Stafford Masie

Stafford Masie speaks on a range of technology-angled subjects that are applicable to any audience and/or themes, like:

Leadership | Being Visionary | Inspiration | Strategy | Informational | Humanities | Business | Technical | CX (Customer Experience)

Though rooted in technology, Stafford’s views are welcomed by all and many find his perspectives on humanity and futurism both unique and fascinating.

A veteran on both local and international speaking circuits, his references and reviews from past talks – delivered to large and small, intimate audiences – are glowing.

If you want to understand what is happening technologically, geopolitically, economically or socially, within your industry, family, or personally, and how it impacts your business or or the world, Stafford is your speaker. His most recent talk on Ai, bitcoin and the crypto space is immensely popular.

He is also an excellent moderator, Master of Ceremonies and CxO consultative advisor.

Having been in the ICT space for more than 30 years, Stafford started his career as a software developer, network engineer and technology analyst for Telkom and thereafter, was recruited to be the National Software Strategist for Dimension Data. Stafford subsequently held various other technology leadership positions such as co-CEO, co-founder and strategist for Redstar Networks (his first startup), the Product Director for Novell South Africa, a Global Corporate Business Strategist for Novell Inc. based in the USA (Utah) before returning to South Africa after more than 7 years to become Managing Director for Novell Sub-Saharan Africa.

After that, he joined Google where he established Google’s South Africa presence and became Google’s first Sub-Saharan Africa leader. Stafford built the first Google SA team, launched several of Google’s mainstream platforms, prepared all application services in unison with the World Cup Organizing Committee – to ensure SA services were updated and available on all Google’s applications, globally. He and the team compiled, published and maintained Google’s first African strategy.

After Google, Stafford created several leading technology startups; notably “thumbzup” where he and his team invented several world-first financial services (fintech) payment technologies. He raised international venture capital (via Visa Inc and Entré Capital) and also launched that fintech business in several global markets (partnering closely with leading international banks).

After thumbzup, he established SauronAi and built several leading edge artificial intelligence solutions for the retail sector.

Stafford has served on the board of Advtech (for 7 years) as an independent non-executive director (and member of the investment and risk subcommittees) and during that tenure, he  joined the board of the CSIR for a 4.5 year term.

A well-known businessman and technology investor, Stafford is often a guest on international and local podcasts, radio, and tv news/talk shows. He is also specifically recognised as a tech startup angel investor, executive-MBA guest lecturer (GIBS, Henley and UJ/Wits business schools), and an international keynote speaker.

He presently serves as a non-exec director on the board of Discovery Bank, is the Chairman of the board at Altvest Capital and the Chairman of the board at the WITS/Telkom Innovation Lab. He continues to [angel] invest in several emerging technology startups,(most notably those focused on Ai and Bitcoin (Lightning Network).

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' If I knew you were going to be that good, I would have paid double'

Raymond AckermanPick 'n Pay

"Once again Stafford gave an insightful, professional and most interesting talk. He had our whole team captivated - we did not want him to stop ! Stafford is one of the most exciting and relevant speakers I have heard and despite this being the third time, he continues to hold my attention to the last minute. He is professional and polished. It is an honor to have met him."

Darryl ThwaitsTiger Brands

"The feedback from our dealers was very positive. Your presentation of 'technology' was very enlightening and informative. The dealers and participating guests were really taken aback and had their minds opened by what the future holds in terms of technology. Technology is a two-way street and we have seen the advantages to both dealers and consumers. We at Foodzone thank you for the experience and information you have provided us." I do recommend that should any person or company want to know what the future has to offer about technology should hear Stafford."

Martin van RooyenFoodzone

"Our client was very happy with his presentation and style of delivery."

Event CoordinatorThe Event Production Company

"Stafford has a unique way of positioning IT that excites and invigorates any audience. He was able to take the message up a notch in order to meet the needs of a more technical audience, and at the same time kept them engaged. His content is strong and his ideas are good. He is an excellent addition to any conference."

Charlene CarrollAnti-Clockwise

"Both Telkom and Accenture are immensely satisfied with how the CIO's Breakfast panned out yesterday. Your contribution as an MC who is truly living in the digital world was a part of this successful formula and we hope to replicate this event in future." All the best and thank you for accommodating us in your diary. Kind regards, Lee Naik

Lee NaikAccenture

"It's not often that you can get the full attention of a room full of bankers for an entire hour, but Stafford managed to keep us all engaged for the entire time." From his evaluation form - Stafford was rated 10/10 in every category. "He fulfilled his brief and we would certainly use him again".

Tracy PringleRMB

Stafford delivered a pointed message in a very engaging way - people were listening intently and really enjoyed the presentation. Stafford arrived at the beginning of our session and used his observations and insights from the presenters before him to reinforce and ensure a relevant message to our audience. His overall energy and style of presenting also contributed positively to the atmosphere of our event.

Kalpana ParshotamOffice of the CIO

Stafford is a fabulous speaker on that topic with very real examples and an authenticity to his style matched by a deep and reality-based knowledge set. His casual but clear delivery style embraces his audience and he holds their attention as a result – no easy feat considering how easily mobile phones can steal that away. I also really like that he takes definitive stands on topics he is convinced about even if it is contrary to what his audience believes – makes for some great positive tension in his sessions

John Paul WaitesWorx Group

Stafford Masie’s presentation was illuminating. Would like him to do a talk to STANLIB leadership. There’s a lot relevant to our business that can be learned!

JennyMomentum - Roadshow

The presentation was applicable to the theme of the Colloquium. Hence making the conversation more engaging with the delegates. Well done Stafford.

Reneka PandayUniversity of Johannesburg

As the opening Keynote address you set the right tone for our theme and our delegates constantly commented on the industry insights you shared - and the delivery thereof which was world class. Superlatives like international standard, world class, epic and brilliant were regularly heard. Thank you for making this possible.

Mark HarrisNEC

He was spot on, touched on the subjects we wanted him to touch on. He has a great presence and speaks well.

Taryn McEvoyNutanix Conference

More than excellent

Henry PistoriusHead Talent

Amazing, fresh, funny, super informative.

Tania van GraanGrowthpoint Properties - Greenovate Student Competition

We have received very good feedback from Stafford's presentation. It seemed to be well received and the audience enjoyed the content.

Nicola ViljoenProperty Insurance Convention

On behalf of the VW Community Trust, thank you for Stafford’s contribution at the 2016 Literacy Conference. We received very positive feedback from all delegates. Stafford really held down the debate and educated the audience about the role of technology in promoting functional literacy.

Sizwe ZimCreative Space Media