EO Johannesburg
Newsletter
PROUD PARTNERS:
Presidents’ Letter Letter President’s
Ronald Abvajee
Dear EO Johannesburg Members, One of the things I’ve really enjoyed seeing over the last little while is how the Board has taken what we spoke about at the Strategy Summit and really started owning it. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, and I have to give them massive kudos for the commitment they’re showing. I’ve also started spending time with different Forums, which for me has probably been one of the more important parts of this role so far. I’m not coming into Forums to give you another EO update. You get enough updates. I really just want 15 minutes to sit with you, share a little of what’s happening across the chapter, but more importantly, hear from you. And I mean the honest stuff. How are you experiencing EO right now? Where are you getting value? Where aren’t you? What are we perhaps not seeing at Board level that you’re experiencing as a member?
PROUD PARTNERS:
To the Forums I’ve already spent time with, thank you. I’ve really valued the conversations and the honesty. I’m looking forward to getting around to the rest of the Forums as well. And just a reminder, you don’t have to wait for me to visit your Forum to have that conversation. If there’s something bothering you, something you think we could do better, an idea you’ve been sitting with, or even something happening in your world that you’d like us to know about, reach out. I’d much rather we have the conversation than assume we know. This chapter is being built by all of us, and the more we listen, engage and share openly, the stronger we’ll make it together. Ronald Abvajee President, EO Johannesburg
Get Involved
New Members
109 & Beyond - Who’s Your One? EO Johannesburg has an ambitious growth plan. We want to build a bigger, stronger and more valuable EO Johannesburg. Our goal is to grow our chapter to 109 members by the end of this EO year, increase female membership to 20% of our chapter, and build towards a longer-term vision of 180 exceptional entrepreneurs over the next three years. We're launching the EO JHB Referral Reward Programme. For every referral you make who successfully completes the membership process and joins EO JHB, you will receive:
Rimmon Kisten ICON Information Systems
R5,000 - Successful male member referral R10,000 - Successful female member referral
No referral codes. No complicated process. Simply introduce your prospective member directly to Jesse Lodge, Membership Chair (+27 67 087 1675 / sales1@skillsbureau.co.za), and the Membership Committee will take it from there.
Every successfully onboarded referral will also count towards your Forum's position on the EO JHB Membership Challenge Leaderboard with a whopping R25,000 prize up for grabs. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details!
PROUD PARTNERS:
Andile Khumalo KhumaloCo
Upcoming Events
02
SEPT
IN THE BOARDROOM DANI KAPLAN, THE POOL TEAM Explore the journey of scaling a leading nationwide retail business, brought to you by our Strategic Alliance Partner, Westbrooke.
REGISTER NOW
09
SEPT
THE ECONOMY AND YOUR BUSINESS Join us for a practical conversation with a leading RMB Economist as we unpack the economic and geopolitical forces shaping the next 12–24 months and their implications for entrepreneurs. Brought to you by our Strategic Alliance Partner, FNB.
REGISTER NOW
16
SEPT
LEARNING EVENT SHAI FRIEDLAND Join Clinical Psychologist Shai Friedland for a practical exploration of anxiety, performance, and the pressures of leadership, and gain tools to stay clear, focused, and effective when the stakes are high.
REGISTER NOW
16
SEPT
NEW MEMBER EVENT THE COOKERY Sharpen your culinary skills with a coveted cooking experience at The Cookery, the brainchild of Paul Maciel, aka ‘The Secret Jozi Chef’. Open to new EO Members and SLPs only.
SAVE THE DATE
PROUD PARTNERS:
Upcoming Events
07 OCT
BLIND DATE BREAKFAST 9 YARDS Start your day with good food, new faces, and a little mystery. You will not know which EO members you are meeting until you arrive - come curious and leave with new connections.
SAVE THE DATE
13 OCT
LEARNING EVENT FRANS CRONJE & BHEKI MAJLOBO Gain a sharper view of the forces shaping markets, politics and the economy and what they mean for your business, strategy and decision-making.
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20 OCT
IN THE BOARDROOM JORGE MENDES, CELL C Join George Mendes from Cell C for an inside look at the business, leadership and strategy behind one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications companies.
SAVE THE DATE
22 OCT
EO UNLOCKED THE EDGE An Extract Value session is your opportunity to discover more of what EO has to offer. Together, we unpack the EO Products Guide, explore the opportunities, connections and resources available through your membership, and help you identify the experiences that can support your goals.
SAVE THE DATE
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Upcoming Events
27 OCT
EO ACCELERATOR STRATEGY LEARNING DAY
A focused EO Accelerator Learning Day designed to challenge your thinking, sharpen your skills and accelerate your growth as an entrepreneur.
SAVE THE DATE
29 OCT
IN THE BOARDROOM KEVIN UTIAN Join Kevin Utian, CEO of Westbrooke Capital Partners, RMI and Tapestry Home Brands, for an inside look at his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons behind building successful businesses.
SAVE THE DATE
09
NOV
IN THE BOARDROOM ADRIAN GORE Adrian Gore, Founder and CEO of Discovery, unpacks his book, The Four Principles, and the cognitive strategies behind multiplying your impact.
SAVE THE DATE
12
NOV
NEW MEMBER EVENT THE BIOSCOPE Join us at Johannesburg’s favourite independent cinema for an evening of connection, conversation and community. Open to new members and SLPs.
SAVE THE DATE
PROUD PARTNERS:
Upcoming Events
19
NOV
LEARNING EVENT DEAN FURMAN Join Dean Furman, known as “Africa’s Leading AI Guide”, for a sharp look at AI in the Age of Disruption and what it means for entrepreneurs, businesses and the future.
SAVE THE DATE
29
NOV
IN THE BOARDROOM SHELDON TATCHELL Join Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends Barbershop, for an inside look at his journey from a pair of clippers on a porch to building one of Southern Africa’s leading grooming brands.
TO BE CONFIRMED
EVENT REGISTRATION REMINDER Our events have limited seats and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. With certain invitations also being extended to our EOA members, Strategic Alliance Partners, SLPs, 2ICs and other members of our wider community, spaces can fill up quickly. So when you see something that catches your eye, register on the EO hub sooner rather than later. And while we love seeing you at our events, we also really value what you tell us afterwards. A huge thank you to every member who takes the time to rate an event and share feedback. Your input helps us understand what’s working, what you’re enjoying and, most importantly, what you want more of. Late Cancellation & No-Show Fee: Members who cancel within 48 hours of the event or fail to attend after registering will be charged a R1,500 fee.
PROUD PARTNERS:
Marketing & Communicatons
Mpho Lengane
Our members are our magic, and one of the things we really want to do this year is put more of that magic in the spotlight! There are so many incredible entrepreneurs, businesses, stories and achievements within EO Johannesburg, and we want to help give you the exposure you deserve. As you know, EO is a no-solicitation organisation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate our members and the amazing things you’re doing. By sharing your stories and showcasing you across our social platforms, we can help put your name and expertise in front of a much wider audience. So, when we come knocking for content, please say yes! Send us your stories, share what you’re working on, and tag EO Johannesburg in your own posts so we can engage, support and repost. The more you share with us, the more opportunities we have to shine a light on you and the incredible community we’re building together. So don’t be shy — let us show the world the magic that is EO Johannesburg! Complete our Member Wins form so we can celebrate your success!
PROUD PARTNERS:
Learning
Martin Smookler
What a month of learning! A huge thank you to all our members who came out and made this month’s events so special. From our ITB with Avi Mishan, to In the Boardroom with Dr Richard Friedland from Netcare, and of course our Breaking Barriers Dinner hosted by Helen Nicholson, there were some fantastic opportunities to learn, connect and be challenged. A special reminder for our newer members, and anyone who may not be familiar with them: Breaking Barriers Dinners are a great opportunity to connect with EO members outside of your Forum and build relationships across the chapter. These intimate dinners are invitation-only, so when that invitation lands in your inbox, snatch it up! Your next opportunity may not come around for a while, as we make sure other members get the chance to participate too. NB. There’s still time to register for EO MEPA’s upcoming regional events, including MEPA Unleashed and the MEPA Leadership Summit. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out. Visit the event websites for more information and to register.
President’s LetterMembership Governance Dean Levin
Jesse Lodge
This month, our focus has continued to be on ensuring the Board is operating with clear, aligned goals, with each portfolio moving forward with purpose and accountability.
Growing EO Johannesburg isn’t about reaching a number. It’s about ensuring we have the right people around the table - exceptional entrepreneurs who challenge us, inspire us, and share generously. That’s where you come in.
We are also continuing the move to Trello, creating a central place to track each portfolio, its priorities and progress. This gives the Board greater visibility and helps us stay accountable and focused on delivering for our members. Another important part of governance is making sure our members understand the role they play in their own EO experience. The more actively you engage, participate and take ownership of your membership, the more value you can get from it. From showing up for your Forum to getting involved in events, learning opportunities and the wider chapter, your experience is ultimately shaped by what you put into it. It has also been great to see all our new members coming into the chapter and being placed into Forums. We’re excited to see them find their people, build meaningful connections and start getting the most out of their EO journey.
PROUD PARTNERS:
Who’s Your One? Every EO member has a network of entrepreneurs they know, respect and admire. Perhaps it’s a founder you’ve watched build something remarkable, someone you regularly have interesting conversations with, or an entrepreneur you think would thrive in a community like EO. They may be someone you’ve thought, “I really think this person should be in EO.” That’s your one. We’re asking every member to think about one entrepreneur in your network who you believe could add value to EO Johannesburg - and who could get enormous value from being part of it. And importantly, you don’t need to work out whether they qualify. That’s our job. Your role is simply to open the door and make the introduction. And there’s an incentive for you when you do just that! Our referral challenge will be announced this September, so keep your eyes on your inbox for the news.
Alliance President’s LetterStrategic Finance Partners
David Slotow
As we move through the new EO year, I’m pleased to share that our budget for the year ahead has been finalised, giving us a clear financial foundation from which to operate. We continue to work closely with our OCFO, our outsourced finance team, who support the chapter with financial oversight, bookkeeping and accounting. With a strong reporting cadence and clear financial controls in place, we are also in the process of finalising the year-end accounts. Our reserves remain strong, ensuring we continue to manage the chapter responsibly and sustainably. A big thank you also goes to all our Chairs for the way they have managed their portfolios this year. Your willingness to make adjustments where necessary, work within your budgets and find ways to maximise the resources available will make a real difference. More importantly, thank you for the time, expertise and resources you continue to give to EO Johannesburg. So much of what makes this chapter possible happens because our Chairs are willing to go above and beyond and that commitment is something we truly value.
PROUD PARTNERS:
Clyde Ackerman
We’re continuing to build strong partnerships that bring real value to our members. Alongside our Strategic Alliance Partners, including Private Clients by Old Mutual, which we announced this month, we have another exciting partnership to reveal in September - so watch this space! But your EO benefits don’t stop with our local Strategic Alliance Partners. Through EO’s global network, members have access to a range of exclusive benefits and preferred offers designed to support you in business and life. From accommodation through Tablet Hotels, to business tools and platforms including PayPal, HubSpot, Mindvalley and many more, EO has negotiated deals and opportunities specifically for its members. The question is: are you using them? Your membership unlocks far more than events and Forum. Take some time to explore the global benefits available to you at the end of this newsletter and make sure you’re getting the full value from your EO membership. There are some great opportunities waiting to be used!
Accelerator
Member Engagement
Robert Horton
Marc Gregory
EOA continues to build momentum this year, with the focus firmly on growing the opportunities available to entrepreneurs on their journey towards EO membership.
We’ve finalised our Member Engagement calendar for most of this year and well into next year. One of the highlights is our Blind Date Lunches and the name really says it all!
We’re excited to have three commitments to the 2IC Forum starting in October, alongside three strong prospects for the October Accelerator.
You’ll head out for lunch with another EO member without knowing who you’re meeting until you arrive. It’s a simple idea, but a great way to step outside your usual circles, meet someone new and have a conversation you may never have had otherwise.
This brings us to four new EOA participants year-to-date, against our target of nine for the full year. A huge thank you to Ronald, Clyde, David Slotow and Dominic Pedreiro for helping us source strong candidates and getting these opportunities moving. Our next challenge is finding the right coaches to support these entrepreneurs. If you have the experience, expertise and willingness to help another entrepreneur grow, we’d love to hear from you. The opportunity to give back, share what you’ve learnt and help develop the next generation of EO entrepreneurs is right here.
PROUD PARTNERS:
These lunches are invitation-only, so when that invitation lands, take the chance! You never know who you might meet, what you might learn from each other, or where that connection could lead. We’ll also be bringing you Breaking Barriers Dinners and educational sessions highlighting the value, resources and opportunities available through EO. So keep an eye on the calendar, watch those invitations and say yes when you can. Some of the best EO connections start with simply showing up and meeting someone you didn’t know you needed to meet.
Ignite
Forum
Ryan Cohen
It’s been a measured start to the year, and we’re pleased to have welcomed three new members into Forums this month. We’re looking forward to seeing them settle in, build strong relationships and successfully integrate into their new Forums. EO Global has also launched some exciting new incentives for the year ahead, and I’m looking forward to introducing these to our Moderators so they can share them with their Forums and ensure members are aware of the opportunities available to them. Forum 101: did you know there are different types of Forums within EO? Beyond our traditional Chapter Forums, there are also SLP Forums, which extend the gift of the Forum Framework to members’ Spouses and Life Partners (SLPs), giving them an opportunity to experience the same powerful Forum principles and connection that members value. We’ll be sharing more about SLP Forums and the different ways you can make the most of your EO Forum experience in the coming months, so watch this space!
PROUD PARTNERS:
Tamlynne Wilton-Gurney
If you’ve somehow missed the news… Johannesburg is next up to host EO Ignite from 12 - 14 May 2027! EO Ignite is a sub-regional event that rotates among our South African EO chapters, bringing our community together to connect, learn, experience something different, and celebrate what makes each chapter unique. We’re incredibly excited to welcome our EO family from across South Africa, as well as our wider community from across the region and the world, to Johannesburg. We have huge love and appreciation for our EO family in Durban and Cape Town, and now it’s our turn to open the doors and show everyone what Jozi is all about. We want to create an experience that celebrates the incredible tapestry of EO South Africa while bringing back the unmistakable Johannesburg energy to the forefront. We’ll soon be sharing more about how you can get involved in championing this amazing event, because this is one you’ll want to mark firmly in your diary!
Happy Birthday
A big birthday shoutout to all our incredible entrepreneurs celebrating their special day in August and September! May this year bring bold growth, fresh breakthroughs, and the kind of wins that remind you why you started in the first place.
PROUD PARTNERS:
7 AUGUST Gregory Shaw
24 AUGUST Dani Levitan
8 AUGUST Dominic Pedreiro
24 AUGUST Dyal Taljaard
16 AUGUST Jonathan Kohler
25 AUGUST Veronica Moleele
1 SEPTEMBER Mpho Lengane
20 SEPTEMBER Angus Murray-Smith
4 SEPTEMBER Ricardo da Costa
23 SEPTEMBER Jesse Lodge
8 SEPTEMBER Raphael Rom
23 SEPTEMBER Shaun Woolf
15 SEPTEMBER Ronald Abvajee
26 SEPTEMBER Albert Oosthuysen
16 SEPTEMBER Jedd Myers
PROUD PARTNERS:
Happy Birthday
Get In Touch With Our Local
Strategic Alliance Partners FNB Business helps businesses balance daily operations with long-term growth through a multidimensional offering and a dedicated team of experienced bankers and advisors. Their solutions include lending options such as working capital, trade finance, debtor and asset-based finance, as well as notice deposit products tailored to different investment goals. For personalised support, contact Morakana Nelwamondo on morakana.nelwamondo@fnb.co.za or call 076 558 6855.
Westbrooke helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into growth, offering expert guidance on capital solutions for expansion, acquisitions, and business transitions. Through Masterclasses and one-on-one sessions, they share insights, spark conversations, and build lasting relationships. EO Johannesburg members can connect with Jonti Osher jonti@westbrooke.com or Lawrence Barnett lawrence@westbrooke.com to explore opportunities and take their business to the next level.
Kloppers is an independent South African retailer with 8 stores and a nationwide online presence, offering appliances, tech, furniture, sporting goods, and more. EO members get priority access to a personal shopper for seamless, time-saving assistance. WhatsApp 071 957 5842 for personalised support or visit their newest store at Castle Gate Lifestyle Precinct, Pretoria.
The Edge is Johannesburg’s high-performance venue for off-sites, board meetings, and wellnessfocused work sessions, located at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. EO Johannesburg members receive 30% off boardroom rentals, training room bookings, and venue hire. The first cold plunge and sauna session is free, and members can purchase a 10-session wellness voucher for R1,350. For more information or to book, contact sifiso@theedge.co.za.
Workshop17 provides flexible workspaces and meeting rooms across 9 locations in South Africa and is a proud Events Space Partner of EO Johannesburg. EO Johannesburg members can enjoy discounted bookings or tailored office solutions at their Johannesburg spaces in Rosebank (The Bank & Fire Station) or Hyde Park Corner - contact the location manager, Demi Moodley on +27 10 500 1453 or +27 79 766 1487 to get started.
With over 40 years of combined automotive experience, CCVR provides reliable, personalised replacement and rental vehicle solutions. EO members enjoy exclusive benefits including preferred pricing, an additional driver free, unlimited mileage, free delivery and collection within 25 km, super waivers, and all levies and VAT included. To book or enquire, contact eo@ccvr.co.za or reservations@ccvr.co.za.
Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth provide integrated plans for your holistic financial affairs, including investments, wealth structuring and transfer strategies, proactive tax planning and portfolio lifestyle and administration. Contact Alison Pegg at Alison.Pegg@omwealth.co.za or Megan Cupido at Megan.Cupido@omwealth.co.za.
Get In Touch With Our Global
Strategic Alliance Partners Access certification for women-owned businesses, helping them connect with global supply chains, corporate buyers and visibility opportunities.
Get 15% off Trainual, a business playbook platform that helps you document processes, policies and procedures and train your team as you scale.
Enjoy VIP benefits at 1,500+ luxury and boutique hotels, including upgrades, breakfast, flexible check-in/out and hotel credits.
Receive complimentary SIXT Platinum status, up to 15% off car rentals and complimentary upgrades, subject to availability.
Save up to 18% on Business Class and 15% on Economy Class fares, giving EO members exclusive savings on international travel.
New customers receive four months with PayPal processing fees waived, followed by special rates. Existing customers can access EO rates when their current contract ends.
Get full access to Mindvalley Business, with resources designed to strengthen leadership, mindset, wellbeing, relationships and high-performance habits.
Access leadership coaching through e-learning, live training sessions and six months of practical application and feedback from the MGSCC team.
EO members receive discounts across HubSpot's software suite for marketing, sales and customer success, with a free CRM at its core.
Access 500+ benefits including hotel privileges, travel upgrades, preferred rates and exclusive savings across business and lifestyle brands.
Join EO's premium Blinkist team for access to thousands of book and podcast summaries, helping you absorb powerful ideas in around 15 minutes.
New Align customers can access an exclusive 25% discount on software designed to help businesses set strategic plans, track goals, and establish accountability.
Get 15% off Airalo eSIMs with coverage across 200+ countries and regions, making it easier and more affordable to stay connected while travelling.
EO members receive a free copy of The Authority Advantage, a complimentary Authority Assessment and 50% off an Authority Blueprint valued at US$2,995.
eojohannesburg.org.za