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Day One Agenda

Tuesday 11th November 2025 - Virtual Summit - Register For Free Below

08:00 – 09:00

Online Registration and Networking

09:00 - 09:15

Welcome and Setting the Scene

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Mark Rix Pic new small sq-3
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Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Wellbeing at Work, Sonas Group
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09:15 - 09:45
Linda Kantor

Mindfulness at Work: The Science and Practice of Sustainable Performance and Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced and complex work environments, mindfulness is emerging as a core capability — not just for managing stress, but for unlocking performance, innovation, and meaningful connection. Mindfulness is more than a personal wellness tool — it’s a science-backed capacity that enhances focus, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and resilience. This keynote explores the evidence behind mindfulness as a foundation for human flourishing. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-world case studies, we’ll examine how mindfulness enhances employee well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens performance across teams and leadership. The session offers insight and tools for leaders and teams ready to build cultures of awareness, connection, compassion, and resilience.
Linda Kantor
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Dr. Linda Kantor
Adjunct Senior Lecturer – Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town
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09:55 - 10:40

The Role of Wellbeing as the Power Behind Organisational Performance

In this session our panel will cover: What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance, Beyond ROI – what are the true measures of wellbeing on performance? Where does emotional insight fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers truly help people thrive and grow?
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mainstream renewable power
Lindsay Burgess
Group Head of Human Resources, Mainstream Renewable Power
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Igor Adonis

Igor Adonis
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Igor Adonis
Head of Total Reward, Santam Insurance
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Laura James

Laura James
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Laura James
Director, People & Organization, Mulilo Energy
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Shireen Johnson

Shireen Johnson
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Shireen Johnson
People Director, Virgin Active South Africa
virgin active
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Eswhin Boysen small sq
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Eswhin Booysen
Chief Human Resources Officer, in2food
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10:50 - 11:35
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Building the Neuroinclusive Workplace

How can organizations recognize the opportunity that integrating neurodivergent professionals can bring to an entire organization? Creating a neuroinclusive organization that includes individuals who are and who are not diagnosed with developmental conditions that fall within the neurodiversity spectrum. What are the drivers supporting advancement of neurodiverse professionals in the current marketplace and why they matter to their organization and industry. What are the leadership and teaming styles that can help enable neuroinclusion?
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Anton Schlechter
Professor of Organizational Psychology, University of Cape Town
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11:45 - 12:15
Gisele-Wertheim-Aymes

Mental Health at Work and the Impact on Longevity

What are the current mental health challenges faced by employees in the workplace? What are the limitations of traditional approaches to managing mental health in the workplace? How can AI technologies be leveraged to detect, monitor, and manage mental health issues proactively? What is the impact of AI-powered solutions such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and digital therapeutics?
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Gisèle Wertheim Aymés
Founder, World of Longevity
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12:25 - 13:10

Beyond the Backlash – Ensuring Belonging is at the Heart of the Talent Strategy

Wellbeing for all – what part does trust play in employee’s expectations of their organizations and wellbeing efforts? What part does data play as wellbeing intersects with culture? What are some examples that show why wellbeing needs to be addressed from an equity standpoint? What should be done about culture from the perspective of inter-generational workers?
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Andrew McDonald small sq
Discover Africa
Andrew McDonald
Head of People, Discover Africa
Discover Africa

Lee Watts
Chief People Officer, Kurtosys
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Bronwynne Bester small sq
Oceana Group
Bronwynne Bester
Chief People Officer, Oceana Group Media24
Oceana Group
Caryn Schalit

Caryn Schalit
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Caryn Schalit
Chief People Officer, Cloudsmiths
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13:10 - 13:20

Closing Remarks

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Mark Rix Pic new small sq-3
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Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
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