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CEO Nights with Nyimpini

A podcast produced by Solid Gold · Business, Careers · 13 episodes · 2024-10-22 to 2026-04-17

Accelerate your growth.

CEO Nights with Nyimpini is a monthly live podcast that brings together top CEOs for casual yet aspirational discussions on life lessons to foster success, providing practical tips and guidance to others who aspire to be the next generation of leaders. We dive into insightful, relaxed conversations with top CEOs, exploring their personal journeys.

Each episode introduces a CEO from a renowned organisation, offering a glimpse into the person behind the title. This podcast is inspired by Nyimpini Mabunda's best selling book titled 'Take Charge", where he shares the lessons and personal experiences that shaped his journey to becoming CEO of an international company before the age of 40.

Set in an intimate auditorium-style venue, the show emulates a coffee-house conversation and atmosphere, blending professional insights with personal development themes. CEO Nights with Nyimpini focuses on the human aspects of the leader and not the title or role; the family person, the individual in and outside of work – providing insight into a ‘day in the life of a CEO’ and your journey to the top.

Listen: iono.fm · Spotify

Episodes

Vukani Mngxati | CEO of Microsoft South Africa - AI transformation and taking charge of your career2026-04-17

Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa and former CEO of Accenture Africa, joins Nyimpini Mabundo for a frank conversation about career ownership, AI transformation, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty. This episode is for ambitious professionals and aspiring C-suite leaders who want honest, practical insight from someone who has reached the top of two major global organisations.
Vukani traces his journey from a village in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to the helm of Accenture Africa, where he served seven years as CEO, to his new role driving AI and digital transformation at…

Martina Biene | Chairperson & MD - Volkswagen Group Africa2026-03-11

Leadership is about people, not titles.
This conversation with Martina Biene traces the arc of a deeply unconventional leader. A German theology graduate who stumbled into Volkswagen and spent 25 years becoming Chairperson & MD of VW Group Africa. The central theme is purposeful disruption: of her own career, of how a century-old automotive manufacturer operates, and of how Africa is imagined as a market. Martina's conviction is that Africa shouldn't inherit Europe's automotive history - it should leapfrog it, finding mobility solutions suited to its own realities of affordability,…

Dion Shango | Partner and CEO at PWC Africa2026-01-21

Leading with purpose in a changing world.
In this episode of CEO Night, host Nyimpini shares an intimate conversation with Dion Shango, CEO of PwC Africa. A lifelong PwC professional, Dion became one of the firm’s youngest partners, the first black CEO of its Southern Africa practice, and later leader of the entire African business. Blending personal anecdotes, from high-school rugby captaincy and family road trips to his pride as a husband and father, with practical leadership wisdom, he offers rare insight into authentic, Pan-African leadership at one of the world’s top professional…

Angelo Swartz | CEO The Spar Group Ltd2025-11-04

Humility, purpose and keeping it real in leadership.
In this peer to peer leadership conversation with Angelo Swartz, Group CEO of The SPAR Group Ltd — one of South Africa’s biggest retailers and a leading JSE Top 100 company, we explore
• What it truly means to lead in times of crisis
• Leading in a highly competitive retail environment
• Building resilient teams that thrive under pressure
• Driving growth that impacts communities across the country
• How to lead with confidence in uncertain times
• The mindset required to turn around a struggling business
• Lessons in resilience from one…

Theo Baloyi | Founder & GCEO - Bathu Group2025-09-10

n this episode wonderful CEO Nights episode, Nyimpini Mabunda sits down with Theo Baloyi, the visionary founder and CEO of Bathu, to explore his remarkable journey from the streets of Alexandra to building a globally recognized shoe brand.
Inspired by Nyimpini's book Take Charge, this candid conversation delves into Theo’s leadership philosophy, his commitment to empowering communities, and the strategies that have sustained Bathu’s growth over a decade. From navigating early financial struggles to corporatising a startup and balancing profit with social impact, Theo shares invaluable…

Ramasela Ganda | Group CEO of Zeda Ltd & CEO of Avis Budget Southern Africa2025-07-24

Join us for an electrifying episode of CEO Nights as we sit down with Ramasela Ganda, the trailblazing Group CEO of Zeda, a powerhouse in the future of mobility. With a remarkable career spanning public and private sectors, Ramasela shares her inspiring journey from a chartered accountant to a visionary leader driving innovation in electric vehicles (EVs) and usership models. From her roots in Soshanguve to navigating high-stakes roles at the National Nuclear Regulator, Telkom, Vodacom, and as CFO in a major metro, Ramasela’s story is one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and a passion for…

Tshilidzi Marwala | Rector of the United Nations University2025-06-25

We sit down with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala – renowned academic, author, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg – to unpack what it truly means to be a CEO in today’s fast-evolving world.
With a career spanning leadership, artificial intelligence, and global governance, Prof. Marwala brings deep insight into the qualities that define visionary leadership, the balance between ethics and innovation, and the role African leaders must play in shaping the future. Watch on YouTube · Take Charge Facebook · Connect with Nyimpini · Listen to Take Charge on…

Rui Morais | CEO at Dis-Chem2025-05-29

Dive into an inspiring and unfiltered conversation with Rui Morais, the dynamic Group CEO of Dis-Chem, on CEO Nights with host Nyimpini Mabunda. Far from the typical corporate mold, Rui shares his remarkable journey from auditing to leading one of South Africa’s largest healthcare companies, all while staying true to his authentic self.
Discover how his mother’s unwavering belief shaped his leadership, how he navigates the complexities of a family-run business, and how he’s transforming Dis-Chem into a healthcare ecosystem to make quality care accessible to all.
From designing sneakers to…

Mpumi Madisa | CEO Bidvest Group2025-04-02

Tune in to another inspirational episode of CEO Nights with host Nyimpini Mabunda, featuring Mpumi Madisa, a dynamic South African CEO celebrated on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women. In this intimate, peer-to-peer exchange, Mpumi shares her extraordinary journey—from a childhood forged in resilience and family values to leading Bidvest Group, a colossal enterprise with over 120,000 employees. Beyond her prestigious 2023 Sunday Times Business Leader of the Year title, Mpumi unveils her relatable side: a card-game aficionado, series binge-watcher, and legendary party thrower.…

Lee Naik | TransUnion CEO2025-03-10

This interview mainly discussed Lee Naik's journey as CEO of TransUnion Africa and his leadership philosophy. The conversation began with Nyimpini introducing Lee as a champion of digitalization and financial inclusion. Lee shared his personal approach to work-life balance, describing how he starts his day at 4 a.m. and values time with his family, particularly driving his kids to school.
The discussion explored Lee's leadership style, focusing on his approach to mentorship and his perspective on entrepreneurship in Africa. Lee emphasized the importance of SMMEs, noting that 70% of the…

Robert Brozin | Nando's Founder2025-01-23

In this sizzling episode of CEO Nights, host Nyimpini Mabula sits down with Robert (AKA Robbie) Brozin, the legendary co-founder of Nando's, for an intimate and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and hope. Brozin shares raw insights into building a global brand, overcoming imposter syndrome, and his unwavering optimism for South Africa's future. From navigating business challenges to finding purpose beyond success, this episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership that will leave you motivated and ready to make your mark.
Key Highlights:
- Journey from local…

Yolanda Cuba | Group Regional Vice President at MTN2024-11-26

In this captivating episode, host Nyimpini Mabunda sits down with Yolanda Cuba, a trailblazing business executive and current Vice President for South and Eastern Africa at MTN. From becoming a CEO at just 29 to serving on boards of major organizations, Yolanda's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Yolanda shares candid insights into her meteoric rise, discussing the challenges of leadership at a young age and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. She opens up about the Mentorship Boardroom initiative, emphasizing the power of visibility and presentation in the corporate world.…

Dan Marokane | CEO Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.2024-10-22

Born a warrior.
In this first episode of CEO Nights, Nyimpini talks to Dan Marokane about his personal journey, from his upbringing and early influences, to his career path and leadership principles.
Key topics include the importance of hard work, education, international exposure, role models, problem-solving skills, cultural transformation at Eskom, long-term viability, and executing strategies with a competent team.
Dan shares insights on balancing being a tough taskmaster with showing compassion, the cost and benefits of living by one's values, continuous learning, and preparing the next…

Source: the producer's own published feed and catalogue, as published. Maintained by Solid Gold · sources and corrections.