Podcast
What's Next with Aki Anastasiou
Hosted by What's Next · EN
What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How organizations are struggling to scale AI successfully
May 2900:20:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki sits down with Morné, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, to unpack how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern business. The discussion explores why many organizations are struggling to keep pace with AI adoption, despite the enormous pressure to innovate and remain competitive. Drawing from recent CIO research, Morné explains that while businesses are eager to embrace AI, many are failing to implement it strategically, leading to stalled pilot projects, wasted investment, and a lack of measurable business value. The conversation also dives into the growing risks and leadership challenges tied to AI transformation, including cybersecurity threats, governance, data management, and the ongoing shortage of digital skills. Morné emphasizes that AI success is no longer just a technology issue — it is a leadership responsibility that requires collaboration, clear governance, responsible scaling, and continuous learning. The episode concludes with practical advice for CIOs and executives on how to embed AI securely and effectively into everyday business operations while preparing organizations for the rapidly evolving digital future. Logicalis CIO Report - https://www.za.logicalis.com/cio-report-za
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How Blu Label Unlimited reinvented itself
May 2100:58:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou, Aki sits down with Blu Label Unlimited co-founders and joint CEOs Brett and Mark Levy for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and one of South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnaround stories. The Levy brothers reflect on their journey from selling car stereos while still in school to building Blu Label into a multi-billion-rand fintech and technology powerhouse. They unpack the difficult seven-year journey of rescuing Cell C from collapse, explain Blu Label’s evolution beyond telecoms into fintech and energy, and reveal exciting new innovations including their upcoming integrated voucher platform and Blu Energy strategy. It’s a candid and inspiring discussion about leadership, culture, risk-taking, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.
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AI in healthcare_ Transforming patient safety, access, and quality of care
May 1800:36:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou is joined by Prof. Sabelile Tenza of North-West University and Dr. Richard Greenhill, Founder of SmartSigma AI, for a powerful discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping global healthcare systems. From overwhelmed hospitals and clinician burnout to diagnostic delays and fragmented care, the conversation highlights the immense pressures facing healthcare worldwide — and how AI is emerging as a critical tool to support, not replace, medical professionals. The guests unpack how AI can improve early diagnosis, reduce administrative burdens, and act as a “second set of eyes” for clinicians, ultimately enabling better patient outcomes. The discussion also explores the unique challenges and opportunities within South Africa and the broader African context, where resource constraints are driving innovative, mobile-first solutions. Prof. Tenza emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, patient trust, and local data relevance, while Dr. Greenhill highlights the need for adaptable skills, informed skepticism, and equitable AI deployment. Together, they paint a compelling picture of a future where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand — ensuring healthcare systems are not only more efficient, but also more inclusive, ethical, and responsive to real-world needs.
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Nico van der Merwe on ethical accounting and building South Africa’s financial future
May 1500:17:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Professor Nico van der Merwe – Deputy Director in the School of Accounting Sciences at North-West University – about the role of ethical, future-ready accountants in strengthening South Africa’s financial systems. Nico reflects on his academic journey and the university’s success in producing top-performing graduates, while highlighting how a lack of ethical financial oversight can lead to corporate failures, weakened public trust, and broader economic consequences. He emphasizes that accounting is not just technical, but deeply tied to responsibility, transparency, and accountability across both the private and public sectors. He also shares insights on how the profession is evolving in the age of AI, where automation is reshaping traditional roles and placing greater importance on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. Nico explains how NWU prepares students through challenging, real-world learning experiences that build resilience and integrated thinking. From developing corporate citizens to encouraging continuous professional development, he outlines how collaboration between education, industry, and government is essential to cultivating accountants who can drive sustainable growth and improve governance in South Africa.
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Habib Mahakian on leadership, AI, and South Africa’s technology future
May 1400:32:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Dell Technologies South Africa Vice President and Managing Director Habib Mahakian reflects on his 25-year journey in the technology industry, from studying computer engineering in Jordan to leading businesses across the Middle East and Africa. He shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for leadership shaped his career, while also discussing the early days of personal computing and the rapid evolution of technology over the past two decades. The conversation also explores leadership, artificial intelligence, and South Africa’s growing importance in the global tech landscape. Habib highlights the country’s strong infrastructure, talent, and innovation potential, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning. Beyond business, he offers personal insights into balancing a demanding global career with family life.
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Dillan Fernando on putting customer-first technology at the heart of Tracker
May 1300:14:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dillan Fernando – Chief Executive Officer at Tracker about how the company is redefining itself as a technology business built around customer care. Dillan explains why being in front of customers, understanding their real challenges, and delivering tailored data-driven solutions sits at the heart of Tracker’s strategy. From B2C vehicle tracking to complex B2B fleet solutions, he shares how the company’s expanded product portfolio is shaped directly by customer needs. The conversation explores innovations such as AI-powered analytics, advanced camera systems, in-cab alcohol detection, engine and fuel monitoring, and fully integrated end-to-end solutions. Dillan outlines his vision for Tracker as a technology-led organization that combines predictive intelligence, IoT capabilities, and meaningful data insights — while staying firmly committed to face-to-face engagement and a customer-first culture.
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Neil Colquhoun on scaling Epson and growth across Africa & emerging markets
May 1200:28:35Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to lead a global technology business across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—while navigating constant geopolitical shifts and fierce competition? In this episode, Neil Colquhoun, President of Epson META-CWA, shares a rare, inside look at scaling operations across 80+ countries. This conversation is for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who want real insight into expansion strategy, regional prioritisation, and building relevance in emerging markets—especially across Africa. From investing in local talent and innovation hubs in Johannesburg to feeding customer insight directly into global R&D, you’ll hear how technology, sustainability, and leadership intersect in practice. Colquhoun also breaks down how Epson is rethinking customer relationships, competing beyond price, and embedding a startup mindset inside a legacy global business. If you want a clearer view of how serious companies approach growth, innovation, and long-term value in complex markets, this is a conversation worth your time. Follow the show to stay ahead.
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Bradley Sacks on building fintech infrastructure and thriving in uncertainty
May 1100:41:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Bradley Sacks, CEO of Araxi, to unpack his remarkable journey from South Africa to the global financial stage. With decades of experience spanning law, investment banking, and technology, Sacks shares the formative lessons that shaped his career, the value of hard work and mentorship, and how his early exposure to business influenced his path. He also reflects on the creation of Capital Appreciation — South Africa’s first SPAC — and its evolution into Araxi, a technology-driven business focused on enabling financial services at scale. The conversation dives into Araxi’s strategy of building a resilient, enterprise-focused fintech ecosystem, including major acquisitions like African Resonance, Synthesis, and Pay@. Sacks explains how Araxi operates behind the scenes to power everyday transactions, from retail payments to banking apps, and highlights exciting innovations like tap-to-pay solutions for small businesses. He also shares insights on global expansion, the impact of rapid technological change, and why adaptability is key in today’s uncertain world. This is a compelling look at how infrastructure, not just apps, is shaping the future of financial services.
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Nazia Pillay on how business AI is transforming enterprise in Southern Africa
May 800:30:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Nazia Pillay – Managing Director for SAP Southern Africa about her journey within SAP and her leadership during a pivotal era of cloud, AI and digital transformation. From starting as a graduate consultant during a major platform transition to now steering SAP’s regional strategy, Nazia reflects on how hands-on customer experience shaped her business mindset and why service-driven leadership remains central to her approach. The conversation explores SAP’s evolution into Business AI, the power of enterprise data, and how long-standing customer partnerships position the company at the forefront of innovation. Nazia also shares candid insights on resilience, embracing failure, leading through change, and the importance of staying grounded — both in business and in life.
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Alan Turnley-Jones on driving innovation and growth across MEA
May 600:19:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Alan Turnley-Jones – CEO at NTT DATA MEA about his 25-year journey from early IT enthusiast to leading one of the region’s most influential technology businesses. Alan reflects on the evolution from Dimension Data to NTT DATA, how the organization has broadened its capabilities across cloud, consulting, applications, and AI, and why continuous reinvention is essential in a fast-changing industry. He also shares his vision for growth across the Middle East and Africa, emphasizing innovation, skills development, and long-term investment in emerging markets. From harmonizing global operations to disconnecting completely on a trek to Everest Base Camp, Alan offers thoughtful insights on leadership, curiosity, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow.
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