CEO of The SA Apprentice 2021, Sygnia’s Magda Wierzycka, on leadership, the markets and recovering from COVID

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Ralf Fletcher sits down with renowned businesswomen, billionaire and anti-corruption activist, Magda Wierzycka.

Leanne Manas on the secrets of being a successful journalist and the importance of being heard

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Head of Marketing, Karla Fletcher, sits down with Leanne to discuss a host of topics, from the importance of having a safe space to what keeps her grounded in South Africa. Leanne shares some of the vital lessons she’s learned throughout her career and dives into what it really means to make a change.

The importance of staying in your lane with Becky Motumo

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Media Director, Karla Fletcher, sits down with Becky Motumo − Sports Talent & Brand Manager for Caster Semenya and Carol Tshabalala. Becky is also a radio personality and fitness model who believes whole-heartedly in empowering young South African girls and pointing them in directions which they may not originally have considered. She believes in recognising what you’re good at and knowing how to use it.

The benefits of being audacious and taking risks with Tara Fela-Durotoye

Tara Fela-Durotoye is an entrepreneurial powerhouse. But more than that, she is real. As a beauty entrepreneur, lawyer and founder of House of Tara, she has received multiple national and international awards for her contribution to the industry and active role in entrepreneurship and empowerment among women. Although Tara is undoubtedly an expert in the field of entrepreneurship, she remains open to learning new things and takes ownership of her mistakes. Tara’s philosophy for getting what you require? Have the audacity to ask for what you want and make no apologies for it.

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with Tara to discuss entrepreneurship, the key to being able to sell your product and the hard truth that relationships (in all areas of life) take work and consistency.

Janine Ahlers on looking inwards and addressing the misconceptions around coaching

As a professional Integral Coach and Academic Director of the Centre for Coaching , Janine Ahlers is a guru in the field of Integral Coaching − a form of coaching with a sound theoretical base. In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher sits down with Janine to discuss the ins and outs of coaching, why we should always look inwards and the secrets to successful leadership.

Reinventing business models during the pandemic with Kate Moodley

Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media speaks to Kate Moodley, author of I INC: Be the CEO of your Brand and Franchise Director for Discovery Consulting Services. Kate is a former Top Woman Business Woman of the Year and Top Women Executive winner at Topco Media’s 8th annual Top Women Awards.

Talking COVID-19, leadership and failing forward with Sygnia CEO, Magda Wierzycka

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Ralf Fletcher sits down with renowned businesswomen, billionaire and anti-corruption activist, Magda Wierzycka. Magda, who defines the notion of building yourself from the ground up, is a powerhouse and force to be reckoned with in the South African economy. She’s built seven companies, is currently preparing for her role as CEO of The Apprentice South Africa in 2021 and runs for two hours a day on the treadmill.

Looking to the future with Standard Bank’s Funeka Montjane and Khomotso Molabe

This week we are joined by Standard Bank SA’s Chief Executive of Personal and Business Banking, Funeka Montjane, and Chief Information Officer, Khomotso Molabe. In conversation with Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, Funeka and Khomotso share their insights on the significance of one’s heritage, their tips on how to keep up with change and why entrepreneurship is so vital right now. They discuss the importance of giving the South African youth a chance to move forward in their own ways, while simultaneously taking on the responsibility of becoming role models.

Dr Glenda Gray – Freedom of Expression and Equal Opportunity

Born and raised in Boksburg, South Africa, Glenda Gray knew from the age of six that she would become a doctor. In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with the leading physician, scientist and activist. As the first ever woman president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, Glenda has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is a strong activist for the equal rights of women and girls, and was listed as one of Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women” by Forbes Africa in 2020. With a strong view that as a society, we need to provide young disadvantaged individuals with opportunities in science and technology, Glenda shares her hope for the future in terms of education and how equal opportunity will play out in the coming years.

Aisha Pandor talks Sweepsouth, transformation and the power of women

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher is in conversation with local powerhouse Aisha Pandor, co-founder of SweepSouth. Aisha is the daughter of Naledi Pandor (South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation) and brings with her a wealth of knowledge both inside and outside the workplace. With a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town and an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking verve, Aisha is an inspiration to all South Africans. In this dynamic video podcast, Ralf and Aisha sit down to discuss a host of topics – ranging from what sets the South African government and economy apart, to the vital role technology plays in local start-ups. Aisha gives her insight on the opportunities we are presented with during this uncertain time, and touches on some of the lesser-known challenges that business owners faced with.

Transformation, Mars, African Space Agency and Life with Adriana Marais

In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco CEO, Ralf Fletcher sits down to talk with Adriana Marais − theoretical physicist, technologist and aspiring extra-terrestrial. Adriana’s goals are big: to understand our world and beyond. Adriana is the founder of Proudly Human, which pioneers new frontiers in research and technology for a resilient future on Earth and Mars. Having recently visited the Antarctic interior and the Oman desert on location scouts for Proudly Human’s Off-World Project, she is used to extremes. Adriana and Ralf discuss a wide range of topics, from what it means to truly think globally, to the importance of seizing the moment and making the most of what we have right now. Adriana dives into the importance of keeping the youth at the forefront of our minds because when it comes down to it, they are the future. Young minds are curious, receptive and enthusiastic − they are our best chance of achieving as much as we can.