In celebration of Brightest Young Mind’s tenth year of existence, we’ll be showcasing two of each year’s alumni from May till September (when BYM Summit 2010 will be taking place). From the alumni group of 2002, we interviewed Mphokolo Makara .

Name: Mphokolo Makara

Current occupation (study/working; which field; social organization involvements etc.etc): Manager: Structured Asset Finance, Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking

BYM Class of (year): 2002

Occupation during the alumni year (study/working; which field; social organization involvements etc.etc): final year studies. BCom Business Finance, Economics & Marketing. University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I was in my final year of university and had to make career decisions. Given the profile of BYM, the selection process and the corporate sponsors behind BYM, I thought participating in BYM would give me an opportunity to meet with my peers – given that we were probably in the same situation and had to make decisions with possible limited information. The exposure to the corporate sponsors definitely put us in good stead as it gave us an idea of what is required in the corporate environment and what would be required from you as an individual to make that transition. As final year students, we often have an idea of what career path to follow which is informed by our perceptions of the world versus the reality of the corporate world. It always helps to have a perspective on both these worlds before making a decision that is cast in stone and will affect the rest of your life. Although it may be that you are not completely off track, given that you have been on this “journey” for 3-4 years already, there is a whole world out there that we only begin to discover once we embark on our working lives and the real world.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? Some of the individuals I met during my year, are people I have kept in touch with since, some I have run into and met throughout my working life. In an environment where relationships are important and open doors for opportunities – professional and personal, it’s never a disadvantage to be able to relate with a person on the other side of the table. In addition, I would like to think over and above the basic requirements that I had to meet to be considered for employment, having been part of BYM must have made a difference in the eyes of perspective employers relative to my peers in being considered for “the job”.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals? Young people who are driven and ambitious to know more about their fields of study or work. The ability to engage with people outside your area of interest is always an opportunity to learn and expose you to new and different perspectives. being at a stage where you are leaving your academic field and looking to enter the professional field can be daunting especially when you do not know the various disciplines in your general area of interest, more so for people who have not had the opportunity, through career guidance or access to information, to explore before making a final career decision.

Introducing the Brightest Young Minds Summit Organizing Committee 2010!

The four-day Initiative features seminars, workshops and debates where 24 of today’s top leaders will help to mould 24 Protégés – those who are the leaders of tomorrow. The Protégés will be handpicked from the delegates who are chosen to attend this year’s Brightest Young Minds summit. The Protégés will gain invaluable exposure to those indefinable qualities that turn a good manager into a great leader. They will join debates about morality and ethics, honesty and compassion, and will network with the cream of business society in an invaluable step along their career paths.

Ranked by The Sunday Times as the top event on the business calendar for five consecutive years, the 2010 event is spearheaded by MTN Business as The Headline Partner, supported by further local and global Partner brands – such as Peotona, Badimo Gas, Pam Golding Properties, Hewlett-Packard, Jameson, The Hyatt Regency Oubaai, Heidrick & Struggles, MoneyWeb, GQ, Business Report, SuperSport International, Carte Blanche, Avis, Avis Chauffeur Drive, Clarins, Southern Right, Toast & Co – to mention just a few.

This is the only platform that allows future leaders to engage in constructive dialogue with the current leaders, and to forge invaluable relationships and associations.

For more information on the ‘The Chosen’, 2010 MTN Business Leading CEO Council, click here.

To apply now for BYM 2010, click here.

Name: Pride Maunatlala

Current occupation: Marketer, thought leader in personal branding, inspirational speaker, mentor and blogger (www.pridem.webs.com). I am a Senior Brand Manager at Cadbury South Africa. I also consult in Marketing and Personal Branding. I work with various groups and individual brands in Entertainment, Corporate and Sports to define their brands. I do public speaking on my work and inspirational seminars for young aspiring marketers.

BYM Class of: 2003

Occupation during the alumni year: I was a final year student in BCom Marketing at the University of Pretoria. I worked as a promoter for Red Bull – for the love of the brand. I ran a health deli in Brooklyn on weekends to pay for my university fees. I also worked at Q-Photo with the rest of the hours I had – this, for the love of photography.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I was walking through campus with worry on the brain about 2 things: 1 – I had trouble deciding what I wanted to be when I grow up (the following year) even in these final stages of school. The problem was not that I was not sure what I was capable of. The problem was that I wanted to do everything and I wanted to do it all at the same time.
2 – Everyone I approached about my thinking and plans (or lack thereof) thought I was a mad hatter. The most advice I received was to slow down and be a normal student. I couldn’t find someone like me to bounce ideas off.
I finally read the BYM poster I had walked past so many times. All I could see between the lines was ‘here you will find many who think just like you…’.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? BYM proved to me that the life of a maverick does not have to be a lonely one. Meeting all those like minded people blew me away. I went from wondering ‘why do I think this way?’ to ‘what am I was going to do about my great thoughts?’.
We did a lot of brainstorming and idea generation at the conference. The tasks we were given were challenging. I learned to think and react on the spot.
I learned the value of a mentor – having one and becoming one. We met powerful men and women in business. All of them spoke about how their mentors guided their path. I have had a mentor by my side throughout my career. It’s important to be to give to others what was given to me.
The lesson I value the most from my BYM experience is that PASSION comes first in everything. You are likely to be more successful in something you are passionate about. My life is proof of that. I have never settled for a JOB since, I have only worked on brands that I love and admire.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
A total Ninja! Someone who is looking to infiltrate the status quo in business and life, sabotage the mandate state of thinking and assassinate all mediocre form of living 
You have to be hungry for success in business and have the discipline to make your dreams happen. You have to be a big thinker and be ready to be challenged by others for it. Most of all, you have to have a PASSION for the world and a vision of a better version.

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Name: Meggan Anderson

Current occupation: After BYM I went teaching in the UK for a few years and also did a heap of travelling. I then moved across to Australia to do my Masters in Social Work, which I completed at the end of 2008. I have been working in the community and social services sector since graduating and am currently a Children’s Education Project Officer at an NGO called Relationships Australia. I am also trying to complete my Honours in Psychology part-time. I practise yoga and I’m an avid scuba diver and environmentalist, currently I am on the executive for the Flinders University Underwater Club, it takes up a lot of my free time but I love the people and being involved with the ocean.

BYM Class of: 2003

Occupation during the alumni year: At that time I was completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Education at UCT after having completed a BA at Stellenbosch. I had been quite involved during my years at Stellenbosch in leadership and other activities, particularly with my residence (Lydia). I was only at UCT for a year and I am embarrassed to say I spent most of that year working as a promo girl, I was really broke.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? My sister Mya attended in 2002 and it sounded like a great experience, I didn’t know what I’d get out of it, I just wanted to go for fun. I didn’t expect to be selected, my grades were not exactly super high, I preferred spending my time socialising or getting involved in campus and leadership activities. I also did not expect to be picked because I wasn’t studying something like engineering, commerce, law or the sciences.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? It has always looked good on my resume and it gave me a confidence boost at a time of my life where I was really lost and worried about whether I had what it takes. The presenters and other attendees got me thinking about a lot of things and even the moments of frustration were good for me because they allowed me to identify gaps I needed to work on.

It also reaffirmed that I did not want to end up in a soulless corporate world. I remember some guy who attended the 2002 conference came to speak to us and started singing “If you want to be somebody and you want to go somewhere, you gotta wake up and pay attention.” He was talking about the life experience he gained from travelling and that appealed to me more, it set him apart from the rest. I think it’s easy to get sucked in by focusing on what you are (i.e. your job title, the car you drive, the house you live in etc) and what society wants rather than about who you are (i.e. someone with integrity, who helps others etc).

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
I don’t think you have to be a high achiever, just someone who has good social skills, insight and is involved in a wide range of activities and interests. I’ve met plenty of so-called booksmart people in my life who are really clueless. My biggest regret was that I felt like a fraud most of the conference, I was young and naive back then and I guess the selectors saw potential in me that I did not recognise at the time. I guess being surrounded by all those intimidating people paid off because it motivated me to get my ass into gear and start living my dreams! I think you also need to be able to stay true to yourself, some bits of BYM are confronting and challenging, you don’t have to buy into everything you hear, just go, listen and take in what fits with you and a few years down the track all the other stuff will make more sense.

Name: Jacques Conradie

Current occupation: Executive Director at Peregrine Capital. Peregrine Capital is South Africa’s largest Hedge Fund and invests in both the local and offshore equity markets. I’m a fund manager and analyst covering a variety of sectors on the JSE.

BYM Class of: 2004

BYM Class of: 2004

Occupation during the alumni year: I was in my 3rd year of B. Comm (Actuarial Science) at Stellenbosch, and I was studying like crazy to do well at my degree.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? The idea of attending a conference with 100 of the Brightest Young African’s was definitely intriguing. I was heavily focussed on the work required to succeed at my studies and thought that BYM would give me a great opportunity to free up my thoughts and think about the future of our country and my own career.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? Engaging with others at the conference opened my eyes to the potential of the youth of our continent. It made me realise that you have to really go for your dreams and grab opportunities when they arise which helped me to not settle for a standard Actuarial career, but find something that I really love doing. After attending BYM, you won’t be willing to settle for being average, you’ll want to win at whatever you do.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
Anyone that is young, BRIGHT, and motivated. If you feel like you want to change the world, this is the place to meet other like minded people. Even if you don’t feel that you are ready to change the world yet, this week that you will spend with 99 other inspired and driven African’s will definitely open your eyes and motivate you to succeed.
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Name: Jacqui Cochran (nee Cockerill)

Current occupation: Self-employed event organiser. I am currently the MTN-appointed Venue Manager at the FIFA Fan Fest in Durban and being an integral part of the Soccer World Cup 2010 has been an exhausting and exhilarating experience. Seeing locals and internationals all come together in an amazing spirit of Ubuntu on Durban’s beautiful New Beach is an experience I will treasure always. Let’s hope the Ayoba-ness of the World Cup will endure long into South Africa’s future.

Occupation during the alumni year: My Master of Arts (French Translation & Zulu Second Language Teaching) full time.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I jumped at the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, be addressed on inspiring topics and current affairs, and meet potential employers. Of course I also thought it would be a nice embellishment on my CV!

How has BYM made a difference in your life? BYM was a turning point for me as it gave me the nudge I needed to start my own eventing business with my cousin in 2004. It exposed me to some incredibly gifted individuals who had already started on their path of making a difference and I was inspired to go and do likewise.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
Someone who has vision for their own life and also vision for our country on a greater, more global scale. Someone who will take the wealth of knowledge imparted to them and use it to make a difference. Thank you, BYM, for some amazing memories and for giving me a glimpse of the future that I wanted to build for myself.

‘The Chosen’, 2010 MTN Business Leading CEO Council is a unique annual event where South Africa’s top businessmen and women unite to discuss leadership issues and to mentor those who will succeed them. The four-day Initiative features seminars, workshops and debates where 24 of today’s top leaders will help to mould 24 Protégés – those who are the leaders of tomorrow. The Protégés will be handpicked from the delegates who are chosen to attend this year’s Brightest Young Minds summit.

For an opportunity you can’t miss out on, apply here.
For more information about ‘The Chosen’, 2010 MTN Business Leading CEO Council, click here.

Name: Gida Rossouw

Current occupation: Independent Business Consultant. It gives me the freedom to experience different environments and the opportunity to work with a variety of people. I continue to improve my skills through courses and different job specifications. If you believe in yourself… the sky is the limit.

BYM Class of: 2005

Occupation during the alumni year: 3rd year B.Sc Business Mathematics and Informatics, North West University.
Deputy Chair of SRC Marketing and Public Relations, SRC Council of Societies Member.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? The slogan of the conference of that year: “Opportunity Knocks”
Simon du Plooy (Alumni 2002) was in the residence with me and mentioned the conference.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? A life altering experience… literally. It made me open minded to explore different roads in life. Was it not for BYM, I would probably not have had the courage to break away from the corporate environment. It made me a free thinker and I tend to spot opportunities where I can excel and give me the freedom of choice. It is still hard work… but I enjoy what I do!

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
People with a zest for life. Anyone that feels that there is more to life than the ordinary. This conference opens your mind to opportunities, and if it doesn’t come knocking to simply build the door. It was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences I got to partake in. If you feel you just need that jump start to grow and network with likeminded people, I would recommend that you apply.

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Name: Sam Braithwaite

Current occupation: Intern at The Yunus Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Yunus Centre works to promote the message of social business as defined by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. www.yunuscentre.org

BYM Class of: 2005

Occupation during the alumni year: Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Management.
Organising Committee for the 2005 GIVE 5 student philanthropic campaign.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I immediately resonated with the BYM message. I wasn’t sure then what it was but I knew I had something to share and contribute. I knew it be a life changing involvement from the minute I heard about it..

How has BYM made a difference in your life? BYM pushed me in a new and bolder direction. My experiences with BYM gave me the confidence to step out and lead, without always waiting for things to happen. I wanted to be the solution and find the new way, and I wanted like-minded people to do this with.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
A person with energy and a mission. A person who will not settle for second or take no for an answer. A person who fills a room with their hope and vision for a better way for every person on this planet. There are so many incredible experiences in this world that are just waiting for the passion and inspiring example of our South African youth. We owe it to the world to develop the future leaders of our amazing country. But we need to be ready to see the opportunities that life presents each one of us, and courageously put up our hands and make it count. We are the change we want to see in the world. If you understand the enormous potential of this truth … then BYM is next stop.

Name: Kobus le Roux

Current occupation: Founder and MD of Le Roux Consulting (Pty) Ltd. The company specialises in providing a project controls function to a vast extent of clients in the Construction and Civil industry.
I am also a part-time lecturer in Building Economics for second year students at the University of the Free State.

BYM Class of: 2006

Occupation during the alumni year: I was in my final year (5th year) B.Sc (Hons) Construction Management at the University of Pretoria. At the time also working for a Construction Project Management company (part time) and in my spare time (or rather, what was left of it) I ran a website business for students and organisations in and around campus called everything4students.co.za

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I saw the BYM posters and was quite annoyed with “these guys” for not using my website to advertise on campus! That evening I went to the BYM website to see what the hype was all about. The opportunity that BYM presented, to be exposed to high level individuals in both the entrepreneurial and corporate world, strongly appealed to me. It was also posing a bit of challenge, to be selected as one of only a hundred students in the country, what an opportunity!

How has BYM made a difference in your life? BYM has enabled me to make a massive mind shift in terms of my career.  Your paradigm shifts radically when you associate with an elect group of like-minded individuals. Your mind unlocks potential you never knew existed.  I believe it is a direct result of the energy and the vibrancy of bringing bright, young minds together.  Furthermore you are introduced to the corporate and entrepreneurial world from a unique perspective. Together with the network of contacts and the inputs from experienced players in the various industries, it also provides you with a definite edge further down you career path.  For me personally, my current occupation and business is a direct result of the mind shift I experienced at the BYM conference.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
- A pioneer thinker and innovator – you will find individuals that connect with your ideas.
- A business-savvy entrepreneur – you will be spoiled with fresh ideas, entrepreneurial networks and exceptional opportunities.
- A corporate-world aspirant – at the conference there will be people to meet and ladders to climb, the corporate type.
- An intellectual, academic genius – don’t panic, you are not alone, expect 99 new friends.
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Name: Julie Coetzee

Current occupation: Owner and Managing Director of Fly Piggy Fly Media, impossibly good media solutions. Fly Piggy Fly Media is a dynamic young media company producing top-drawer national media out of the Eastern Cape.

BYM Class of: 2006

Occupation during the alumni year: 3^rd year BA Journalism and Media Studies and History, Rhodes University. President of Surf Club, Initiator of Rhodes recycling campaign: Where is Away.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? My dad heard about it on the radio, SMSed me the website and I was in an internet café and I applied. I knew right away that this would be a freak moment in life that would impact the rest of my life for good – and it did!

And I was right, since the BYM conference I was drop-kicked into top gear, I have never stopped running flat out for my goal since then. I guard my dreams fiercely and refused to be boxed into what an older generation defines a successful leader to look or sound like.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? At Rhodes, I was excelling at sports, cultural and community investment projects I was involved in, but was neither determined nor focussed enough to excel at academics. University was a struggle for me – I felt as if I was treading water. Since joining BYM I suddenly understood that I was not in fact treading water but I was in training for greater things. I could see the bigger picture by being surrounded by other top achievers in their fields. I was encouraged by the successes of my BYM peers, and there is nothing like being thrown in a squirming pool of big fish to dispel pride and remind you of your goals. It was great to share a space with a group of leaders who also believe that everything is possible, that limitations are just blinkers to what is really out there.

It is a lonely role as a maverick, and many of us have felt mis-understood by our peers and families who would rather we took it slow, and non-risky. I now know of at least 100 great minds I can call up and bounce a crazy idea off and they’ll probably shout for joy, offer venture capital, be first in line at the launch and definitely have my back. That’s the BYM way!

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals? A true individual that is not afraid to make a box-cart out of the box, race it on water, put mad sound in the boot and pick up all your friends on the way so they can also enjoy the ride. Being a leader is a lot about being an entertainer, and it’s important to retain your stand-out qualities which got you selected. A BYM candidate must crave change and a better more just way of doing life, if you’re planning on being a widget maker or an ‘inside man’ best you enjoy your September vac and rather let someone else come slog out the World’s problems. If every fibre of your being knows that the way the world works now is not right, and that there is a solution right in front of us, and you’re willing to ring in the change join the conference and expect greatness.

In celebration of Brightest Young Mind’s tenth year of existence, we’ll be showcasing two of each year’s alumni from May till September (when BYM Summit 2010 will be taking place). From the alumni group of 2007, we interviewed Sheraan Amod and Jess Auerbach.

Name: Sheraan Amod

Current occupation: Co-Founder & CEO of Personera; Curator of Cape Town [Startup Digest]

BYM Class of: 2007

Occupation during the alumni year: 4th Year Electrical & Computer Engineering Student at UCT; Also involved in NGO work in the Internet space as a fellow of DiploFoundation.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I was excited about the opportunity to meet and interact with the leading
young students in South Africa at the time.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? I was fortunate enough to meet my business partner, Jaco de Wet, at BYM. Six
months later we started Personera together and have enjoyed the victories
and hardships of growing a new business ever since.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?

I think the BYM application process does a great job of selecting the ideal
participants for the conference! In general, I would recommend it to highly
driven individuals with a flair for innovative (rebellious) thinking,
regardless of academic discipline.

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Name: Jess Auerbach

Current occupation: Until September, Rhodes scholar at St Antony’s college, Oxford reading for MSc Forced Migration; from September PhD student, Social Anthropology, Stanford

BYM Class of: 2007

Occupation during the alumni year: Third year undergrad student at UCT majoring in English and Social Anthropology.

What made you decide to apply for BYM? I was curious.

How has BYM made a difference in your life? It gave me a better sense of how the corporate world functions and I met some interesting people.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals? It’s useful for those who want to network. I’ve been surprised by how many BYM alumni are at Oxford, which shows it to be a stepping stone in the careers of many ambitious and talented people. I think the rest depends on the committee of every given year .

Name: Owen J. Wiese
Current occupation: MB, ChB V at Stellenbosch University’s School of Medicine. (Graduated in 2005: Bachelor’s Degree in Physiology and Biochemistry)
BYM Class of: 2009
Occupation during the alumni year: 4th Year Medical Student
What made you decide to apply for BYM?
I heard about BYM for the first time when I was an undergraduate student in Science. I was impressed by the reviews it received and the high calibre of the alumni. I got more involved in student leadership (which makes you more aware of current social and political issues). I then realised that BYM might be an awesome platform to interact with people from various fields and backgrounds. The rest, as they say, is history!

Highlights of the BYM summit: Wow, it’s difficult to single out a few highlights! The week was amazing! Intellectual stimulation, interaction with awesome people, opportunities, socials etc etc! O, the Banana Dance!

How has BYM made a difference in your life?
I’ve learnt some valuable skills at the BYM Summit that I often apply in my personal life and the people I work with. It equipped me with quick-thinking abilities, skills to analyze situations, and appropriately respond to them.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
Independent and innovative thinkers for sure! Especially if you like interacting with people that can use their Bright Young Minds for the greater good.

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Name: Mmaphuthelo Elvis Sekhaolelo
Current occupation: CEO of Lekgotla Multimedia Network (www.lekgotlamedia.net) which has four subsidiaries; Head of the Marketing portfolio of the second Black Management Forum (BMF) Young Professionals’ Southern African Development Summit; Member of the advisory board of the Mfuleni Youth Development Agency.
BYM Class of : 2009
Occupation during the alumni year: Student at Stellenbosch Business School doing an executive programme in Foundations of Business; Advisor to the provincial BMF student chapter in the Western Cape.

What made you decide to apply for BYM?
I was persuaded to apply by a friend who is an alumnus – Mr Achumile Majija. He advised me that if I wanted to be a great leader in the future, this was one of the conferences that I ought to attend to expand my thinking capacity and share ideas with other future leaders of this continent. My expectations were exceeded by far, given the level of interaction and the diverse group of people I got to meet: some of them are my good friends now, and we are adding value to each other’s lives, socially and business-wise.

Highlights of the BYM summit:
a) The Open space discussions – having a think tank, tackling some of the biggest SA/global problem and coming up with great ideas to solve them was mind-opening. It allowed me not only to think outside of the box but to act.
b) The project and presentations – intense discussions on business ideas and coming up with business case studies; the disagreement within the group and the politics that simulated real-life business situations.
c) Dinner at the wine estate – It was just superb, a cherry on top.

How has BYM made a difference in your life?

I’m able to see the world at a different angle, I’m able to think and act out of the box. It instilled me with the passion to be resilient and survive against all odds. This was done through understanding and sharing ideas with some of the previous alumni with regards to what they did when they left BYM, like Leigh Meinert, the Managing Director of TSIBA. The whole week is full of inspiration, and at the end of every day you look forward to the following day.

Who (what type of person), in your opinion, would find most benefit in the BYM summit and its goals?
People who are passionate about their future and the future of the country. People who want to make a change in the world. People who identify problems and are moved to look for solutions. People who are willing to learn, share ideas and discuss any topic in economics, poverty, social development, health, infrastructure, finance, etc with other future movers and shakers. The BYM summit is for those who say “Teach and inspire me to lead and contribute positively to the well-being of the country from TODAY, and not wait for the future”.