TECH | PEOPLE | TALK

In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) technology evolves at breakneck speed, reshaping every facet of human life, understanding its implications isn't just an advantage – it's a necessity.  In this episode, we're thrilled to present a critical discussion with tech visionary Ajit Gopalakrishnan that will redefine your perspective on AI, its burgeoning role in industry and education, and its profound impact on humanity.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ajit Gopalakrishnan is human. In AI terms, he is a generative multimodal model with approximately 100 trillion parameters. His pre-training was done predominantly in Botswana, where he was created, and South Africa.

He has also completed Domain Specific Training at the University of Cape Town and Royal Melbourne Institute in Electronic Engineering.

This model has been used in several applications across multiple industries and functions, such as education, engineering, marketing, factory and project management.

The Ajit model is currently being used as the Head of Odin Education, a division of Jendamark, with a pre-defined goal of transforming the educational landscape and addressing the digital divide in the developing world.


WHY YOU CAN'T MISS THIS EPISODE

A Riveting Start: The episode kicks off with an "AI versus Reality" game, which challenges both our guest and podcast host to differentiate between AI-generated and real images, setting the stage for a deep dive into the essence and capabilities of AI.

The Heart of AI Adventure: What should humanity be excited about with the advent of AI? What are the potential pitfalls? We explore Google's most-asked questions on AI, offering profound insights into the duality of innovation – the exhilarating prospects and the cautionary tales.

Unconventional Wisdom: We unpack how AI is revolutionising industries and altering the fabric of society, as well as the pressing need to evolve our educational and professional paradigms to thrive in this new age.

A Mirror to Our Minds: Ajit unveils his research on the striking parallels between human cognition and how large language models learn. This segment promises to be a revelation, highlighting how AI is not just mimicking but also contributing to the collective human knowledge.

Why It Matters to You: This conversation goes beyond industry jargon and technological speculation. It's about understanding the seismic shifts AI is causing in our world and how we, as individuals and communities, can navigate this new era. Whether you're a professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, an educator rethinking pedagogy, or simply someone fascinated by the rapid pace of technological advancement, this episode is a must-watch.


Ajit and Yanesh's dialogue is more than just a podcast episode; it's a roadmap for anyone ready to embrace the future with knowledge, adaptability, and foresight.
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This episode is dedicated to plant managers who stand at the forefront in navigating their manufacturing plants through the transformative waves of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As industries worldwide pivot towards smarter, more connected, and highly efficient manufacturing practices, understanding the synergy between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has never been more crucial.

 ABOUT OUR GUEST

Embarking on the journey of digital transformation in manufacturing is a formidable challenge, and Kudzai Manditereza is a seasoned guide through its intricacies. With nearly a decade of dedicated exploration in data integration technologies and IoT solutions, Kudzai has delved deep into the complex landscape of Industry 4.0.

From studying various data integration technologies to developing IoT solutions and evaluating countless architectural designs, Kudzai brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise goes beyond theoretical knowledge – he has interviewed leading IoT practitioners and educated tens of thousands of engineers worldwide.

Kudzai's commitment to the field has earned him recognition as one of the Top 15 Global Influential Personas creating content about Industry 4.0 online. His mission is clear: leveraging his extensive experience to help digital manufacturing professionals master the architecture and development of IoT solutions for the successful implementation of Smart Manufacturing.

WE DISCUSS

• Why 4IR matters: We delve into the essence of 4IR and its significance for modern manufacturing, highlighting the competitive edge it offers to those who embrace its technologies.
• The IT-OT convergence: We explore the critical role of integrating IT (software systems, data analytics) with OT (machinery and operations hardware) in achieving seamless, optimised production processes. This integration is the backbone of smart factories, enabling real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and customised production.
• IoT's role in manufacturing: We focus on the practical application of IoT technologies to facilitate direct communication between PLCs and MES. We discuss how IoT serves as a bridge, enabling devices and systems to "talk" to each other, thereby streamlining operations, enhancing production efficiency, and reducing downtime.
• Strategies for plant managers: Kudzai gives practical advice for plant managers on initiating and managing the digital transformation of their facilities. From selecting the right technologies to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, we'll provide insights into navigating the complexities of 4IR adoption.

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IN THIS EPISODE
We had the pleasure of speaking with Pieter du Plessis, the CEO of Atlantis Foundries. Pieter shared his journey from aspiring to be the best foundry man to leading a major manufacturing company. 

We delved into how Atlantis Foundries has practically adopted AI to drastically reduce defects, achieving an impressive three months of zero scrap in Detroit.

Pieter emphasised that AI is not just a buzzword but a tool for solving real problems. He recounted his early career experiences with data and how they shaped his approach to predictive quality in manufacturing. 

We also discussed the importance of leadership, the challenges of transitioning from a technical expert to a leader, and the significance of resilience and grit in a CEO role.

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST
Pieter du Plessis is not just any leader; he's a seasoned Chief Executive Officer with a rich history in the field, currently leading Atlantis Foundries (Pty) Ltd since July 2020. His journey in this role, spanning over 3 years and 7 months, is marked by significant contributions and strategic leadership in Atlantis, Western Cape.

Before taking the helm at Atlantis Foundries, Pieter enriched his expertise as an Independent Consultant with MK Consulting. This role further honed his skills and provided diverse experiences in the industry.

His journey with Atlantis Foundries is deep-rooted, having previously served as the Chief Executive Officer for nearly 3 years. This period was a testament to his leadership and strategic vision in steering the company towards success.

Prior to his executive role, he demonstrated his prowess in operations management as the Senior Manager of Foundry Operations. This role was pivotal in shaping his understanding of the operational intricacies of the automotive industry.

Our guest is not just about practical experience; he also comes with a strong academic background. His skill set is extensive and includes Lean Manufacturing, Foundry Management, Manufacturing Operations Management, Quality Management, and Project Management.

With such a comprehensive blend of experience, expertise, and education, he stands as a towering figure in the automotive industry.

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In this bonus episode, TECH | PEOPLE | TALK co-host Yanesh Naidoo plays guest while the director and CEO of Jendamark India, Himanshu Jadhav, hosts this panel discussion. It's a rare opportunity to see these panelists together on one couch in India, sharing their experiences and journeys with the company, as well as discussing the future of Jendamark globally.

The panel includes:
• Quinton Uren, the founder and managing director of Jendamark Automation
• Yanesh Naidoo, the director for digitalisation and innovation strategy
• Achim Blum, business development manager at Jendamark Germany
• Himanshu Jadhav, director and CEO of Jendamark India 

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In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of problem-solving, creativity in engineering, industrial automation design, and the impact of communication within an engineering team. Our guest, Malcolm Swart, Jendamark’s seasoned engineering expert, shares his insights and personal experiences, providing a fresh perspective on these topics.

The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the dichotomy between an engineering mind and a scientific mind. Malcolm illustrates this with the compelling example of water flow science and how an engineer's creativity led to the invention of the toilet. This highlights the crucial role of problem-solving in engineering and the transformative potential of creative thinking within the field.

The conversation then shifts to the nuances of industrial automation design. Industrial automation, a key element of modern manufacturing processes, is riddled with technical challenges. Malcolm dissects these challenges, shedding light on aspects like calculating energy requirements, managing the flow of air and electricity, and dealing with the varying standards of power distribution in different countries. He underscores the importance of balancing energy consumption for maximum efficiency, an often overlooked but vital component in managing production lines.

Malcolm also shares his personal journey into the realm of electronics, emphasizing how key conversations and relationships helped him access the resources he needed to develop his skills. He points out that understanding the customer's scope and asking the right questions is crucial to avoiding mistakes and ensuring the successful implementation of engineering projects.

More about our guest

Jendamark’s technical expert Malcolm Swart is an experienced senior control system engineer, and has been working in the industrial automation space for more than a decade. He channels his creative problem-solving abilities into developing world-class production lines and, more recently, into ODIN Manufacturing software solutions development and embedded design.

Malcolm’s capacity for self-reflection, resilience in the face of obstacles, and his determined approach to his personal and professional development make him an inspiring and informative guest. He holds an N5-level qualification in electrical and electronics engineering from Port Elizabeth College.

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In this episode,  TECH PEOPLE TALK hosts Yanesh Naidoo and Goodwill Mabena engaged in an enlightening discussion with Renai Moothilal, the Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM). The conversation delved into crucial facets of South Africa’s automotive landscape, shedding light on the significance of deeper localisation, the role of private-sector participation, the impact of the South African Automotive Masterplan, concerns over sanctions and trade agreements, as well as the Employment Equity Act and the energy crisis affecting the industry.

Overall, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of South Africa's automotive industry, exploring its challenges, opportunities, and potential for growth. As we navigate the complex terrain of this dynamic sector, we provide listeners with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the industry's role in the country's economy.

Renai Moothilal holds roles in key automotive associations and possesses expertise in South Africa's automotive sector development. He leads NAACAM in engaging with government and stakeholders, advocating increased localisation and advanced technology adoption in the automotive value chain. Prior to NAACAM, Renai spent a decade at South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry, playing a pivotal role in automotive policies. His background includes positions at National Treasury, FNB Corporate, and Liberty Group.

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In this bonus episode, TECH | PEOPLE | TALK co-host Yanesh Naidoo and Season 1 guest Ajit Gopalakrishnan (featured in episode S01E08) sat down with panellists Shirley Eadie, Arun Babu and Claudio Ranaudo at this year’s Africa Tech Week to discuss what the future of education should look like.

Shirley Eadie is the founder of the Education Innovation Unit at the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and a technical advisor to the Department of Basic Education on the integration of future skills in basic education.

Arun Babu is the CEO of Deloitte Consulting Africa and describes himself as an Afro-optimist with a passion for the intersect of business transformation, culture and tech.

As the senior vice president of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa, Claudio Ranaudo is an out-of-the-box thinker. He has a passion for developing and connecting the industry with digital solutions, which he believes to be a crucial factor in the future of the company and the world.

We discuss:

• the importance of education innovation in Africa
• shifting the focus from teaching knowledge to teaching skills and attitudes
• the need for collaboration between government, industry, and institutions
• the potential of private sector companies in the education sector
• the importance of adaptability and continuous learning
• challenges faced by ed-tech start-ups in South Africa
• the changing role of educators
• challenges in the current education system
• the need for stakeholder collaboration and alignment of interests

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What does it take to turn revolutionary ideas into reality, establish an entrepreneurial company culture, and maintain balance in the ever-changing digital world? Join us for an engaging conversation with our esteemed guest, Graeme van Zyl, co-owner and executive manufacturing director of Jendamark Automation, as he shares his insights, experiences, and life lessons on leadership, manufacturing, and making a difference.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of precision and due diligence. Graeme shares his thoughts on the need for flexibility, bridging generational gaps, the significance of one-on-one communication, and the impact of digital culture on our lives both personally and professionally. We also explore the importance of self-security, honesty, and the power of positive thinking in business and life.

Listen as Graeme takes us through his journey from a PLC programmer to the director of a global company, the challenges he faced, and the rewards of following one's own path. We delve into entrepreneurship, maintaining discipline in business operations, and the innovative systems that Jendamark employs to streamline their manufacturing process. Don't miss this fascinating episode, which offers valuable insights into leadership, and the art of balancing work and life in the modern world.

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In this episode, we take a different approach to the conversation with our guest, by presenting it as a masterclass that touches on both technical and leadership elements. Who better to embody these strengths than Jendamark’s long-standing managing director and engineering guru, Quinton Uren.

Quinton Uren is the founder and managing director of Jendamark Automation. With almost four decades of engineering and entrepreneurial experience, Quinton brings vast technical knowledge and a practical, hands-on approach to heading up this global company. He is passionate about Industry 4.0-driven automation solutions for the global automotive sector and is proud to lead our tech people in designing customised production facilities that are elegant in their simplicity and efficiency. Quinton was honoured by the CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards as industrialist of the year in 2018 and received the Nelson Mandela University Alumni Achiever Award in 2019.

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In this episode, we discuss what it takes to be part of a world-leading automation services supplier and the need for creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing digital world. We also examine why companies need a different, more agile approach to doing business in Africa, with opportunities for both entry-level automation and high-end Industry 4.0 tech. For businesses who are slow to adapt, the rate at which they will fall behind will be game-changing, Brett explains. 

Brett Wallace is the Managing Director and an Executive Committee member at Festo South Africa. He is a c-suite executive with over 30 years of vocational experience, but describes his journey to professional success as taking ‘the long way around’.

Because he did not get the required matric pass to go to university, Brett’s parents suggested he take a trade due to his technical interest. He knew that studying would form an important part of his future career, so he took a job as an apprentice millwright, eventually passing his trade test with distinction.

After entering the world of automation, he joined Festo as a junior technical sales rep and used every continuous development opportunity to pursue more technical and management-related studies as he rose through the ranks of this high-performance organisation. Today, he holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Witwatersrand.

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Canninah Dladla started her working life as one of the few female artisans in the challenging field of  electrical engineering but, hailing from a family driven by entrepreneurship, quickly set her sights on rising to the top by identifying the right mentors to support and guide her on her journey.

Today, she is the Managing Director of Rockwell Automation South Africa and Country Sales Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. She is responsible for good governance, business development, customer relationship management and driving Rockwell’s growth in the electrical engineering and industrial automation sector.

As someone who thrives on change, Canninah believes that technology is an enabler of great progress but that success in the ever-changing digital world depends on one’s ability to be open-minded to new ways of thinking and doing things. For Rockwell Automation, this means driving the concept of the Connected Enterprise, by connecting  people, products and solutions across the globe.

Describing her leadership style as people-centric, Canninah aims to build a legacy by taking others with her on the business journey and mentoring them, in turn, to achieve their own career dreams.

Canninah holds a Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration from the University of Johannesburg, as well as an Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for success, such as learning to ‘fail fast’, not letting fear hold you back, and Canninah’s goal of turning Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa into a billion-dollar company.

We discuss:
• learning to fail fast and move on
• how tech enables progress and new ways of working
• visionary, people-centric leadership
• understanding and aligning with organisational values
• the importance of mentorship
• the true measure of success

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While South Africa battles loadshedding and major power supply problems, the introduction of electric vehicles may seem a futile subject. But, says this episode’s guest, Robert Cisek, challenges such as these are where opportunities lie.

At the time of recording, Robert was the outgoing Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, leading a team of over 4 000 employees. He has since relocated to Wolfsburg, Germany, where he now heads up the small and compact product line.

Robert’s wide-ranging international experience makes him perfectly placed to discuss related hot-button topics like the global differences in market requirements, customer expectations and (mis)communicating in the workplace.

In this episode, we discussed the need to participate in the global production network, align markets, and grasp the opportunities that come with creating a new ecosystem around sustainable electric mobility.

With two-thirds of SA’s automotive manufacturing output exported to Europe, where the internal combustion engine is on its way out, Robert says manufacturers who don’t make the move to EV production are at serious risk of losing out.

We discuss:
• the opportunity for digitisation in Africa
• battery electric mobility
• what transitioning to electric mobility means for Africa 
• overall equipment effectiveness
• differences in workplace culture
• work-life balance
• and more…

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Claudio Ranaudo is the Senior Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Siemens Digital Industries. He is deeply passionate about helping the industry grow, connect, and be supported by Siemens’ digital solutions. As a forward-thinking leader, he believes one of the biggest challenges over the next decade will be for people to make the transition from the analogue world to a digital ecosystem. Claudio says the way of thinking will change, business models will adapt, and leadership of values will become more important.

In this episode, we had the honour of speaking with this thought leader and revolutionary. Claudio shared with us the guiding principles he has employed to live his best life. With nearly 15 years of expertise in the energy sector, global travels, and a strong digitisation footprint, he adds great value for customers, society, and Siemens.

We discuss:

• understanding cultural differences for business
• customer profiling
• how leadership prepares for the next decade
• what young people are missing in order to succeed
• if EVs are really the solution

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TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast contains content of a sensitive nature and is not suitable for children. Graphic descriptions of child abuse, sexual violence and drug abuse may be triggering to victims of similar traumas.

Popina Khumanda is a young African woman who survived a nightmarish childhood in the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Captured by rebel soldiers at age 5 and her village burned to the ground, Popina endured years of rape and torture before making her escape alongside her sister. As a 10-year-old, she and her sibling walked from the DRC to South Africa in search of freedom. Today, she is a graduate of Nelson Mandela University with a degree in Information Technology, has founded a company that sells high-end hair products, has written her autobiography, Building freedom +243, and plans to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town.

In this episode, we bear witness to a story of suffering and survival. From a child slave who was a victim of horrific war crimes to a woman with a warrior mindset, Popina is an incredible example of endurance, overcoming the odds and keeping a dream alive. We were privileged to share her painful life story and challenged by her courage and determination to see our own struggles in a new light.

We discuss:

• Popina's village being captured
• The horrific trauma and sexual torture she endured
• Her walk from the DRC to South Africa
• Arriving in South Africa and facing exploitation
• Starting her new life
• The mindset of a warrior

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Dr Ntsibane Ntlatlapa has devoted more than 20 years to the research of technology development and we uncovered why it’s important for you to be involved in 4IR. He is the head of C4IR, a South African government initiative, which has entered into an affiliation agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to focus on accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies and effective regulation in the 4IR era.

In this episode, we explore the challenges that developing countries may face in the acceleration and adoption of digital technologies, and the Head of C4IR helps us to understand the complexities of the implementation of the strategy from the Presidential Commission for 4IR.

We discuss: 
• interest in telecommunications and frequency spectrum
• World Economic Forum and C4IR 
• connecting industry to a network of players  
• understanding ownership and control of the network infrastructure   
• leaders in the development of innovative technologies   
• and much more...

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Charles Savage is the CEO of Purple Group and the founder of EasyEquities, a platform aiming at democratising the stock exchange. His vision is an inspiration, and his legacy of achieving financial dignity for ordinary people and making them wealthy is genuinely revolutionary. He has a distinguished background in the financial services industry and his areas of expertise are business growth and strategic planning.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of EasyEquities and how necessary it is for people to be involved in stock market trading. Charles reminisced on his 18+ years of involvement in fintech and how the Purple Group has grown from strength to strength.

We discuss:

01:02 – Market readiness for EasyEquities
10:22 – The life of the CEO of Purple Group
12:49 – The evolution of EasyEquities 
28:45 – Who is the ideal client for EasyEquities 
33:50 – Achieving wealth
39:16 – Changing the narrative around financial status
43:28 – Investing & investments 
47:44 – Why is it difficult for young people to invest 
50:23 – The future of EasyEquities into the rest of Africa, Europe and America

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Styli Charalambous is one of the leading names in digital journalism in South Africa. He is the CEO and publisher of Daily Maverick – a pre-eminent news outlet in the country. His roles include handling non-editorial functions, driving business innovation, data and technology adoption and membership.  Despite having qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Styli is fully focused on the media business.

In this episode, we discuss technology disruptions that have affected journalism and the direction media houses are having to take as they vie to remain relevant. We also dive into the use of technology in journalism and how the business model of Daily Maverick had to adapt over the years.

We discuss:

• How giant technology firms like Facebook, Twitter and Google have affected journalism
• The legal liability of media houses versus tech companies
• How tech affects and influences elections
• How Daily Maverick is adapting around younger generations who are less likely to consume news
• The rise of a different hiring structure in a digital era
• How talent is managed in the tech companies
• How to inspire the new generation in the industry
• And much more...

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Siegfried Lokotsch has a big heart and continues to make a difference in people’s lives and – unlike his financial investments – without expecting a return. He is the director and owner of Jendamark Automation. Sitting down with him reveals the values of a focused and driven, self-made individual who has a strong personality and an appetite for risk. It was this thinking that led him to success. 

In this episode, we talk to Siegfried about his early days, where he began his professional career, and how he is now the director and owner of a multinational technology firm. He gave us interesting stories about his view of big tech companies.

We discuss:

• Siegfried’s story about his early days of investing
• Tesla’s market valuation 
• Financial advice
• Subscription-based business
• And much more...

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Ajit Gopalakrishnan and Juane Schutte have a long history of working in smart technology and a lot of knowledge with the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the applications of AI in industry. Both have been using AI technology to bring solutions to societal challenges in education and manufacturing respectively.

In this episode, we spoke to Ajit and Juane about the possible future and direction of Artificial Intelligence over the next decade, given the rate of progress in AI over the past five years. We spoke about how mankind has become susceptible to AI and how it would remain so if AI is not morally regulated.

We discuss:

• Ajit’s story about his discovery around AI
• The progression of Artificial Intelligence
• AlphaGo as leader in machine learning tech 
• The interaction of humans with AI
• Point of singularity coming sooner than expected
• And much more...

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Himanshu Jadhav is the inspirational Jendamark India CEO, who enchants with his business acumen and incisive commentary. His experience as a strategic and fiscal operations leader is extraordinary. His communication approach is brilliantly hilarious, and he is a results-driven leader with a proven track record of success.

In this episode – using technology to bring these gents together virtually in the same a room – Yanesh and Goodwill (sitting at Jendamark HQ in South Africa) have an “in-person” conversation with Himanshu in India.

They discuss cultural differences, the challenges and opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries, unlocking the potential of the bottom half of the pyramid, and more.


Follow Himanshu on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/himjad123/

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