Risky Business with Bryan Hattingh

In this episode of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome Vanessa Haripersad, founder and CEO of Shankara People Solutions. Vanessa reflects on her 24-year career evolution across major organisations—from traditional human resources to strategic leadership coaching and talent advisory. She challenges conventional definitions of resilience as merely "bouncing back," arguing instead for a sustainable, internal system of resilience. She introduces her proprietary SCCR framework—encompassing Self-Awareness, Compassion, Curiosity, and Resourcefulness—and shares a deeply personal account of her journey through severe health challenges, including lupus and kidney failure, culminating in a remarkable recovery. The panel discusses the necessity of human-centred, purpose-driven leadership in today’s complex work environment, the importance of mentoring young graduates to articulate their core values, and how leaders can leverage AI to automate routine management tasks, freeing up time to foster meaningful human connection.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 38 of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw welcome Steve Johnson, founder and CEO of Growth Leaders Africa. The episode opens with a poignant dedication to Bryan’s late lifelong friend, Clive Samra, and Jonathan’s late mother, Evelyn Shaw. Steve then shares his 45+ year journey in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development across Southern Africa. He reflects on how a defining childhood experience at age 12 sparked his passion for nature and non-exclusion. He discusses his progression from a game ranger in Wankie National Park to establishing national parks in Bophuthatswana, advising regional SADC programs, and working with international bodies like the UNDP and WWF. The panel explores how the traditional philosophy of Ubuntu and community ownership are essential for sustainable wildlife management. Concluding the discussion, Steve highlights his transition into executive leadership coaching, emphasizing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-discipline under his guiding principles: "In all you do today, think of the greater good" and "Me before We."Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome Alan Hosking, founder and CEO of HR Futures, to explore career transitions, leadership development, and the pursuit of lifelong purpose. Reflecting on 25 years in publishing and coaching, Alan breaks down his framework of the four seasons of life, illustrating how true fulfilment shifts from personal success to outward significance. The panel examines why traditional leadership programmes fail without genuine behavioral change, highlighting the vital role of empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity in modern leadership. Closing with a look at neurodivergence, brain plasticity, and Alan’s completed musical project, Footprints and Fingerprints, the discussion delivers an inspiring call to continuous self-creation at every stage of life.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 36 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw welcome tech veteran and AI specialist Mark Walker for a deep dive into three decades of industry evolution. Reflecting on his early days at BMI TechKnowledge and IDC, Mark shares invaluable perspectives on local market intelligence, the pitfalls of imposing foreign business models, and how research has transformed from expensive blue-chip reports to accessible AI-driven insights. The conversation navigates the rapid rise of generative AI, examining pricing deflation, the realities of hallucinations, cybersecurity challenges, and the fundamental shift in project management where defining outcomes takes precedence over execution. Ultimately, the episode underscores the enduring necessity of human critical thinking and purpose in an increasingly automated world.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 35 of Risky Business, hosts Bryan Hattingh and Jonathan Shaw engage in a thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion on how to navigate adversity, personal responsibility, and daily ethics. Opening with reflections on local natural disasters and global tensions, the pair explores the critical need for empathy, mentorship, and self-care in troubled times. Drawing on philosophical frameworks—including deontology, virtue ethics, and axiology—Jonathan and Bryan unpack how hidden biases and small, everyday choices shape our character. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to clear away the noise, practice genuine reflection, and lead with intentionality and compassion.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 34 of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw take the mic together for a candid conversation on navigating uncertainty, economic strain, and personal anxiety. Facing global unrest, rising costs, and local hardships, the duo explores the physiological toll of "what-if" thinking and how to break the cycle of worrying about things that haven't happened. Grounded in empathy, practical wisdom, and the importance of daily gratitude, Bryan and Jonathan discuss how building emotional and psychological resilience allows us to weather life's inevitable storms and thrive anyway.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw sit down with executive and non-executive director Les Rance for an insightful discussion on leadership development, professional transitions, and the lifelong journey of learning. Les shares his fascinating personal trajectory, moving from a rural upbringing in Zimbabwe to dynamic corporate executive roles across the globe, eventually transitioning to his current work on non-profit and corporate boards in the UK.The conversation dives deep into the distinct differences between performance coaching and transformational mentorship. Drawing from personal experiences and the pioneering research of Les's wife, Dr. Dudu—whose upcoming book explores the often-overlooked perspective of the mentor's own growth and vulnerabilities—the trio discusses why the corporate world must move past rigid "command and control" models. Instead, they advocate for a systemic, curious, and empathetic approach to leadership that balances organizational structure with genuine, heart-led human connection.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of "Risky Business," host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw dive deep into the stark, often misunderstood distinctions between traditional contingent recruitment and retained executive search. Tracing the industry's roots back to its pioneering era in 1926, the duo examines why senior talent acquisition requires an exclusive, proactive, and forensic approach rather than simple order-taking. From dissecting the "epidemic" of executive placement failures to outlining how companies can properly evaluate a candidate's unconscious competencies, this conversation serves as a masterclass in modern leadership alignment and career management.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of the podcast, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw sit down with Heinoux Roux, the CEO and founder of NexBDM Venture Studio, to dissect the practical realities of automation for modern business owners. Moving past the massive "sci-fi fear" and hype surrounding artificial intelligence, Heinoux shares how his company builds bespoke solutions, electronic systems, and language models to streamline tasks and eliminate repetitive workflow chokepoints. The conversation emphasizes that true digital integration is less about replacing workers and more about repurposing human capital—freeing up time from mundane administrative data entry so teams can return to the highly valued, face-to-face personal relationships that drive authentic commercial success.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of the podcast, host Bryan Hattingh is joined by tech pioneer Hannes van Rensburg for an insightful look back at the creation of Fundamo—the world’s first mobile payment platform. Hannes shares the incredible journey of being challenged by his CEO at Sanlam to leave his comfortable corporate life and invent the future of digital finance. From hacking payment logic onto 8k SIM cards to dominating the Pakistani market and engineering a massive acquisition by Visa Inc., the conversation explores what it takes to build a business when you are miles ahead of the curve. Beyond the tech, Hannes and Bryan reflect on the true meaning of success, the importance of corporate ethics, and the responsibility of giving back to the next generation of entrepreneurs.Recommended music with this podcast:Keith Urban - Guitar ManJoe Bonamassa - I Fall ApartFind more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of the podcast, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw are joined by Tomasz Nadrowski, an investment professional at Amvest Capital and author of Mineral War: China’s Quest for Weapons of Mineral Destruction. Nadrowski dives into the highly complex world of critical minerals and rare earth elements, highlighting how China has effectively monopolised the production chains essential for everything from daily consumer tech to advanced military equipment. The discussion covers the stark differences between private equity and public markets in resource financing, the severe shortages of engineering talent facing the Western mining sector, and why modern geopolitical strategies must urgent shift to counter supply chain weaponisation.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of the podcast, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw are joined by Sarah Richardson, founder of Streepi, to unpack the massive systemic gaps in global accessibility. Highlighting the staggering UN statistic that 1 in 6 people globally live with a severe disability, Richardson shares moving firsthand accounts of the harrowing challenges disabled travellers face—including an elite South African athlete humiliated on a recent international flight. The conversation expands beyond travel to critique the hollow buzzwords of corporate sustainability, the critical need for a collaborative leadership style that empowers the youth, and how true accountability is built only when the frustration curve is replaced with genuine inclusivity.Recommended music with this podcast:Zager & Evans - In The Year 2525Bob Dylan - Forever YoungBarry McGuire - Eve Of DestructionNo Nukes - The Times They Are A Changin'Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this insightful episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh welcomes Patrick Kayton, co-founder and UK CEO of Cognician, an innovative corporate education and behavior change platform. Drawing on themes central to modern corporate navigation in 2026, the discussion highlights Kayton’s lifelong pursuit of understanding human psychology and driving effective learning. Kayton breaks down how Cognician leverages deliberate, thought-provoking digital questioning to move beyond traditional, passive training methodologies. By shifting the corporate focus from raw data retention to deep mental-model alignment, the episode provides leaders with a practical blueprint for activating personal accountability, navigating change, and "failing forward" at scale.Recommended music with this podcast:Bruce Springsteen - Streets of PhiladelphiaThe Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along The WatchtowerAudience - Stand By the DoorU2 - The Hands That Built AmericaFind more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh welcomes Megan Harrington-Johnson, the founder and CEO of HJW Attorneys, marking her first appearance on the show in nearly a decade. Harrington-Johnson shares her multi-faceted life story, from her days as an elite open-water swimmer completing world-first Guinness record attempts to building a highly successful legal practice that has expanded well beyond its boutique origins. The conversation explores the intersections of self-leadership under pressure, the shifting dynamics of the legal landscape in South Africa, and the profound personal lessons she learned when her daughter successfully fought infant leukemia.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw sit down with Tamara Lane, CEO and founder of the New York-based fintech company MPWR. Transitioning from a high-profile career as an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist and financial news anchor, Lane shares her journey into the tech startup ecosystem. The conversation digs deep into the limitations of current generative AI, contrasting basic prompt-bound chatbots with Empower's proprietary, "policy-bound" AI agents. By helping lenders automate manual workloads and safely analyze unconventional data, Lane explains how her platform is successfully expanding credit access for the underbanked while driving massive operational efficiencies for banks.Recommended music listening with this podcast:Mike & The Mechanics - "The Living Years"Golden Earring - "Twilight Zone"Free - "Little Bit Of Love"Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In Episode 24 of the Risky Business podcast, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host/sound engineer Jonathan Shaw sit down with business leader Louis Castens to explore what it takes to navigate high-stakes corporate environments. The discussion centres around the evolution of modern leadership, focusing on how executives can maintain agility and cultivate a "thrival" mindset when facing industry challenges. Castens shares personal insights into balancing organisational growth with the cultural health of a team, emphasising that a business's true resilience lies in its human connections and authentic communication. By looking closely at how leaders manage risk, humility, and strategic pivots, the trio provides an actionable roadmap for staying grounded while steering enterprises through economic uncertainty.Recommended music listening with this podcast:Joe Bonamassa "Mountain Climbing"Travis "Why Does It Always Rain On Me"Puddle Of Mudd  "Blurry"Randy Pie "Highway Driver"Memory Lain, Hugh "Headloss"Collective Soul "Run"Snow Patrol "Run"Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this heartfelt episode of Risky Business, regular host Bryan Hattingh steps into the guest seat alongside his wife and business partner, Zee Hattingh, and their head of customer experience, Nuru Adams. With sound engineer Jonathan Shaw taking the lead as guest host, the conversation moves from the technical world of business leadership into the personal realm of "couples in business". The trio explores the 44-year journey of the Hattinghs, revealing how their shared values specifically the mission to "sustainably enrich" the lives of everyone they meet have transformed Cycan from a specialised recruitment firm into a global leadership and coaching powerhouse. Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh sits down with international business leader Michael Franklin to trace his expansive career across multiple continents and industries. From his early days leaving South Africa in the 1980s to leading major acquisitions and diverse business units globally, Franklin shares a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of leadership. The discussion centers on the importance of agility, the "entrepreneurial" mindset within large corporate structures, and the unique opportunities found in the wake of corporate mergers. By examining both successes and the necessity of "failing forward," Hattingh and Franklin provide a masterclass in staying resilient and keeping one’s "head out of the shell" to spot the next big break.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh is joined by Steve Mallaby, the Chief Commercial Officer of the international fintech organization MyFanPark. The conversation explores the complexities of leading global teams across diverse cultures, from the fast-paced markets of the UK and US to the emerging landscapes of Africa. Mallaby shares insights on the necessity of "confident humility"—the ability for leaders to surround themselves with people smarter than themselves and admit when they don't have all the answers. They delve into the shifting nature of work, the importance of purpose over profit, and the technical and cultural agility required to succeed in the modern fintech industry.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw address the daunting economic realities of 2026, from skyrocketing fuel prices and "scam" inflation to the pervasive anxiety of a world seemingly on the brink of conflict. Rather than focusing solely on the "yucky" circumstances, Hattingh advocates for a "thrival" mindset, encouraging listeners to trade superficial entertainment for deep human connection and communal generosity. The duo explores practical ways to navigate stress, such as returning to shared board games, working from home to offset costs, and utilizing lifelong learning as a therapeutic focus. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to look beyond the "clouds" of the current moment and choose authentic joy through servitude and right thinking.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw examine the overwhelming "storms" of the modern era, ranging from global geopolitical conflicts and economic instability to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. They explore how these external pressures create internal stress and "headwinds" that can paralyze individuals and organizations alike. Rather than succumbing to fear, the hosts advocate for a shift in perspective, moving from a mindset of worry to one of "positive expectancy". By emphasising personal agency and the importance of taking stock during crises, the episode provides a framework for navigating life's unpredictable floods with resilience and intentionality.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw explore the vital role of authentic friendship as a stabilizing force in an increasingly turbulent world. Moving beyond casual social interactions, the discussion delves into the "imperative" of having deep-rooted connections that provide support during both professional challenges and personal crises. Hattingh shares personal reflections on his long-standing friendships, while the duo examines the unique barriers to vulnerability within the corporate C-suite. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that the quality of one's relationships is a primary determinant of resilience and long-term well-being.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw explore the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential to either alienate or enrich the human experience. Drawing from high-level conversations with global tech leaders, Hattingh discusses "responsible AI" and the surprising trend of users leveraging AI-saved time to deepen personal and professional relationships. The hosts deliberate on the balance between using AI for "heavy lifting" research and maintaining an authentic individual voice, ultimately arguing that technology should serve as a catalyst for a modern renaissance of creativity. The episode concludes with a heartfelt plea to prioritise empathy, active listening, and love in an increasingly automated world.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and co-host Jonathan Shaw discuss the critical importance of the first 90 days of the year in determining one's long-term success and fulfilment. Hattingh introduces the philosophical concept that "we live twice," with the second life beginning the moment we realize we only have one, prompting a deeper look into personal agency and time management. The conversation traverses the dangers of over-identifying with corporate structures, the mechanics of effective goal setting, and the necessity of heartfelt passion when transitioning into entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for listeners to move away from "automated" living and toward a life defined by clear priorities, focused intentionality, and a redefined relationship with time.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh interviews Patrick Kayton, CEO and co-founder of Cognition, to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the modern workplace. Moving away from the "bloody" connotations of a tech revolution, Caton frames the current AI era as a metamorphosis that prioritizes human connection and behavioural change over mere software adoption. The discussion covers the journey of Cognition from its entrepreneurial roots in South Africa to its global partnership with Accenture and highlights how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are being used to eliminate workplace drudgery. By shifting focus from fear-based adoption to intentional use, Hattingh and Caton illustrate how technology can ultimately empower individuals to reclaim their time and achieve a more meaningful work-life balance.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and guest Jonathan Shaw explore the profound impact of intentional decision-making and personal agency. Moving beyond the limitations of "automated" living, the discussion centers on how individuals can reclaim their power by choosing their responses to life's inevitable challenges. The hosts touch upon the biological and psychological aspects of focus, the importance of "staying in the game" despite failures, and the necessity of aligning one's actions with a deeper sense of purpose. Ultimately, the conversation serves as an invitation for listeners to transition from being victims of circumstance to being active architects of their own lives and legacies.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Brian Hutting and co-host Jonathan Shaw discuss the transformative power of hope and perspective when facing professional and personal adversity. They explore the concept of risk not just as a danger to be avoided, but as an inherent part of progress and innovation. Through the story of a retrenched IT manager who successfully transitioned into a new career, the hosts illustrate the importance of viewing oneself as a "portfolio" of skills rather than a linear CV. The conversation concludes with a call to maintain an active, "living" mindset regardless of life's challenges—whether they be economic shifts, global pandemics, or personal health crises.Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh and engineer Jonathan Shaw explore the evolving landscape of modern society, focusing on the critical intersection of education, family structures, and technology. The discussion moves from the lingering social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the systemic challenges facing South African youth, including high unemployment and the prevalence of single-parent households. Central to their conversation is the "soul food" of human connection—highlighted by a long-term Harvard study on longevity—and the growing tension between authentic human creativity and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the speakers issue a call to action for listeners to prioritize "empathetic leadership" and intentional relationships to prevent the next generation from slipping into a digital "twilight zone".Find more at https://riskybusiness6.wordpress.com/ or https://www.cycan.co.za/