In this episode of Business Talk, Nicole Thomson, Group Franchise Sales & Marketing Director at Cash Converters South Africa, joins us to discuss how the 30-year-old brand continues to evolve. From launching a successful webshop during lockdown to boosting franchise revenue and customer reach, Cash Converters is proving that pre-loved retail is thriving in the digital age.

Nicole also shares insights into their franchise model, upcoming product innovations, and why more entrepreneurs are turning to the brand as a business opportunity.

Nicole Thomson on e-commerce, franchise growth and the evolution of Cash Converters

In this Business Talk with Michael Avery interview, Wendy Myers discusses portfolio diversification for individual investors.

Myers is the Head of Securities at PSG and boasts excellent success across her 21-year career in the financial and investment industries.

She started out as a Global Markets Finance Business Partner at Rand Merchant Bank in 2004, and held this role for 11 years.

In 2015, she was appointed as the COO of FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management for Ashburton Investments.

Three years later, she was appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of FNB Wealth and Investments, and she took on her current position at PSG in 2021.

Myers has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town.

She has also held many other important roles in major financial organisations, including membership of the South African Institute of Stockbrokers since 2000.

In this Business Talk interview, Myers discusses the importance of diversification for individual investors.

She unpacks the different types of diversification and how one can decide which of these options to embrace, and to what level.

Myers then reveals the biggest issues investors can face if they over-diversify.

She also highlights the pros and cons of investing in individual shares versus ETFs and unit trusts.

Myers concludes the discussion by noting which markets and sectors she sees as particularly appealing to individual investors currently.

PSG’s Wendy Myers on how individual investors can diversify their portfolios

Dr Edward Makgotlho, PhD, is a distinguished scientific professional with extensive expertise in regulatory affairs, public health, and scientific engagement. He currently serves as Area Head of Scientific Affairs for British American Tobacco (BAT) in Sub-Saharan Africa, where he focuses on advancing knowledge of tobacco harm reduction.

Dr Makgotlho holds a PhD in Infection and Immunity from the University of Würzburg, Germany, with a background in medical microbiology and immunology. He has held significant roles in major organisations, implementing innovative health solutions and regulatory frameworks, and has been actively involved in developing regulatory strategies for smokeless alternatives.

In this episode of Business Talk, Dr Makgotlho explains why he thinks we should focus on eliminating cigarettes rather than all tobacco products.

Dr Edward Makgotlho on South Africa’s tobacco harm reduction challenges

In this episode of Business Talk, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of financial advice with Michael Summerton, Head of Experience at INN8. As wealth managers face increasing demands from clients and regulators, digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s essential. Michael explains how INN8 is reimagining the advisor experience by cutting out outdated processes, streamlining compliance, and helping advisors personalize their service at scale, without sacrificing the human touch that defines great financial guidance.

We also explore how INN8’s platform makes the advisor-client relationship more seamless and effective, especially during complex processes like retirement planning. From consolidating scattered assets to enabling dynamic drawdown strategies—all in one digital journey—INN8 is turning legacy pain points into new opportunities. If you're in the wealth management space, this is a timely look at how the right technology can empower you to serve more clients, more meaningfully.

Michael Summerton on reimagining financial advice through digital transformation

In this Business Talk with Michael Avery interview, Gladwyn Leeuw discusses the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in Africa.

Leeuw is the CEO of E Squared Investments – a position he has held since September 2023.

Before taking on his current role, he also served as the company’s Chief Investment Officer, where he built an investment team that has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the investment ecosystem, risk management, market trends, and opportunities that translated into notable portfolio growth.

Before joining E Squared Investments, Gladwyn was a General Partner at Kingson Capital – a South African-based venture capital investment firm – where he led post-investment management.

Leeuw has also worked in Anglo American’s private investment arm – Zimele – and was a key member of the senior executive team at CCI South Africa – one of South Africa’s largest international BPOs.

He holds a Master of Management degree in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Studies and International Relations from Wits Business School and Wits University respectively.

In this Business Talk interview, Leeuw begins by defining “scaling with purpose.”

He explains what sets E Squared Investments apart in its approach to investing – including its industry-agnostic approach.

Leeuw then reveals what this approach means for E Squared Investments’ ability to be hands-on during and after the investment process.

He discusses the use of a blended capital approach to investing – including the strategies that have worked best for E Squared Investments in this regard.

Leeuw also shares some of the key findings in the recently published E Squared Investments Report – including how the organisation is investing significantly in black-woman-owned businesses.

He then talks about responsible entrepreneurship – which entails simultaneously running a successful business and having a positive impact on society.

Leeuw concludes the discussion by sharing the one thing he would change about South Africa’s investment landscape.

E Squared Investments CEO Gladwyn Leeuw on supporting responsible entrepreneurship

In this episode of Business Talk on BusinessTech, we sit down with Ian Thompson, Group CEO of Q LINK Holdings, to unpack the complex but critical role of payments, collections, and payroll in South Africa’s financial services landscape. From seamless debit orders to biometric verification for SASSA grants, Q LINK is quietly powering over R300 billion in annual transactions—without the fanfare but with serious fintech firepower. Ian shares how the company has evolved over 27 years, meeting the rising demands of a rapidly shifting digital economy.

We explore how APIs, embedded fintech, and collaborations with major institutions are redefining the payment value chain, and why trust, credibility, and innovation are key when choosing a payments partner. With insights into the future of digital IDs and South Africa’s slow but promising shift toward a modernized payment ecosystem, this episode is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of financial infrastructure in the country.

Ian Thompson on digitising payments and fintech innovation in South Africa

Yuresh Maharaj is an accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and insurance.

He started his career at Deloitte and Touche as a trainee accountant and worked his way up to Audit Manager and later Partner. He has served in various roles at Deloitte and Touche and worked in South Africa, the USA, Namibia, and Luxembourg.

Currently, Maharaj serves as the Chief Executive: Insurance and Asset Management at the Standard Bank Group, where he oversees the management of insurance and asset management portfolios. 

Throughout his career, Yuresh has worked with major clients in the insurance and banking sectors, including Hollard Insurance Group, Liberty Group, Lombard Insurance Group, Regent Insurance Group, Legal Insurance South Africa Limited (Legalwise), Marsh McLennan Incorporated, Willis (South Africa), and Nedbank Corporate, a division of Nedbank Limited.

In this episode of Business Talk, Maharaj explains what he believes is driving the transformation of insurance in South Africa and the continent right now.

Yuresh Maharaj discusses the transformation of insurance in South Africa

In this episode of Business Talk we sit down with Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa, to explore the brand’s rapid ascent in the local smartphone market. From entering the scene in 2021 to becoming the second-largest handset brand, HONOR is now aiming to take the top spot by 2028. Fred shares insights into the brand’s strategic pillars—cutting-edge innovation, strong partnerships, and expansion into untapped regions—while highlighting the standout features of their new Magic V5 foldable phone, including its ultra-slim design, long-lasting battery, and impressive water resistance.

With the Magic V5 set to launch in South Africa this October, Fred teases a “surprise” price point and discusses how HONOR is making flagship-level AI and durability accessible across all product tiers.  HONOR is building a full ecosystem that includes tablets, wearables, and laptops—all aimed at winning consumer trust and reshaping South Africa’s tech landscape.

Fred Zhou discusses HONOR's rise and smartphone innovation in South Africa

In this episode of Business Talk, host Michael Avery dives into the critical topic of business continuity and resilience in South Africa’s evolving landscape. Featuring Willem Olivier, CEO of Resilient Innovations, they unpack key insights from the inaugural Resilience Exchange event in Waterfall — a unique gathering of C-suite leaders across cybersecurity, infrastructure, agriculture, and more. Together, they explore why resilience is no longer just a compliance checkbox but a vital strategic advantage.

From the intersection of operational technology and cyber risk to the impact of government policies on food security and tariffs, this conversation sheds light on the complex challenges South African businesses face today. Discover how cross-sector collaboration and global connectivity are shaping the future of resilience, and why the conversations started at the Resilience Exchange promise to drive meaningful change in boardrooms nationwide.

Willem Olivier on South Africa’s Resilience Exchange and business continuity

In this episode of Business Talk, host Michael Avery is joined by Wendy Myers, Head of PSG Securities, to unpack the world of corporate actions and why they matter to every investor. From dividends and stock splits to mergers and leadership changes, Wendy explains how these events can impact portfolios and why investors should never take them at face value. She highlights the importance of understanding both voluntary and mandatory actions, giving listeners a clear framework to make informed decisions.

Michael and Wendy also discuss how leadership changes and rights issues can shape market confidence, using real-world examples to show their potential impact. They stress the value of staying informed, avoiding impulsive moves, and keeping sight of long-term investment goals. Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced one, this episode equips you with practical insights to interpret corporate events and protect your financial future.

PSG’s Wendy Myers on the different types of corporate actions and their impact

Business Talk with Michael Avery is an online interview series – featuring conversations with South Africa’s leading executives in the business and finance sector.

The show is hosted by radio and TV personality Michael Avery, anchor of the Classic Business show on Classic FM, and Business Day TV.

Business Talk with Michael Avery centres the discussion around the complex world of business, finance, the economy, SMEs, investing and much more.

Willem Olivier on South Africa’s Resilience Exchange and business continuity

Business Talk

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