Bryan Hattingh's Risky Business

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Risky Business, host Bryan Hattingh interviews Patrick Caton, 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.

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.

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.

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".