Members of the media joined dynamic speakers and Africa’s business elite at the media-briefing to launch the 8th All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) at Emoyeni Estate.
The evening event hosted by AABLA in partnership with CNBC Africa aimed at introducing the esteemed panel of southern Africa judges who were selected to oversee the tough judging process of the awards.
Invited guests were welcomed to pre-drinks and social interactions while they dallied on the softly lit porch.
Head of ABN Event Productions, Alexander Leibner moved proceedings right along and started off by welcoming everyone in attendance before requesting the audience to engage his football analogy in light of the Soccer World Cup.
“In 2017 we had businesses that scored own goals, some sent off the field and some given red cards, but also in the same year when all of this was happening we saw the unexpected winners, the small guys who outplayed the listed companies, the ones who showed character, leadership and bold decision making.
“These guys played with their hearts and kept their teams together and could ultimately raise the trophy and be recognised for their epic achievement.”
He added that the current year was different and Africa was in a different space and expressed how excited he was to see what would come up at the awards as well as who would get to celebrate at the end when they got to the finale in November.
Previous winner of Young Business Leader of the Year Sylvester Chauke, who is chief architect of DNA Brand Architects, also shared his keynote speech. He expressed his gratitude at being honoured to stand representing the alumni and said he had grown as an entrepreneur.
“For many many years I thought this was incredibly intimidating because as a young entrepreneur you see the list of incredible entrepreneurs who have won in the past and you ask yourself if you will ever get there, but nonetheless, an entrepreneur loves a good challenge,” Chauke stated.
He reflected on his journey and encouraged upcoming entrepreneurs not to get intimidated by the big money figures involved in business acquisitions. “The AABLAs have created an incredible network of entrepreneurs and business leaders and you get to learn that part of your journey is to be able to take learnings from those before you and apply them in your own area,” he said.
The young entrepreneur also spoke about the judges who came to check whether they were running a real business that added value and how thorough they were in checking the paperwork and financials. He said they got a lot of inspiring feedback during the process and the judges were a phenomenal group and a well-respected group of thought leaders and entrepreneurs in their own right.
Chauke concluded, “You will be judged by the best of the best on the continent, so when you win, it’s not because your mom and dad think you’re running a good business, but it’s because you really are running a good business.”
List of the AABLA 2018 Southern Africa Judges:
- Anthea Gardner, founder and managing partner, Cartesian Capital
- Jonathan Foster-Pedley, dean and director, Henley Business School
- Monique Vanek, news editor, CNBC Africa
- Bonang Mohale, chief executive officer, Business Leadership South Africa
- Dr Snowy Khoza, executive chairperson, Bigen South Africa
- Lee Naik, chief executive officer, TransUnion Africa
- Sam Bhembe, non-executive director, ABN Group
Details: All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA)
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