The CEO Lens Podcast

In this episode of The CEO Lens Podcast, Rachel Kolisi shares her journey of transformation, shaped by adversity. She opens up about how experiences such as divorce, mental health challenges, and societal judgment led her to redefine resilience and rebuild her identity. Rachel reflects on moving beyond external roles and expectations, learning to navigate uncertainty, and developing the strength to withstand criticism. She also unpacks how her understanding of resilience shifted, from enduring hardship to using it as a catalyst for growth. The conversation explores themes ofauthenticity, mental health, and the role of discomfort in personal development. Rachel highlights the importance of staying grounded in your values, fostering honest connections, and challenging stigma around vulnerability.This episode offers insight into how difficult life experiences can be used to cultivate clarity, purpose, and a more authentic way of living.

Most leaders don’t realise it yet, but the real power of business lies not in profit, but in purpose. Missing this shift could mean missing the greatest opportunity to create lasting impact.In this transformative episode of The CEOLens Podcast, host Paul Miller, sits down with Dr Pepe Marais, Co-Founder and Chief Purpose & Vision Officer at Joe Public, to explore how purpose-driven leadership is reshaping the future of business.Together, they unpack powerful insights that challenge conventional thinking:🔹 Why vulnerability and authenticity are essential to impactfulleadership🔹 How purpose, often rooted in personal and organisational challenges, drivessustainable growth🔹 What it truly means to embed purpose into every layer of your business🔹 How bold, disruptive goals and embracing discomfort unlock realpotential🔹 Why conscious capitalism is key to building organisations that serveboth people and profitDr Marais shares compelling stories of turningsetbacks into breakthroughs, showing how leaders can build trust, resilience,and meaningful impact by aligning with a higher purpose.💡 Why does this matter?Because purpose is no longer optional, it’s a strategic advantage. Leaders whoembrace it will shape the future, while those who don’t risk being left behind.If you’re ready to rethink success, inspirechange, and build a legacy beyond profit, this episode is for you.

Most people don’t realise it yet, but seismic shifts in geopolitics and global economics are quietly reshaping the future.Missing these signals could mean missing the biggest opportunities of the next decade.In this eye‑opening episode of CEO Lens, host Paul Miller sits down with the Chief Economist at RMB Isaah Mhlanga to unpack the world’s ongoing global reset,  driven by geopolitical fractures, deglobalisation, currency realignments, and accelerating economic uncertainty.Together, they break down what’s really happening beneath the headlines:🔹 How global trade routes are being re‑engineered🔹 Why are countries diversifying currencies and payment systems away from the US dollar🔹 What rising global debt means for inflation, currency devaluation, and long‑term growth🔹 How conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East are reshaping energy markets and commodities🔹 Why Africa’s youthful population and vast mineral resources position it as a critical player in AI, green tech, and supply‑chain resilienceIsaah shares concrete examples of African countries investing in infrastructure, unlocking local beneficiation, and positioning themselves strategically as long‑term visions from global powers like China and the United States compete for influence.💡 Why does this global chaos matter to you?Because understanding these shifts unlocks strategic opportunity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, or business leader, the countries and leaders that adapt fastest will shape the future, while those that don’t risk being left behind.This episode is essential viewing for anyone trying to understand the emerging world order and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex global economy.🎯 Don’t get caught unprepared.Watch the full episode now and gain the insights you need to navigate and capitalise on a world undergoing a profound reset.

Discover what truly drives Gerda Steyn, one of South Africa’s greatest ultra-marathon champions, in this powerful conversation about mental strength, purpose, and pushing beyond limits.Despite entering the world of running at 23 with no master plan, Gerda transformed a simple love for movement into a record-breaking career. From growing up on a farm to winning the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon six times each, she reveals the mindset, discipline, and self-coaching strategies that helped her conquer some of the toughest races on the planet.In this episode, Gerda breaks down:✅ How passion evolves into purpose✅ Her unique mental preparation system✅ The power of visualisation in high-pressure moments✅ How she plans race day thoughts to stay focused✅ Why discipline beats motivation✅ The role of early diversification in shaping athletes✅ How being a quantity surveyor sharpened her analytical edge✅ What it takes to run your own race, in sport and in life. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone facing a long-distance challenge, physical or mental, Gerda’s story offers a masterclass in resilience and performance psychology.If you’re ready to learn how late beginnings can become lifelong legacies, this episode is for you.🎧 Hit play and discover how to unleash your own mental strength, stay disciplined, and push past your limits, long after the race is over.

In this episode of The CEO Lens, Paul Miller sits down with Dr Hasmukh Jain from the Tata Memorial Center to unpack one of the most exciting innovations in oncology today: CAR‑T cell therapy.Together, they discuss:• What CAR‑T therapy is• The survival and remission rates seen in real patients• Why timing, patient selection and disease burden matter• The side effects and safety considerationsThis conversation gives a clear, accessible look at how science is reshaping hope for patients with blood cancers.#TheCEOLens #CART #CancerCare #Immunotherapy #MedicalInnovation

In this episode, host Paul Miller chats to Operation Smile’s Sarah Scarth about the extraordinary global impact of an organisation that has transformed millions of lives one smile at a time.Operation Smile is more than a surgical charity. It is a movement dedicated to restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity to children born with cleft lip and palate in underserved communities around the world. Operating in over 60 countries, the organisation provides free, high-quality care through a powerful network of volunteer medical professionals.Paul and Sarah explore how Operation Smile’s work goes far beyond the operating theatre, strengthening health systems, challenging stigma, and giving children the chance to eat, speak, smile, and thrive.The conversation also unpacks the role of cleft lip and palate surgery in this mission: why timely access to surgery is life-changing, and how a single procedure can alter the trajectory of a child’s entire future.In this episode, you’ll hear about:• The real-world impact of Operation Smile on children, families, and communities• How restoring a smile restores confidence, inclusion, and opportunity• The stigma surrounding cleft conditions, and how Operation Smile helps break it• Why access to cleft lip and palate surgery is critical in low-resource settings• How you can support the mission through volunteering, fundraising, and initiatives like Miles for SmilesEvery smile restored is a future reclaimed.

In Episode 3 of The CEO Lens Podcast, host Paul Miller sits down with Dr Michael Mol for an informed, thought-provoking conversation on why New Year’s resolutions so often don’t stick and how science is shaping new perspectives around behaviour, weight, and willpower. This episode explores:• The difference between genetics and epigenetics, and how environment and behaviour influence outcomes• Why New Year’s resolutions frequently fail, and what research suggests about building more sustainable intentions• How GLP-1 medications are influencing global conversations around weight loss, appetite, behaviour, and willpower. This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. The views shared form part of a broader conversation on science, behaviour, and innovation.🎧 Watch the full episode to gain perspective and continue the conversation.#TheCEOLens #LeadershipConversations #NewYearsResolutions #HealthInnovation #GLP1

The festive season is often portrayed as the happiest time of the year, but for many, it’s the most challenging. Loneliness, anxiety, and depression can intensify during December and January, and suicide rates sadly rise during this period.In this episode of The CEO Lens, host Paul Miller sits downwith Cassey Chambers from SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) to discuss why the holidays can be so difficult and to share practical strategies to cope. From understanding triggers to finding support, this conversation is packed with insights to help you or someone you care about navigate this season with resilience.If you or someone you know needs help, please reach outto SADAG: 0800 456 789.✅ Topics Covered:• Why the festive season can be emotionally challenging• Coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and loneliness• How SADAG supports thousands of South Africans daily• Suicide prevention and where to find help🎧 Listen now and share this episode tospread awareness.

In Episode 1 of The CEO Lens, Cipla Africa CEO Paul Miller sits down with Matt Beers, one of South Africa’s most successful cyclists, totalk about endurance, mental strength and building resilience.From Cape Epic wins to gravel racing glory, Matt sharesinsights on performance, pressure and why mental health matters, especiallyduring Men’s Mental Health Month.👉 Listen now and join the conversation: YouTube: https://youtu.be/N0HeqKM7Wc0Follow us on Social MediaInstagram: @TheCEOLensPodcastLinkedIn: The CEO Lens Podcast