struggling business
• Lessons in resilience from one of South Africa’s top retail leaders

From navigating economic headwinds and rising costs to rebuilding confidence among investors and teams, Angelo shares his journey of steering one of South Africa’s most iconic retail brands through turbulent times. With over two decades in retail and two years as CEO, his story offers powerful lessons in leadership, adaptability, and purpose-driven decision-making.

Hosted by Nyimpini Mabunda, best-selling author of Take Charge, this series brings together some of the most admired leaders from South Africa and beyond — in relaxed, peer-to-peer conversations that reveal the human side of senior leaders. Watch this episode on YouTube · Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Angelo Swartz | CEO The Spar Group Ltd 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 58:45 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1595430 https://iono.fm/e/1595430
Inspired by Nyimpini's book Take Charge, this candid conversation delves into Theo’s leadership philosophy, his commitment to empowering communities, and the strategies that have sustained Bathu’s growth over a decade. From navigating early financial struggles to corporatising a startup and balancing profit with social impact, Theo shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders alike. Connect with Theo on LinkedIn · Watch this episode on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Theo Baloyi | Founder & GCEO - Bathu Group 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:04:26 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1579509 https://iono.fm/e/1579509 Connect with Ramasela on LinkedIn · Watch this episode on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200 0 0 Ramasela Ganda | Group CEO of Zeda Ltd & CEO of Avis Budget Southern Africa 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 57:59 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1569565 https://iono.fm/e/1569565
With a career spanning leadership, artificial intelligence, and global governance, Prof. Marwala brings deep insight into the qualities that define visionary leadership, the balance between ethics and innovation, and the role African leaders must play in shaping the future. Watch on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:19:00 +0200 0 0 Tshilidzi Marwala | Rector of the United Nations University 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 50:44 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1560515 https://iono.fm/e/1560515
Discover how his mother’s unwavering belief shaped his leadership, how he navigates the complexities of a family-run business, and how he’s transforming Dis-Chem into a healthcare ecosystem to make quality care accessible to all.

From designing sneakers to tackling South Africa’s healthcare challenges, Rui’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, adaptability, and balancing profitability with ethics. Packed with humor, heart, and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring leaders and anyone curious about what it takes to shake up the status quo.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership that’s as bold as Rui’s pink-and-red sneakers! Connect with Rui on LinkedIn · Watch on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Rui Morais | CEO at Dis-Chem 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:05:02 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1542006 https://iono.fm/e/1542006
Brimming with practical leadership wisdom and heartfelt anecdotes, this episode inspires listeners to embrace their true selves on the road to success. Nyimpini and Mpumi’s vibrant dialogue delivers a masterclass in motivation for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike. Connect with Mpumi on LinkedIn · Bidvest Website · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Mpumi Madisa | CEO Bidvest Group 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:14:56 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1534708?v=1 https://iono.fm/e/1534708?v=1
The discussion explored Lee's leadership style, focusing on his approach to mentorship and his perspective on entrepreneurship in Africa. Lee emphasized the importance of SMMEs, noting that 70% of the continent's employment comes from small businesses.

The conversation then moved to Lee's early career success, addressing how he handled being the youngest partner and CEO, and his transition from consulting at Accenture to leading TransUnion. Lee shared insights about dealing with imposter syndrome and building strong teams.

The interview also covered important topics like digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the role of data in human improvement. Throughout the discussion, Lee emphasized the importance of creating legacy through leadership, fostering diversity, and making a meaningful impact on Africa's economic growth.

The conversation concluded with discussions about gender equality and the importance of continuous learning in leadership. Connect with Lee on LinkedIn · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Lee Naik | TransUnion CEO 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:03:42 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1520003 https://iono.fm/e/1520003
Key Highlights:
- Journey from local chicken restaurant to global brand
- Lessons on leadership, partnership, and stepping aside when the time is right
- Powerful perspectives on South Africa's potential and the power of civil society
- Candid discussions about mental health, failure, and personal growth Nando's · Watch on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Robert Brozin | Nando's Founder 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:11:02 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1504950 https://iono.fm/e/1504950
Yolanda shares candid insights into her meteoric rise, discussing the challenges of leadership at a young age and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. She opens up about the Mentorship Boardroom initiative, emphasizing the power of visibility and presentation in the corporate world.

Listeners will gain practical advice on navigating career challenges, mastering work-life balance, and the art of surrounding oneself with capable individuals.

Yolanda also offers her unique perspective on Black Economic Empowerment policies and their impact on the business landscape.

With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in intentional career development, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Yolanda's story and insights are sure to inspire and educate.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Africa's most dynamic business leaders as she shares her formula for success in the corporate world. Watch on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Yolanda Cuba | Group Regional Vice President at MTN 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:25:58 CEO Nights with Nyimpini https://iono.fm/e/1491880 https://iono.fm/e/1491880
In this first episode of CEO Nights, Nyimpini talks to Dan Marokane about his personal journey, from his upbringing and early influences, to his career path and leadership principles.

Key topics include the importance of hard work, education, international exposure, role models, problem-solving skills, cultural transformation at Eskom, long-term viability, and executing strategies with a competent team.

Dan shares insights on balancing being a tough taskmaster with showing compassion, the cost and benefits of living by one's values, continuous learning, and preparing the next generation of leaders.

This episode was recorded live at Nedbank Atrium. Our sincere thanks to Ringo for allowing us to use his track in this episode. You can listen to the original here · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on Audible · Listen to Take Charge on Spotify Audiobooks · YouTube · Nedbank · AVIS Chauffeur Drive · Business Day · FInancial Mail · CHEPA Africanprint Streetwear · Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks · Dzuguda Productions]]> Business Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Dan Marokane | CEO Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 52:51 CEO Nights with Nyimpini