Ranya is a senior HR leader with over 20 years of experience in international and diverse environments, specialising in people strategy, leadership, organisational development, and HR policies. She is the former Head of HR Policies and Development at the OPEC Fund for International Development in Vienna. She is the author of “The CHAMELEON Leader: Connecting with Millennials” (2019) and an adjunct professor at the University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication in Vienna. Recently, she coauthored “HR’s New Role” with Prof Peter Cappelli, published by the Harvard Business Review. by Harvard.

Katheryn, based in Boston, USA, is a senior research analyst at the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4CP). She leads global studies on talent and workforce development strategies, impacting market performance and human capital outcomes. With over six years of experience in public policy and leadership research, she specialises in survey development, data analysis, policy design, and communications. Previously, Katheryn was an assistant research professor at UNLV’s School of Public Policy & Leadership, where she managed complex research projects, taught, and produced policy content. She also supports leaders in people analytics and performance management. Katheryn holds a Ph.D. from UNLV and is dedicated to advancing impactful people practices.

Thuli Tabudi is the Group HR Executive for Spar Group. She has been in the retail industry for more than 26 years and has worked for various large companies like Mnet, Pick n Pay, and Edgars before joining Spar in 1999. Thuli has a PhD from the University of Johannesburg. She is passionate about mentoring and coaching and is privileged to be involved in programmes aimed at investing in local communities through various social initiatives.

Tswelo is an international HR leader with over 25 years of experience building dynamic people functions. He has operated for large companies like Unilever, Tiger Brands, and Discovery as a business partner and trusted advisor across various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Israel, and the UK. Tswelo joined FirstRand in 2021, where he applies his extensive knowledge in creating business-critical capabilities, using FirstRand’s core purpose and values as a foundation. He is focused on creating the ultimate employee experience, preparing for the future world of work, and harnessing the value of people analytics.

Rory van der Merwe is a psychologist passionate about improving workplaces and enhancing wellbeing. He is the first African certified in Adaptability Intelligence (AQ), using the AQai ACE model. Rory focuses on making change easier by fostering hope and helping leaders and teams adapt to future-fit ways of working. He leverages the “wisdom of trauma” to guide individuals from hurt to healing, hope, and wholeness, unlocking their potential for value-added contributions.

Tesantha Naidoo is currently in HR Transformation, DEI, OD, and Career Consulting at Mercer, bringing experience from previous roles at WesBank and Accenture. She holds a Master of Science (MS) in Business Psychology from the University of South Wales. With a robust skill set that includes management consulting, operating models, business transformation, business process improvement, and stakeholder management, Tesantha contributes valuable insights to the industry.

Susan Turton is a registered organisational psychologist with the HPCSA and holds a master’s degree from UCT. With over 25 years in the financial services sector, she is currently the Head of Strategic Change and Wellbeing at Old Mutual Group. Susan has extensive experience in organisational development and has also lectured and worked at Nedbank. She is an accredited assessor, moderator, certified Enneagram facilitator, and holds a diploma from Henley Business School. She is passionate about business, people, and team effectiveness.

Neo is a seasoned Human Resources leader and a finalist for HR Director of the Year at the 2019 Future of HR Summit & Awards. He was named in the top 25 of the 2019 NYDA 100 Rising Stars. With expertise across Telecommunications, FMCG, Logistics, Media Advertising, and Tech industries, Neo excels in HR strategy, talent management, BEE, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organisational development. He holds a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management.

Levern is an Associate Director in PwC South Africa’s Advisory services, holding a BA and Honours in Organisational Psychology. Her cross-industry experience focuses on Financial Services, utilising data-led and analytical approaches for workforce planning, organisational design, change management, upskilling, and business transformation. Recognised as a future leader, Levern attended One Young World in 2017 and later became the OYW Southern Africa Coordinating Ambassador for two years. She now co-leads the societal impact pillar at PwC South Africa Advisory, aligned with the UN global goals, focusing on education, community support, and skills development.

Heidi is a mother of two daughters, wife, and businesswoman who is passionate about the role individuals and communities play in shaping both the present and the future. She is motivated by the challenge of finding innovative ways for businesses to succeed while maintaining a balance with environmental and societal well-being. The belief that individuals can make a meaningful difference through the power of collaboration inspires her to share, learn, and guide others in her daily life.

Malisha is a seasoned People and Culture professional with over 25 years of experience in various industries. She holds a master’s in Change Management and Transformation and has operated on a global basis. Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and creating performance-driven cultures, Malisha is dedicated to mentoring young people and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. She believes in leveraging technology to drive meaningful organisational change, combining a heart for people with the power of technology for impactful transformations.

Martin Sutherland is the Global Director of Peopletree Talent Analytics International, a software and consulting firm specialising in talent analytics. As a founder member since 1998, he has overseen its global expansion to 47 countries. Martin combines his passion for people and technology to develop robust talent processes driven by powerful analytics, helping companies optimise their talent development efforts.

Navlika blends her expertise as a clinical psychologist with her GIBS MBA-accredited insight into human capital management, change management, and leadership. She is dedicated to advancing training excellence and fostering workplace resilience. Navlika’s academic accomplishments are noteworthy, having completed her PDBA and MBA with distinction. She has also expanded her knowledge through programmes at IODSA and Harvard Business School. As a conference speaker and author on mental health, her leadership led ICAS to garner accolades in gender empowerment and diversity. Navlika has been acknowledged as a top leader to watch in 2024.

Dr Esli Kekana is a skilled Organisational Effectiveness expert and Industrial Psychologist, currently the Group OD Manager at Central Energy Fund and Managing Director of Thinkscape. With a PhD from the University of Pretoria, she specialises in organisational design, talent management, and leadership development. Esli has led key transformation initiatives, including Barron’s achievement of BEE Level 1, and introduced innovative HR practices such as strategic workforce planning and HR process automation. She is passionate about developing talent and driving socio-economic impact through her work.

Laura Pycraft is a passionate leader & expert in the fields of Employee Experience, Talent Management, and DEIB. Over the last decade she has worked alongside various multinational JSE, LSE & NYSE listed organizations in designing & running global talent interventions – enabling them to build better leaders, healthier environments, effective employee value propositions and aspirational employer brands. Laura is a firm believer that the future of Human Capital is tied to three core elements: Ethics, Systemic Data & Technology Literacy, and Total Employee Experience. Laura currently heads the Humanity People Solutions business – an advisory services firm operating throughout EMEA, specializing in Total Employee Experience management.

Dr Morne Mostert is an international advisor on strategic foresight and executive decision-making,with assignments in Geneva, Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Melbourne, Baku, Tokyo and several other economic hubs across Africa and the Middle East. Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a Commissioner on the National Planning Commission, he advises on economic futures, internationalisation, and climate change. He is a member of the renowned international think tank, the Club of Rome. His multi-award-winning thought leadership has been published internationally and he is a regular contributor to the business media on longer-term policy and strategy. Mostert was a member of the ILO international panel of experts on the Future of Work, was Director of the Institute for Futures Research and served on the board of the Bureau for Economic Research. With a PhD in Technology and Innovation, Mostert is also the inventor of the Mindset Index, a world-first in the scientific assessment of strategic mindsets.

Wilhelm Crous has a passion for business knowledge. This passion is realised, through Knowledge Resources (which he established in 1991), by publishing business and management books; developing and presenting world-class conferences and training; conducting surveys in the HR/Talent Management field; and publishing Human Capital and Labour Country Reports. He holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.