Johan Hanekom is a globally recognised leader in strategy, innovation, and sustainability. He has partnered with over 1,000 C-level executives across 150 international firms, responsible for nearly half of the world’s GDP. He is known for igniting a culture of innovation, building agile, autonomous teams, and driving sustainable, technology-enabled growth at scale.
A seasoned entrepreneur and proven business builder, Johan has launched award-winning startups and accelerated the expansion of established enterprises in some of the world’s most competitive markets. His extensive private equity experience - ranging from early-stage Series A to later-stage investments - has seen him play a pivotal role in transforming organisations from grassroots initiatives to global market leaders.
Beyond his executive track record, Johan is committed to service and stewardship. He volunteers on several boards of charities and wildlife foundations in Africa. His early career included five years in the South African Police Service and a decade of distinguished service in two British Army regiments. Academically, he studied Psychology and Criminology at UNISA and Political Economy at Kellogg College, Oxford University.
As a regular columnist for Forbes, Entrepreneur, and HuffPost, Johan provides thought leadership on sustainable business strategies, the future of innovation, and the intersection of technology with environmental stewardship. His insights guide leaders in forging resilient, socially responsible enterprises that thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Johan Hanekom explores how organisations can thrive in a fast-paced world by adopting a 'garage mindset.' He emphasises the importance of embracing discomfort, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and treating constraints as opportunities for innovation. Attendees will learn to harness discomfort for creativity, build diverse teams, encourage experimentation, and unite around ambitious goals, ultimately driving continuous growth and transformation.
Johan Hanekom's talk addresses the urgent need for organisations to adapt to rapid change. He emphasises the importance of courageous leadership in breaking down silos and fostering collaboration. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a shared purpose, embrace challenges as opportunities, and empower teams with clear goals. Ultimately, they will gain insights into maintaining agility and resilience in a fast-paced environment, driving innovation and sustained growth.
Johan Hanekom explores the transformative potential of AI in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He emphasises the importance of human judgement and emotional intelligence in leveraging AI effectively. Attendees will learn to demystify AI, reframe their fears into opportunities, balance intuition with data insights, lead change authentically, and develop strategies for ethical AI integration, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation within their organisations.
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