Professional Speakers

With more than three decades of experience spanning technology, telecommunications, digital infrastructure and financial innovation, this entrepreneur has helped shape many of South Africa's most significant digital milestones. As Google's first Country Manager in South Africa, he established the company's local presence and contributed to the launches of Google Maps, Street View and YouTube, while also playing a role in major fibre infrastructure projects. A technology investor, company founder and experienced board director, his expertise spans artificial intelligence, Bitcoin, innovation, digital transformation and the future of business. Combining deep technical knowledge with commercial insight, he delivers practical, thought provoking perspectives on the technologies reshaping organisations, economies and society.

‍

A technology strategist and transformation advisor with more than 17 years in digital innovation, he works with senior leaders navigating large scale change. He previously held executive roles in global consulting before founding a digital product laboratory later acquired after a decade of growth. His client portfolio has included multinational brands across technology, telecommunications and consumer sectors. Author of Tech Adjacent and The Adaptability Code, he focuses on practical frameworks that help non technical executives respond to disruption, redesign operating models and build adaptable organisations prepared for sustained technological and market shifts.

‍

‍

Based in Cape Town, Stix is the Springboks senior assistant coach, specialising in backline strategy and performance culture. He has been part of the national setup since 2016. During that period the team secured Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, with his remit centred on attacking systems, player development and cohesion under pressure. Appointed to the role in his mid thirties, he became one of the youngest coaches at that level. His coaching philosophy emphasises merit, clarity of role and collective accountability. For executive audiences, he translates elite preparation, succession planning and high performance alignment into practical leadership insight for complex organisations.

Rapelang Rabana is a globally recognised tech entrepreneur, impact investor and thought leader in digital innovation and education. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and founder of Rekindle Learning, she helps organisations capture and scale institutional knowledge. As Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide, she advances digital learning across Africa, and as a Founding Partner at FFWD Innovation and Grindstone Ventures, she drives enterprise growth and innovation strategy. With accolades from Forbes, Fast Company and the World Entrepreneurship Forum, Rapelang speaks compellingly on digital transformation, future-ready skills and inclusive innovation, making her a standout choice for corporate keynotes, panels and management conferences.

‍

Splitting his time between Europe and South Africa, Rich Mulholland is a globally recognised keynote speaker, MC and communication strategist who turns corporate events into unforgettable experiences. Dividing his time between South Africa and the UK, he draws on his unconventional journey from rock-and-roll roadie to founder of Missing Link, Africa’s leading presentation and training firm. With over two decades of stage experience and keynotes in more than 30 countries, Rich empowers organisations to lead with courage, innovate with purpose and communicate with impact. The author of Legacide, Boredom Slayer and Here Be Dragons, he challenges teams to ditch mediocrity and embrace bold, meaningful change.

‍

Tatjana Smith, South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, boasts two gold and two silver medals from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, alongside a world record in the 200m breaststroke. After retiring from swimming, she transitioned into a motivational speaker, sharing her experiences on resilience and peak performance. Tatjana has spoken at events like the Bluestar Conference in Cape Town and the 2025 BizNews Conference, captivating corporate audiences with her authentic storytelling. Her focus on overcoming adversity and maintaining excellence under pressure makes her a sought-after speaker for leadership summits, wellness programs, and corporate events.

‍

Cape-based Dave Duarte is a globally recognised keynote speaker, story-maker, and innovation strategist who empowers organisations to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, he has worked across 25 countries, shaping movements that have reached over 1 billion people. He leads initiatives in climate action, health-tech, and sustainability. He also chairs the Reach Trust, developing mobile tools to boost literacy and opportunity for millions of South Africans. Dave’s engaging, idea-rich keynotes spark curiosity, inspire leadership, and equip audiences to drive meaningful change.

‍

‍

With more than 14 years in military aviation, she became the first Black female combat pilot in the South African Air Force and qualified as a Hawk Mk 120 commander. Her career includes operational flying, instructor duties and responsibility as an Aviation Safety Officer, where procedural discipline and risk management are paramount. She flew in formation during the 2019 presidential inauguration, reflecting senior command trust in her capability. Beyond aviation, she advocates for STEM advancement and mentors aspiring pilots. Event organisers value her perspective on high performance, accountability and decision making under extreme pressure.

‍