Digital Transformation Conversations in Africa

How Artificial Intelligence is transforming the healthcare industry with Dr. Meha Rathod based in India.

Dr. Meha Rathod is a highly skilled AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) Consultant based in India with a strong track record of effectively engaging clients to understand project requirements thoroughly. She specializes in leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML technologies to deliver tailored solutions for various client needs, particularly in AI/ML Healthcare projects. Proficient in analyzing complex datasets, she excels in identifying patterns and developing innovative AI/ML strategies to optimize processes and drive business growth. With extensive experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, Dr. Meha ensures alignment between technological solutions and organizational objectives. She demonstrates expertise in translating client requirements into feasible AI/ML solutions using a wide range of algorithms, models, and tools. Furthermore, she guides clients through the implementation process, provides ongoing support, and ensures seamless integration of AI/ML technologies into existing systems. Her exceptional communication skills enable clear and concise articulation of technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, fostering strong client relationships based on trust and understanding. Her post graduate certifications include the following: • Foundations of Project Management from Google. • Introduction to OpenAI GPT Models from Infosys. • Certification in Business Application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from Northern Eastern University, Boston. • Business Analysis and Process Management from Project Network. • Trustworthy AI for Healthcare Management from by Politecnico di Milano. • Intelligence Tools for the Digital Age from IE Business School • ChatGPT Playground for Beginners: Intro to NLP AI. • Business Analysis Certification

Human-Centred AI and Cognitive Gap Conversation with Dr. Heinz Holzapfel

In the dynamic landscape of Artificial Intelligence, the pursuit of Human-Centred AI has become more crucial than ever.
As we marvel at the advancements, it's essential to address the Linguistic-Cognitive Gap, a challenge that demands our attention and innovation. Understanding the nuances of human language and thought processes is a complex endeavour.
It's the bridge between the sophistication of AI algorithms and the richness of human communication. Bridging this gap holds the key to unlocking AI's potential to truly understand and cater to human needs. In this latest podcast episode, Dr. Heinz Holzapfel delves into the intricacies of this subject. 
Dr. Holzapfel initially completed a Law degree in 1991 but found himself at odds with the ethical aspects of legal practice. This dissatisfaction led him to the field of Information Technology. Despite the unexpected turn, this marked the beginning of his journey in IT, which evolved to the understanding and recommending of solutions for organizational problems.
The challenge of comprehending and articulating problems to a diverse audience eventually led Dr Holzapfel into the realm of business analysis, where he has thrived for the past 27 years. Throughout
 
 

How to craft a winning Business Strategy with Jeroen Kraaijenbrink

How to craft a winning business strategy.
 
In the dynamic landscape of business, crafting a winning strategy is the key to staying ahead.
In today’s podcast, strategy mastermind Jeroen Kraaijenbrink unveils the keys to triumph in the dynamic business landscape!
 
🌐💼 Embrace a fresh mindset of crafting a winning strategy that propels your organization to new heights.
 
🌐 Jeroen's insights delve deep into strategic thinking, offering a fresh approach that goes beyond conventional methods and challenge the status quo, let innovation be your guiding light when it comes to crafting a winning strategy.
Jeroen Kraaijenbrink is an accomplished strategy educator, mentor, author, and consultant with over two decades of academic and industry experience. He empowers people and organizations to design, formulate, and execute their strategies by providing innovative tools for forward-thinking strategy and personal and organizational development.
 
Drawing from cognitive psychology, humanism, martial arts, Saint Benedict, and a wide range of other sources, he has written innumerable articles on strategy, sustainability, and leadership, as well as authored five books: Strategy Consulting, No More Bananas, Unlearning Strategy, The Strategy Handbook, and The One-Hour Strategy. He is also a contributor to Forbes and a LinkedIn influencer, where he writes about strategy and leadership.
 
Jeroen has a PhD in industrial management, teaches at the University of Amsterdam, is co-founder of Strategy.Inc, and has helped significantly improve the strategic planning of many organizations across the engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services industries.
 
 
 
 

How Artificial Intelligence is Impacting our lives with Dr Fredah Banda (PHD) Software Engineer Expert

🚀 Embracing the AI Revolution! 🤖✨
Did you know that Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and play?
🌐 From personalized recommendations to smart assistants, AI is weaving its magic into the fabric of our daily lives, making things smarter, faster, and more efficient.
Dr Fredah Banda offers valuable insights into Artificial Intelligence. Follow this link to join the conversation and explore practical AI use cases, discovering its impact on our lives.
Dr Fredah Banda is a Zambian Female Software Engineer with over a decade of professional experience around the world. She has had the privilege of being a Rhodes Scholar and obtaining a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Oxford. Her expertise lies in Software Project Management, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Throughout her career, she has worked as a Software Projects Manager, overseeing various projects involving custom Software Project Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Change Management. Her attention to detail allows her to accurately understand the business needs and translate them into robust and functional systems that meet world-class standards and incorporate cutting-edge technology. She strongly believes in using technology to solve problems and improve livelihoods, whether it's by increasing efficiency, enhancing access to services, promoting transparency and accountability, or reducing workload.
She is deeply passionate about innovation, Artificial Intelligence, data security, and educating the next generation of technology users and innovators. To extend STEM awareness, she has been teaching girls and boys how to code in Code Academy, where she has had learners as young as 6 years old. She has been lecturing Computer Science in the Oxford and Cambridge summer schools since 2016 and recently had the opportunity to give a talk on "Unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence to develop Africa" at the Ubuntu Lab Institute.
In addition to her professional work, she actively volunteers for organizations such as IMPACT Missionaries, Mother of Millions Foundation, the Savannah Project, and outreach programs for the Rhodes Scholarship in Zambia. These opportunities allow her to contribute to the community and make a positive impact on society.
 

How to build a strong personal brand and grow your business on LinkedIn (TM) with Dr Nik

In the world of professional growth, think of LinkedIn (TM) as your ultimate success song, not just a small part. Use its power to connect, influence, and take your career to new levels.
In this episode, Dr. Nik offers insightful advice on utilizing LinkedIn (TM) to your advantage in both your professional and business life.
Born and bred in Berlin, Germany, Dr Nik (Dr Nikolaus Eberl, PhD) is a brandologist by trade, having studied and taught the history of Brand Leadership from the Roman Empire to Modern Times. 
He covered Germany’s Nation Branding Success Story during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, authoring the research report on “How Germany won the World Cup of Nation Branding”.
Dr Nik headed the Net Promoter Scorecard research project on South Africa’s Destination Branding Success Story during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and he is the co-author of the World Cup Brand Ambassador Program and co-founder of the FAN World Cup™. 
In terms of social networking, Dr Nik has been building brand communities both online and offline, first in the student community arena where he helped the European Union to build the first Pan European Student Network, and then in the Sporting arena where he helped multinational brands to build Fan Communities such as the Bafana FAN Club for South Africa and the FAN World Cup™.   
Dr Nik is the world's leading expert on the subject of Reciprocation Marketing™ and how to generate Inbound Clients on LinkedIn™. By applying the principles of Reciprocation in his own business, he has been able to
• build a 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 (on the likes of CNBC and Carte Blanche)
• help South Africa achieve the 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 in the history of the FIFA World Cup (92%)
• develop Strategic Relationships with Global Leaders, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, Olympian Athlete and one of the most celebrated World Record Holders
• enable a Consulting Client of mine to grow their Business 𝟭𝟬𝗫 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀
• propel his FIFA World Cup Book to Bestseller Status with ½ 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 in Print
• earned 10 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 Views on LinkedIn™ in 36 Months
Dr Nik has been featured extensively on the following channels: CNBC, Carte Blanche, Business Day, BBC, SABC, eNCA
 
 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in cybersecurity with Danny Magallanes, former FBI Analyst

Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of cybersecurity is essential for addressing the evolving challenges in our digital world. Cybersecurity, which plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our online infrastructure, must be more representative and inclusive to effectively combat a wide range of threats.
 
Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in cybersecurity is not just a matter of social justice; it's a strategic imperative. Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and creativity to the field, making them more effective at combating ever-evolving cyber threats.
 
Danny Magallanes offers insightful commentary on this subject; tune in to hear more.
 
Danny Magallanes, a U.S. Military veteran, former FBI Analyst, and consultant with 20 years of extensive intelligence and cybersecurity experience, has forged a versatile career marked by leadership, innovation, and notable achievements across public and private sectors. With a demonstrated track record in identifying, managing, and mitigating cyber threats, Danny has consistently delivered tangible results in enhancing overall security posture and promoting proactive solutions. His ability to work collaboratively with diverse and international teams, and mentoring security personnel to enhance the organization's resilience make him an invaluable asset to any organization.
 
Danny is currently a Director at Cigna’s Information Protection division where he leads the Fusion Cell – Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Hunt, and Adversary Simulation teams.
 
Lastly, he is passionate about increasing diversity in the cybersecurity workforce by mentoring college students and transitioning professionals on how to prepare for their cybersecurity careers

The Impact of Technology Artificial Intelligence on Stress with Carole Spiers

Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have a multifaceted influence on stress. On one hand, they offer various advantages, such as increased efficiency, improved healthcare, and enhanced communication. On the other hand, they introduce new challenges, including information overload, social comparison, and job insecurity. As we progress further in technological advancements, it is essential to strike a balance between reaping the benefits of these innovations and mitigating their adverse effects. This might involve adopting healthier digital behaviours, prioritizing mental well-being, and creating ethical guidelines for AI usage. By doing so, we can harness the potential of technology and AI to reduce stress and enhance our overall quality of life.
In today’s podcast, Carole Spiers, the CEO and Founder of CSG, delves into the management of stress induced by technology and provides practical strategies for mitigating the negative consequences of digital advancements, technology, and AI integration on the workforce. As we increasingly incorporate technology into our lives, comprehending and addressing its impact on stress remains crucial for the well-being of individuals and society.
We invite you to share your personal experiences with stress and any valuable tips you've acquired for stress management.
 
Carole Spiers is an international Business Stress Consultant and currently serves as the Chair of the International Stress Management Association UK.
On their behalf, she founded Stress Awareness Day in 1998 and to recognize its anniversary in 2018, established International Stress Awareness Week
 
As an international Motivational Speaker, Carole has provided keynote addresses at international conferences in the UK, Europe, and Middle East. She is a regular BBC Guest-Broadcaster is regularly called upon by the international press and media for comment.
She is CEO of the Carole Spiers Group, an international stress management and wellbeing consultancy. Carole has over 25 years of experience as an industry expert on how to reduce stress, build resilience and improve health and wellbeing.  
She has published books such as Tolley’s "Managing Stress in the Workplace" and "Show Stress Who's Boss!" 
 

Zambia’s Data Protection Act conversation with Sampa David Sampa CISA

I came across Sampa's LinkedIn article on Zambia's Data Protection Act and its ramifications around a month ago.
So, a few weeks back, I asked Sampa to come on my podcast to give an in-depth analysis of the above. He provided excellent insights that I thought to be very insightful.
On the podcast, we took time to explore the questions below; to hear Sampa answer these questions, listen to the audio.
1) How would you summarize the key objectives and principles of the Zambia Data Protection Act, and how does it compare to similar legislation in other countries?
2) In your analysis, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the Zambia Data Protection Act in terms of protecting individuals' privacy and personal data?
3) Can you highlight any specific provisions in the Act that you believe are particularly innovative or forward-thinking in the context of data protection?
4) One of the major challenges with data protection legislation is enforcement. How effective do you think the enforcement mechanisms of the Zambia Data Protection Act are, and what improvements, if any, would you suggest?
5) The Act includes provisions regarding cross-border data transfers. Could you discuss the implications of these provisions for businesses operating in Zambia and their international partners?
6) Data breaches have become a significant concern globally. How well does the Zambia Data Protection Act address the issue of data breaches, and what steps should organizations take to comply with the Act in this regard?
7) In your analysis, do you see any potential conflicts or gaps between the Zambia Data Protection Act and other existing laws or regulations, such as those related to national security or law enforcement?
8) Data protection laws often impact technological innovation and research. How do you think the Zambia Data Protection Act strikes a balance between protecting individuals' privacy and fostering innovation in the digital economy?
9) One of the key aspects of data protection is individuals' consent. How does the Act address the issue of consent, and what challenges might individuals face in exercising their rights under the Act?
10) Looking ahead, what are your recommendations for further enhancing the Zambia Data Protection Act or addressing any potential shortcomings you've identified in your analysis?
Sampa David Sampa, CISA, is Regional Senior IT Auditor (Southern Africa) at World Vision and a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Global Emerging Trends Working Group. An information technology professional with more than a decade of experience in private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Sampa previously worked in IT audit and technology roles at EY and the Office of the Auditor General of Zambia. He is also a member of the ISACA Lusaka Chapter in Zambia.

Futures Thinking with Charlotte Kemp Future Alchemist

The rise of futures thinking in the dynamic world of business has aroused considerable interest.
So, a few weeks back, Charlotte Kemp and I had an extensive conversation. 
Listen to the full podcast to hear Charlotte respond to the following questions:
 
What is futures thinking?
 
Is this just philosophical and motivational or are there practical uses for futures thinking? (3 Lenses)
 
Is futures thinking all about trends?
 
Can only trained people be futurists?
 
What good is it for everyday people, small business, entrepreneurs, business etc?
 
How can this help Africa?
 
Is there a simple process to futures thinking? (4 Stages)
 
Can you give an example of a futures thinking tool?
 
Can you explain more about the scenarios?
 
Why did you become a futurist?
 
Charlotte Kemp is the Futures Alchemist, a futurist keynote speaker who works with organisations to co-create preferred futures. Charlotte is a Past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA), President Elect of the Global Speakers Federation and maintains membership of the Association of Professional Futurists (APF).
 
Charlotte is the author of a number of books, including ‘Futures Alchemist’ which presents a narrative of how to use her Map, Compass and Guide model to navigate unknown futures.
 
Charlotte is also Chief Relationship Officer for Voices Into Africa, an events company seeking to raise the profile of speakers, events and collaborations across Africa.
 
Charlotte’s signature talk is “Become the Conscious Futurist your Industry Needs, Now” and explores ways to intentionally create changes that will usher in our preferred future for our own industries.

How to make a career change late in life by entering the tech industry with Sandi Brown (Account Manager at SMARTCRYPTO).

How to make a career change late in life by entering the tech industry with Sandi Brown (Account Manager at SMARTCRYPTO).
While beginning a new job in your fifties can be a scary task, doing so as a woman in technology can be a rewarding and fascinating adventure.
Though historically dominated by men, there are many opportunities for women to succeed and make substantial contributions in the technology business.
Age and gender shouldn't be obstacles to success in the tech sector. As you start down this new job route, your experience, perspective, and tenacity could be quite useful. Accept the opportunities, maintain your resiliency, and keep learning and developing.
In today's podcast, Sandi Brown tells an inspirational story of how she changed her career to technology in her 50s.
Sandi Brown is a "50something" working wife and mother of 3 who is passionate about opportunities, exercise, and health.  Her working career has undergone numerous pivots, each of which has given her grit, strength, wisdom, and persistence.  Building brands, relationships with customers, and connections within the company is what she does best.  Being real and acting with integrity can help one succeed because it is difficult to stand out in the technological industry.