Governance Simplified: The Council of Elders and the Art of Leadership

In many African cultures, when a problem arises in a village, the elders gather under the baobab tree, where wisdom is shared, perspectives are considered, and solutions are forged. This age-old tradition is not just a cultural practice; it is governance in its most organic form.  Governance is often seen as something distant, filled with […]

The Merchant of Chaos vs The Trailblazer: A Four-Part Balancing Act

Entrepreneurship: A venture akin to a high-stakes expedition into uncharted territory where every decision made carries profound consequences. The journey is one fraught with challenges and uncertainties, where only the most astute and strategic thinkers prevail.  Just as there is a fine line that exists between genius and insanity, so too is this the case […]

Eight Keys of a Comprehensive CEO Report

While many boards focus almost exclusively on the financial reports, I would argue that the most important report in the board pack is the CEO (or MD) report. Commonly known as the “CEO Report” or “Management Report”, it is a report prepared by the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) or MD (Managing Director) for presentation in […]

Camaraderie in the Boardroom: When Familiarity Breeds Contempt

The boardroom is often seen as a bastion of power, strategy, and high-stakes decision-making. The business leaders who occupy these seats wield influence over an organisation’s direction, ensuring its stability and profitability. Yet, despite the perceived formality, human nature remains at play, and relationships within the boardroom can be as complex as they are critical. […]

A Fresh Perspective on Governance

If I said “Governance and board oversight failure” – you’d most likely say “Steinhoff, VBS Mutual Bank, the Nigerian oil and gas sector, Volkswagen” (to pick just a few).  It’s only ever the major failures that make headlines. Eventually an investigation is launched and perhaps several years later, some sort of slap on the wrist […]

The Value of Mentorship for Entrepreneurs

Being an entrepreneur is exhilarating.  It allows you the freedom to bring your idea to life. You can keep your own office hours. You can work from anywhere. That’s the dream.  The reality is that you inevitably have to compromise on your idea early on to please a client who is more demanding than any […]

What I have learnt as a mentor

Mentoring entrepreneurs is such a privilege and an honour. Most of my mentees have achieved way more financial success than I have in the businesses that I have built, but rarely have I wanted to be in their shoes. It is difficult enough wearing my own!  I have had many learnings over the years from […]

Sirdar Basecamp: The Safety Net Every Director Needs

As a director, the challenges are relentless. Decisions are complex, responsibilities are immense, and the stakes are high. But imagine knowing that someone has your back—always. This is the power of belonging to Sirdar Basecamp – launching in 2025. We Watch Your Back Your role is vital, but it can also be isolating. While the […]

My greatest learnings this year

Wow, what a year 2024 has been! In 2024, elections have taken place in over 60 countries, involving approximately 2 billion voters, which represents approximately a quarter of the global population. No wonder we are all feeling exhausted and at least a little unsettled. This time of year is a great opportunity to reflect on the year past, […]

My Greatest Learnings This Year

As we transition into 2025, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the experiences that have shaped us during 2024. This year, my journey has been driven by significant learnings that intertwine four values (transparency, integrity, accountability and respect) with an African perspective. These values have helped guide my personal and professional growth. They are […]