Watts Involved

Episode 191 | Tracy Todd | Inspirational Speaker, Mom, Business Woman, Author, Quadriplegic

On this episode I chat with Tracy about her accident, her becoming a quadriplegic and her journey to date, we also discuss her book Brave Lotus Flower Rides The Dragon.
From Tracy:
It is difficult to imagine what I had to overcome in a tough and often lonely journey. At the age of 28 my life was turned upside down when a horrific road accident left me a quadriplegic, paralysed from the neck down. My life as an athletic, marathon-running young mother and teacher was abruptly shattered.
Despite months of rehabilitation, I often found myself wondering if life was worth living. Everything I had taken for granted was now beyond my reach and the frustration at my helplessness threatened to overwhelm me.Against the odds, I chose to live. My strength of character and determination prevailed and, sustained by the support of my son, family and friends, my care assistants and an unbelievably caring community, I started my journey to regain my sense of self-worth and independence. I rebuilt a life in a different, immobile body and reclaimed my identity. I am proud to say I managed to do this with grace and dignity.
 
Today I am a mother, a wife, inspirational speaker, writer and business woman. I’m most proud of my memoir, Brave Lotus Flower Rides the Dragon, which was published in 2017. I’ve received countless messages from around the world from people who’ve been inspired and touched by my story in many different ways. I hope that you too will read it.
 
http://tracytodd.co.za/
 
https://www.wattsinvolved.com/
 

Episode 190 | Luyando Mpahlwa | Architect, Author, Entrepreneur, Change Agent Family Man

On this episode I chat to Luyando about his childhood, growing up in the apartheid era and how he went on to become one of South Africa's first black architects. His journey to Berlin and subsequent return to South Africa.
He is also the co author of a fantastic book called
Get out of your mind
Lessons on embracing difference from South Africa and beyond
This dynamic change management offering from a Robben Island freedom fighter-turned Berlin architect and a pioneering global change management expert is a how-to-guide for South African business and organisational leaders on how to manage diverse people in ways most beneficial for aims, that move both organisations and the country forward.Luyanda and Klaus combine decades of professional knowledge and experience as individuals and as a team to provide critical insight into a changing world.
https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9780624090762
https://www.wattsinvolved.com/
 

Episode 189 | Jonathan Lun | Turning Rocks Into Rocket Fuel

On this episode I chat with Jonathan who is one of the founders of Hypernova Space Technologies. We chat about the innovative solution that they have come up with in regards to small satellite propulsion.
Hypernova Space Technologies builds cutting edge electric propulsion for small satellites. Their plasma thrusters are based on over a decade of research & development in vacuum arc thruster technology.
 
https://www.hypernovaspace.com/
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 

Episode 188 | Mic Mann | Storyteller, Futurist, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Singularity University

On this episode I chat with the visionary Mic Man,
Mic is a storyteller, futurist, entrepreneur and speaker on how exponential technologies can help to #futureproofAfrica. I believe that the future will be abundant, as the convergence and potential of exponential technologies increase and their price gradually drops to zero. This will ultimately democratise numerous industries and improve the lives of all.
After completing his honours degree in scriptwriting, directing and producing film at AFDA, Mic joined as co-owner of the family business, Mann Made. This Sandton-based award-winning experiential brand agency has worked with top global and local Fortune 500 companies. Mic has 19 years of experience in the media, marketing and eventing industry.
After completing the Singularity University Executive Programme in Silicon Valley in 2015, Mic realised that in order to #futureproofAfrica we need to embrace exponential technologies. In 2016, he established the non-profit SingularityU Johannesburg and Cape Town Chapters to help build the local community, so that South Africans can create employment, drive education and stimulate the economy with new opportunities.
 
https://singularityusouthafrica.org/
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 

Episode 187 | Luthando Dyasop | Survivor, Activist, Author, Passionate South African

On this episode I chat with Luthando about his journey from being a young boy full of hope and aspirations to his ending up in the infamous detention camp known as Quatro.  This is a true account of his journey and how he was able to overcome the adversity in his life.
Luthando Dyasop’s memoir starts with an account of his young life as a black artist in apartheid South Africa. He eventually joins uMkhonto we Sizwe, the banned ANC’s military wing.Soon he falls out of favour with the powers that be and is sent to the Quatro detention centre. After years of torture, he is eventually released, when he begins his battle for vindication. Out of Quatro is a story not only about Dyasop’s extraordinary life, but also about a tumultuous time in ANC history.
https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book?id=9780795710421
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 

Episode 186 | Daniel Strauss | The Billionaire Mindset

On this episode I chat with Daniel about his roots, growing up and his journey to become a successful venture capitalist.
In The Billionaire Mindset, Daniel explains what this means and how to adopt this life-changing mindset yourself. He shares his secrets of success, including how to access capital, where to find the right people to help you reach your goals, and how to free your mind from self-imposed limitations, so that you can also think like – and eventually become – a billionaire.
https://www.nb.co.za/en/view-book/?id=9780624090342
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 

Episode 185 | Lorinda McGhee | Inspireware, Entrepreneur, Passionate Educator

On this episode I chat with Lorinda about her journey and the building of her company Inspireware. We talk about her passion for education and her love of technology and how her various offerings can benefit learners and corporates.  We also talk about how corporates can get involved with an amazing CSI initiative that she has.
 
https://inspireware.co.za/
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 
 

Episode 184 | Dave Nemeth | Trend Forward, Looking To The Future and Virtual Malls

On this episode I chat with Dave about what his company Trend Forward has been up to in the last year. We also chat about an incredible concept which he and his team have brought to life in the form of a virtual mall.  Above all Dave is an inspiration and a relentless innovator.
 
https://www.trendforward.co.za/
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 

Episode 183 | Leigh Spaun | School Of Rock

On this episode I chat with Leigh about what The School Of Rock is, what they do and their plans for expansion.
 
https://locations.schoolofrock.com/claremont
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
https://davidwattsblog.com
 
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Episode 182 | Ayabonga Cawe | Entrepreneur, Development Economist, Radio Presenter, Author

On this episode I chat with Ayabonga about his journey and the launch of his book The Economy On Your Doorstep.
In my opinion this is a must read for every South African entrepreneur and manager.
 
https://traceymcdonaldpublishers.com/product/the-economy-on-your-doorstep-by-ayabonga-cawe/
 
https://wattsinvolved.co.za/
 
https://davidwattsblog.com