The event will be livestreamed from 11h30 to 13h30 – click here to view.

Business Is An Adventure includes three panel discussions: 


1: How Diversity Builds Business Advantage 


This panel discussion will be a deep dive into the way successful organisations are driven forward by a belief in diversity. Diversity of background, race, outlook, skills and gender has been shown to be a business advantage. 


The discussion will be facilitated by Claire Mawisa (Investigative Journalist, Carte Blanche), who will engage Faith Popcorn (Founder & CEO, Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve), Dr. Marc Kahn (Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development, Investec), Thando Hopa (diversity advocate & international model), and Dr. Tashmia Ismail-Saville (CEO, Youth Employment Service SA).


2. Business Out of The Ordinary


This discussion will focus on insights from business leaders who have Out of the Ordinary stories to help other businesses navigate a tough economy and find opportunities in an emerging market. The discussion, facilitated by Redi Tlhabi (author & journalist), will engage Sir Richard Branson, Fani Titi (Joint CEO, Investec), Emma Wade-Smith OBE (Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, DIT) and Kim Reid (CEO & Founder, Takealot.com).


3. Q&A - The Future


This segment will see Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Koseff (Co-Founder, Investec) in a ‘fireside chat’ with moderator Redi Tlhabi, sharing their views on national and international prospects for the future, with a focus on international investment into South Africa. 


Sir Richard Branson said: “Ordinary never changed anything. We’re bringing Business Is An Adventure back to South Africa because of how impactful and successful it was in 2017. Our diverse panel of speakers will share their unparalleled insight into entrepreneurship, building a brand, and what the future of business looks like. These learnings are key in encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. We’re passionate about this platform and how it inspires audiences in an authentic way.”  


Fani Titi, Joint CEO of Investec, said: “Business SA has a crucial role to play in helping South Africa’s economy grow through job creation, investment and innovation. Business SA also positively contributes to society and towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We understand that business is an adventure, it isn’t perfect – it’s volatile, competitive and challenging. It is for this reason that we partnered with Virgin Atlantic to bring this event back to Johannesburg – to harness the creativity business needs and to inspire growth in South Africa. We believe business is an adventure when you have an invested partner. That’s business made human.”


The ethos behind Business Is An Adventure


Adventure doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when you think about business. It should! It’s a mistake to think of a business as just a business. Rather think of it as an ocean-crossing, brainstorming, pitch-nailing, nerve-racking, adrenaline-rushing, trust-building, contract-signing, handshaking, champagne-toasting, friendship-making journey. If you have a great idea now, there are so many different ways to make it happen and people to help you do it. It’s time to let your business adventure fly. 


For more information, visit the website or follow #BusinessIsAnAdventure on @VirginAtlantic and @Investec