The Right Place
Your right place is at the intersection of your roles, relationships and environments. We aim to help you find your right place, while we found ours.
Why Philanthropy Must Stop Being Charity
Every learner deserves a future, not just a classroom. Fuel South Africa’s future innovators and support Siyafunda today: https://www.siyafundaef.org.za/ Felix Spies, founder of Siyafunda Education Foundation, joins John Watson to unpack how philanthropy in South Africa can evolve from charity handouts to sustainable wealth creation. Felix shares how he’s bridging…
How To Crack The Negotiation Code In Your Business
The Lekker Network is built to connect South African business owners around the world. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Guy Ellis, chairman, founder and author of the brand new book "The Negotiation Code", talks to John Watson about how AI can be used as a training tool for negotiation skills. They…
How To Grow From A Stressed Out Business-Man Into An Ironman
I Coach Frustrated Business Owners and Introverts to Connect with Confidence and Grow Their Network: https://forms.gle/hjes2RmV5Jw9TWsf7 Stephan Weyers, Co-Founder of Wingman, talks to John Watson about his role as an endurance coach who helps busy executives transform their fitness and lives. They discuss Stephan's journey from being an unfit lawyer…
Why Non-Finance Teams Need To Know How The Numbers Work
Are You A Frustrated Business Owner or Introvert? If You Want To Connect with Confidence, Start Here: https://forms.gle/hjes2RmV5Jw9TWsf7 Andrew Fick, Founder of Finance Fusion, talks to John Watson about the importance of financial literacy for non-finance teams and how understanding finance can empower employees to make informed decisions that positively…
Why Ethics Must Be A Strategic Leadership Decision For Your Business
Make good ethics part of your business' foundation with Ethics In Action: https://ethicsinaction.co.za/ Ilene Power, the head of Ethics in Action under the Unashamedly Ethical banner, talks to John Watson about working with courageous leaders to align values with behaviour, and turning ethics into a strategic advantage that builds trust,…
Scale Your Business & Grow You Network Like Daniel Priestley
Are you ready to reach your business dreams? Talk to Scale Up Partners today: https://scaleup.partners/ John Watson and Jordaan Jacobs unpack 6 key actions from Daniel Priestley's recent appearance at The Suits and Sneakers Main Event in South Africa, focusing on his business growth and networking strategies. They explore the…
How Smart Leaders Turn Resistance To Change Into Growth
Michele de Kreek, Director at Up Time and strategic advisor and change management coach, talks to John Watson about navigating high-stakes transformations. They discuss the importance of understanding resistance as valuable data, the role of leadership in fostering change, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for vulnerability. Michele emphasizes…
This Is What App Users Want in 2025 - A Better Experience!
Connect with extraordinary South Africans around the world by joining The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Leigh Stefanski, MD at Now Boarding Digital, talks to John Watson about current UX design trends and the evolving landscape of user experience and product design when it comes to apps and websites. They discuss the…
How To Maximise LinkedIn & The Lekker Network As A Business Owner
The Lekker Network was built around LinkedIn and connecting South African business owners around the world. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Madeleine Henstra, acting CEO of FDC Agency and co-founder of The Lekker Network talks to John Watson about the importance of community and communication in 2025. They discuss the journey…
Inspired Leadership Builds Better Leaders for an Engaged Workforce
Engage with extraordinary South Africans around the world by joining The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Angela De Longchamps, CEO of Inspired Leadership Development, talks to John Watson about the critical issues of employee disengagement and the transformative role of leadership in fostering engagement. They explore the complexities of modern workplaces, the…
Cyber Criminals Don’t Discriminate, Your Business Could Be Next!
Connect with extraordinary South Africans who are building bridges between Mzansi and the world: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ John McLoughlin, CEO of J2 Software and cybersecurity pioneer, talks to John Watson about the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of viewing cybersecurity as a business risk rather than just an IT…
Better Decision Making Starts By Understanding Human Behaviour
Help change your customers behaviour by becoming more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Kevin Joseph, Chief Behavioural Economist at ThriveBPO, talks to John Watson about the intersection of behavioral economics and business performance. What is behavioral economics? It's a field that studies how psychological, social, and emotional factors…
Snakes! How to Spot, Stop & Survive Toxic Connections
Attract less snakes and more ideal connections by becoming more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ In an episode inspired by a recent LinkedIn post, John Watson and Rudolf Rautenbach discuss the various types of toxic connections, or 'snakes', that can infiltrate your professional network. They explore the characteristics…
How To Help Your Friends When Their Business Is Struggling
Get out of your own way and become more connectable, take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ This week John Watson and Rudolf Rautenbach discuss how to support friends and connections during challenging times in their businesses. They explore five common situations that may indicate someone is struggling, such as losing…
Tackling Data And Locking In Strategy With Flip van der Merwe
It's not just the Springboks that connect South African's around the world, The Lekker Network is doing their part too. Learn more here: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Flip Van Der Merwe, Managing Partner at Level Six Consulting, and former Blue Bull and Springbok rugby player, talks to John Watson about his journey from…
Debunking Outsourcing Myths In The Face of AI
South Africa's greatest export? It's people! Connect with South African business owners around the world with The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Shaun Smith, founder of Outsource SA Solutions and Blossom Technology, talks to John Watson about the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and outsourcing in the tech industry in 2025. Shaun…
Navigating Busy Seasons and Adding Value to Connections
Connect with South African business owners around the world with The Lekker Network: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ This week Rudolf Rautenbach and John Watson discuss the challenges of maintaining relationships during busy seasons in life. Rudolf is back on the podcast after a few hectic months of work projects. They share personal experiences…
Transforming Your Business Starts With Personal Transformation
Transform your prospects for clients by becoming a more connectable business. Take The Connectability Scorecard here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Patrick 'Paddy' McBane, consultant, coach and lead trainer with Transformational Leadership, talks to John Watson about the leadership crisis facing the world in 2025. He works with small and medium-sized organizations to help…
How A.I. Impacts The Cybersecurity of Your Business
Connect with extraordinary South Africans who are building bridges between Mzansi and the world: https://thelekkernetwork.com/ Samantha Hanreck, AI Adoption Strategist, Founder of DataSync, and member of The Lekker Network talks to John Watson about the transformative power of AI in business. They discuss the importance of clarity in AI implementation,…
Why Your Marketing Strategy Matters So Much In 2025
Good marketing is an important part of being a connectable company - learn more here: https://johnconnects.scoreapp.com/ Kirsten Dixon, founder and head strategist of Pink Soda Marketing, talks to John Watson about the marketing landscape in 2025, the importance of a marketing strategy, the pitfalls of legacy marketing, and the need…