Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art.
-Andy Warhol
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In Good Company Conference, 15 August 2019, Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria
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South African business leaders sharing knowledge and practical expertise from their fields.
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Real-world examples of innovative business solutions to local economic and social challenges.
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Network with a community of like-minded social impact leaders, from both corporate and small-business spheres.
PRETORIA – The fifth In Good Company Conference will bring together business leaders, social innovation experts and impact investment thinkers to engage in solution-driven conversations on 15 August at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. The annual conference plays host to stories inspired by hope and courage, while providing creative solutions to build impactful businesses in South Africa. Recognised as the must-attend annual event in the corporate social investment industry, this year speakers and delegates will be celebrating the Art of Business.
“Building on the successes of the previous years’ conferences, we look forward to engaging with attendees and unpacking needs and challenges prevailing in South Africa’s socio-economic environment,” states Keri-Leigh Paschal, Executive Director of Nation Builder who is responsible for organising the conference. Every year, both corporate and small-business leaders across all industry sectors come together with the aim of sharing practical lessons, useful insights, and to unlock new ways of collaboration.
For many industry role-players, the IGC conference has become synonymous with embracing a sense of evolutionary purpose in the way business should be conducted. “This year’s theme is the Art of Business and aims to showcase and celebrate businesses who have embraced creative solutions to solve complex business issues, while at the same time contributing positively in their communities. Our aim is to inspire and equip businesses to lead social change and leave a legacy in our nation,” explains Paschal.
“Business is a powerful medium that has the influence to bring about the change we’d like to see in South Africa. The conference is crafted for delegates to discover how they can evolve corporate social investment strategies that will create business solutions for complex social problems,” says Paschal.
“Managing a successful impact-driven business requires more than lateral thinking. In mastering the art of business, leaders need a deep sense of awareness and understanding of how their business is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of its staff, its various stakeholders, broader society, and the nation,” says Paschal.
Together, business and civil society can reframe South Africa’s economic potential, opening up conversations that are valid, useful and applicable to our nation to find sustainable solutions to key issues to solve unemployment, education, poverty and corruption. In order to have a profitable currency, we need to support social-cohesion in our nation building activities. This is needed now more than ever.
2018 CONFERENCE ILLUSTRATED THAT SOUTH AFRICA REALLY MATTERS
Last year the bar was unequivocally set high as Finance Minister Pravin Gordan’s words amplified the sentiments of the 2018 conference, which struck a chord with the current economic, political and social climate our nation is facing: “South Africa does matter,” he said. “We remain one of the biggest and the most sophisticated economies on the African continent, even if we are slipping slightly in relation to key performance areas in our economy, which is affecting our standing at the top of the African continent.” But he concluded boldly to stand up for what is right, for what the future holds for us and become the change agents.
The conference also gave a platform to other engaging speakers such as Bonang Mohale, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, who shared ideas about how enterprise can be a solution to inequality, poverty and privilege, as well as his views on the future of South Africans and business. Another celebrated speaker during the 2018 conference was Brent Lindeque, known as Mr “Good Things Guy” himself and LeadSA hero, who sees good things happen every day. He shared his views on how entrepreneurs and social innovators can be involved in creating opportunities and building our nation. The conference further boasted a line-up of other respected keynote speakers, including Dr. Graeme Codrington (TomorrowToday), Tashmia Ismail-Saville (CEO of YES) alongside social entrepreneurs, sharing valuable insights into driving social change in business that impact South Africa’s livelihood and economy.
LOOKING FORWARD TO A STRONG 2019 LINE-UP EXPLORING THE ART OF BUSINESS
This year the conference will again feature Durban-born and proudly South African musician Majozi to entertain guests, and will also once again be hosted by Dr Michael Mol. Both these South African icons have been associated with Nation Builder for years.
Some of the speakers who have already been confirmed include:
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Venete Klein, accomplished banking pioneer and the first South African to be invited to serve on the World Trade Organisation’s International Policy Commission. She is also the first woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Agricultural Business Chamber and the first woman to be appointed as President of the Afrikaanse Handels Instituut (AHI). An esteemed and celebrated business icon in South Africa, she previously served as the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for ABSA.
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Hendrik Pfaff is responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of the investment strategy for WWF-SA funds. He is an internationally recognised investment professional and has previously served as the CEO and CIO of Sanlam International Investments.
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John Adams, legendary South African artist, better known as “The Madiba Painter” and famous for raising half a million Rand for charity in 8 minutes at the inaugural AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction.
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Professor Morné Mostert, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch University and writer of the influential book Systemic Leadership Learning – Leadership Development in the Era of Complexity. Mostert advises globally on futures-based executive decision-making and cognitive development for senior leaders. At the conference, he will unpack the concept of Systems Thinking to show the interconnectedness of businesses.
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Temba Nolutshungu, a Director of the Free Market Foundation will look at what is essential for maintaining a sustainable business.
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Elna Schoeman from the megafarm Schoeman Boerdery, which has been family-owned for seven generations and is celebrating their centenary this year. She will be sharing lessons learnt over 100 years of successfully competing as a leading agricultural producer in an international market, while remaining rooted in the local context and building the South African nation through agriculture with a social conscience.
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Gideon Galloway, experienced entrepreneur and CEO of King Price Insurance – a successful industry disruptor that after a mere seven years employ about 850 staff, look after 156 000 clients and have saved their clients over R150 million in decreasing premiums.
The conference is known for attracting the nation’s top calibre CSI-minded companies, and specifically their CEOs, board members, senior management, social and ethics committee members, scenario planners, corporate social investors and anyone wanting to use their business to mobilise social upliftment in South Africa.
n Good Company 2019 is sponsored by Mergon, MMI Holdings, King Price Insurance, BrandSA and Stone strategy and communication consulting firm.
The In Good Company Conference 2019, hosted by Nation Builder, is taking place on 15 August 2019 at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. Tickets can be bought through Quicket for R1300 (early-bird special until 16 June) or R1800 per delegate. Visit www.proudnationbuilder.co.za for more information on speakers and tickets.
