Popi Kunene: Driving Operational Excellence Through People-Centered Leadership and Strategic Innovation

AFR CA’S MeritoriouS COO SHAPING THE Future of

BUSINESS 2025

I P PO Driving Operational Excellence Through People-Centered Leadership and Strategic Innovation

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER MGOZA NNP TRADING

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Popi Kunene Driving Operational Excellence Through People-Centered Leadership and Strategic Innovation

NTS. P R O F I L E S

Gulzaar Parker Wellness That Works: What Today's Consumers Really Want

Clayton Brad Marcar COO | Correlation Business Advisory

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FROM THE EDITOR A Voice that Moves Business Forward

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here's something deeply inspiring about clarity in motion, the kind that doesn't shout for attention but leaves an undeniable imprint wherever it goes. As editors, we don't just chase big stories; we seek voices with depth, intent, and a record of accomplishment of making decisions that matter. This edition brings one such voice to the forefront, calm yet powerful, thoughtful yet action-driven. Each page in this issue is a quiet celebration of leadership that listens before it speaks, understands before it builds, and delivers not just results, but renewed purpose. From strategic insights to lived experiences, this edition is crafted to be less of a performance and more of a conversation, the kind you want to sit with and reflect upon. Welcome to Africa's Meritorious COO Shaping the Future of Business 2025. This issue is a tribute to those who lead with both heart and precision, who balance operations and innovation without losing sight of the people behind the process.

On our cover, we spotlight Popi Kunene, a seasoned business and strategic technology leader whose presence in the financial services sector speaks volumes. Her journey isn't just about system integrations or digital transitions; it's about delivering with resilience, mentoring with purpose, and building cultures where innovation is second nature. With profound expertise in core banking, insurance platforms, and agile transformation, she's reshaped how systems and people align, especially under pressure and with limited resources. Popi's story is one of thoughtful strength and quiet breakthroughs, and it deserves your full attention. Read on to discover how one leader's calm conviction is setting a new standard in business technology. Let this edition spark your ideas, challenge your perspective, and fuel your path ahead.

James jonhson - Managing Editor

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n a highly competitive and innovation-driven sector like automotive services and logistics, operational excellence has become a critical differentiator. Amid increasing digitization, evolving customer expectations, and heightened compliance standards, companies are under growing pressure to deliver with precision, agility, and accountability. Within this complex framework, one leader is not just navigating the change; she's driving it forward with clarity and purpose. Popi Kunene, Chief Operations Officer at MGOZA NNP TRADING, stands out for her ability to translate evolving market dynamics into agile internal systems while keeping the customer at the center of every process. From digital transformation and compliance-led integrations to her people-first leadership style, Popi's approach to operations reflects a unique blend of structure, empathy, and foresight. Her role is more than executive oversight; it's about shaping an operational culture where excellence is not a goal but a standard. With a career shaped by meaningful milestones across banking, insurance, and now the automotive and logistics industries, she continues to challenge assumptions, reimagine systems, and guide teams to outperform through belief and shared purpose. From reshaping legacy platforms to steering digitization with purpose, Popi Kunene's journey offers powerful insights into leading operations with depth and direction — read on to discover how. Driving Operational Precision and Client-Centric Delivery As Chief Operations Officer at MGOZA NNP TRADING, Popi Kunene prioritizes a clear understanding of client needs and

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strategies as the foundation for delivering operational excellence. She ensures that the company's approach aligns with each client's unique delivery expectations while also remaining attuned to broader market patterns to refine these strategies effectively. With MGOZA NNP TRADING aspiring to lead in the automotive sector, her focus lies in aligning internal processes to enhance customer centricity and personalization, recognizing that no two clients are the same. Flexibility in solutions, maintaining meaningful connections, and understanding not only the client but also their end customer (where relevant) is central to her operational philosophy. She also places a strong focus on data security, recognizing its increasing relevance in today's digitized business environment. Staying updated on client strategies is a non-negotiable priority for her, reinforcing the principle that the success or setbacks of a client reflect directly on the company. By staying attuned to industry patterns, she continuously fine-tunes the company's operational models to reflect what customers genuinely value, setting MGOZA NNP TRADING apart in a competitive market. Her process-driven approach ensures every department is consistently aligned, with refinements led by the users themselves, ensuring no step is overlooked. Shaping Leadership Through Financial Sectors Popi Kunene reflects on a career shaped by key moments across insurance, retail, and commercial banking, each contributing to the depth and agility of her leadership in financial services.

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In banking, she led two unique and groundbreaking initiatives that helped expand the commercial bank's reach, digital capabilities, and entry into new markets. These projects had never been attempted before within the bank and became catalysts for its increased visibility and growth. Steering teams through unfamiliar situations, both technically and emotionally, Popi's ability to lead under pressure became a defining force for herself and for those who reported to her. Her leadership in these initiatives earned her recognition as a top talent, along with an 18-month international learning opportunity across Europe sponsored by the bank to explore banking innovations and fintech ecosystems, all while continuing to guide her teams toward success. She believes, "True learning happens in moments of difficulty, whether inside a formal classroom or in the trenches with colleagues." To stay grounded and objective through complexity, she relied on coaching support. That guidance, she shares, became a valuable compass, particularly during periods when direction felt blurred. In the insurance sector, Popi gained a deeper understanding of the intersection between leadership and human-centered thinking. One defining moment involved merging products in a way that prioritized customer intent and expectations. This task reinforced the importance of informal research and direct involvement beyond relying solely on analytics. By centralizing certain processes, she enhanced customer responsiveness, especially in underwriting and claims resolution, while equipping call center agents to handle queries more effectively. Another challenge involved replacing the PAS (Policy Administration System). To do this responsibly, she first immersed herself in understanding both existing products and emerging customer needs, particularly those influenced by climate change. The

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urgency of the project demanded a rare blend of business insight and swift decision-making, made more complex by a scarcity of internal expertise and an unstable legacy system. Her approach was hands-on: preparing teams mentally, reviewing their technical readiness, and supporting upskilling wherever necessary. She did not delegate from a distance but chose to lead with full accountability, particularly around managing platform access and understanding how every function, top to bottom, interacted with the system's design and integrity. Popi's leadership journey is marked not just by strategy or execution, but by her commitment to deep understanding, resilience under pressure, and making decisions that balance innovation with responsibility. Balancing Pressure with PeopleCentered Leadership In her role as Chief Operations Officer, Popi has overseen major system integrations, including core banking platforms and third-party cash services. Despite the complexity and intensity of these projects, what sustained her was the human connection at the heart of the process. She made it a priority to truly understand her team, engaging in one-on-one conversations, especially in high-pressure moments, to stay attuned to everyone's way of thinking and coping. Her leadership approach recognized that beyond deadlines and deliverables stood people, not machines. She placed equal importance on creating the right support structures and maintaining a sense of balance. While her drive to take on new challenges kept her inspired, it was the unwavering support of her family that motivated her. She shares, "The thought of returning home to loved ones eager to hear about my day made the demanding work feel meaningful.”

Balancing Transformation with Compliance Across Large-Scale Tech Platforms Popi acknowledges the challenge of aligning digital transformation with strict regulatory and compliance requirements, yet in her view, the two must progress hand in hand. Drawing from her leadership experience in the banking and insurance sectors, she ensured these standards were never an afterthought. They were embedded directly into specifications, documentation, and the broader build process so they wouldn't be overlooked or sidelined. Every development phase involved structured reviews, and she consistently integrated security and audit teams from the very beginning to the final rollout, ensuring that compliance remained part of the journey, not just the destination. Guiding Teams with Clarity and Care Popi has consistently led her teams through challenging phases with limited resources by instilling the power of small wins. Drawing from her hands-on experience in integration, she focused on breaking down full services into individual technical components. Each component was carefully addressed, reviewed, and presented, giving both technical and business teams visibility into progress. This method enabled early identification of missed or misunderstood requirements and allowed adjustments to be built into upcoming phases without delay. Her approach didn't just move projects forward; it built collective confidence. Every team member, regardless of expertise, felt seen and valued. With rare skill sets and lean teams, she made it a point to mentor even the less confident contributors until they were performing at their best. Popi believes in the power of belief; under her guidance, performance gaps were

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observing their evolving expectations firsthand. This real-world understanding motivates her to continuously improve how services are delivered, not based on assumptions, but on how clients truly wish to be served. Reimagining Legacy Systems and Innovation with Intent

transformed from a score of 1 to a perfect 10. She credits this success to leading with empathy first. Understanding when to offer support or apply pressure and tailoring her approach to everyone has helped her turn potential into performance without ever needing to let someone go due to poor results. In her words, "A leader must be human first; that's the only way to get your team to jump hoops.” Staying In Sync with Business Strategy and FinTech Trends Popi believes that keeping pace with business strategy and financial technology demands a proactive mindset. She highlights the importance of staying curious and connected, never allowing complacency to set in when it comes to learning. For her, being part of a tech-focused community fosters the exchange of fresh ideas and insights. She actively attends relevant seminars to remain informed about current innovations. Just as vital, she makes it a point to stay closely connected with customers,

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For Popi, modernizing legacy systems stands as a defining achievement. This project underscored the remarkable strength of collaboration between technical and business teams. It wasn't simply about updating systems; it was about preserving institutional knowledge, enabling effective reskilling, and nurturing psychological stability across teams. Witnessing the business grow stronger postmodernization, where the traditional boundaries between tech and business became nearly invisible, remains one of her most rewarding experiences. Equally meaningful was her role in driving innovation. Blending the fresh perspectives of younger team members with the experience of seasoned professionals created an environment where learning became mutual and progress felt organic. But innovation, she insists, doesn't mean cutting corners. It demands clarity, discipline, and a shared commitment to the fundamentals. From the outset, she made sure every team member understood the purpose, structure, and expectations of the initiative. Clearly defined roles, open communication, and consistent stakeholder engagement were non-negotiable. This structured yet collaborative approach allowed the team to deliver high-quality business solutions without compromising on integrity. Balancing High Performance with Intentional Pauses Despite the weight of demanding responsibilities, Popi ensures that her calendar includes well-planned

quarterly breaks. These are thoughtfully scheduled in advance and shared with her team, business associates, and senior leadership. She believes it's essential for leaders to step away at intervals to recharge, not just for personal well-being but also to sustain high performance and a clear, focused mindset. Driving Efficiency Through Digital Progress Popi is currently steering the company's digitization efforts with a clear and focused agenda for 2025. The year marks the official rollout of a major digital shift within the shuttle and logistics segment of the business. This move isn't just about adopting technology; it's about strengthening risk management, improving return on investment, and enabling clients to make more informed and timely decisions about their supplier-related expenses. The excitement around this project is shared by both the internal team and clients, who see tangible value in the enhanced operational clarity it promises. Looking beyond 2025, Popi is preparing to introduce an AI-based proof of concept within the automobile division. This initiative aims to improve diagnostic accuracy across the fleet, ensuring that maintenance is done correctly the first time. What sets this vision apart is the intention to extend the benefits beyond the organization, sharing insights and tools with peers across the industry, addressing a skill gap that could elevate maintenance standards across the board. Leading with Purpose in Finance, Tech, and Operations Popi offers a grounded and experiencerich perspective for aspiring professionals, particularly women, aiming to lead confidently across the realms of technology, finance, and operations.

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She encourages investing in a mentor or coach, preferably someone with deep insight into one's field. Curiosity, she believes, should never be silenced; asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. According to her, it's never too late to acquire a new skill, and one should always be willing to get involved at the ground level to truly grasp the mechanics of their domain. Popi asserts, "Leadership is not simply a skill to be acquired but often a calling that must be recognized early." Once that understanding is clear, the path to leading effectively becomes more defined. She believes real leadership lies in inspiring teams through commitment rather than control and delivering results not by threat but by trust and alignment. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to one's team, understanding client needs, and ensuring business units are aligned. In her view, success is the result of a well-connected ecosystem where every stakeholder contributes meaningfully. She also advises setting clear contracts at the beginning to eliminate unexpected challenges later. To women who make it into boardrooms, Popi offers a powerful reminder: simply earning a seat at the table is not the goal. What truly matters is the ability to influence and drive meaningful change once there. She highlights the unspoken systems that have governed these rooms for generations, suggesting that if these unwritten rules are inaccessible or exclusionary, it is time to create new codes that serve everyone and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive Africa, company by company, country by country.

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Gulzaar PA R K E R

Wellness That Works: What Today's Consumers Really Want

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he wellness space is exploding… and for good reason. People are more stressed, more health-conscious, and more open to trying new ways to promote a balanced lifestyle. At the same time, they're also more selective with good reason as products compete each other for market space. The average consumer today is smart. They want products that actually work, that feel good, and that come from a place of authenticity. Running brands like Softi Gummies and growing London Nootropics in South Africa has taught me a lot. One big lesson? Fancy branding isn't enough anymore. Consumers want transparency. They want to know what's in their products, where it comes from, and how these products support their ultimate wellbeing. Gummies, for example, have become one of the fastest-growing formats in wellness. They're fun, convenient, and easy to take. We focus on creating formulas that are simple, effective, and backed by real science. You don't need 20 ingredients in one gummy. You just need the right ones that do the job. Another challenge we're tackling is accessibility. Wellness shouldn't only

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be for people in big cities or with deep pockets. It should be available in your local pharmacy, your go-to online store, or your nearest chain or health & beauty pharmacies like Clicks, Faithful to Nature and more. That's why we've worked hard to get into mainstream retail, because wellness needs to reach more people across various online platforms as well as brick- and mortar stores. There's also this shift happening where consumers are craving realness. You don't need a perfectly curated Instagram to win loyalty. What matters more is showing up with honesty about the product, the process, and the journey. One of the coolest parts of this industry is how fast it moves. There's always something new; adaptogens, nootropics, functional snacks to keep us on our toes. But as much as trends come and go, the fundamentals stay the same: be honest, produce good products, and listen to your customer. In the end, I think the future of wellness will be built on trust, simplicity, and accessibility. That's what I'm betting on and it's what's guided every decision we've made so far.

Short Bio Gulzaar Parker Chief Operations Ofcer at Africa Wellness Premium Global Partner, Softi Wellness Gummies | Exclusive Distributor, London Nootropics (Africa) Gulzaar Parker is one the founding members of Africa Wellness Premium and Global Partner of Softi Wellness Gummies; Exclusive Distributor of London Nootropics in Africa. He's an entrepreneur who's passionate about making wellness simple, real, and available to more people. With experience across product digital marketing, Ecommerce and retail, Gulzaar focuses on building wellness brands that people can trust and relate to. Whether it's helping someone sleep better or find more mental focus, his goal is to deliver feel-good products backed by purpose not hype.

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Gulzaar Parker Chief Operations Ofcer Africa Wellness Premium

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Navigating the AI Shift in Consulting & IT Services The main reason for me to think and comment on the new trend.

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et's cut to the chase: artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword it's the backbone of modern business operations. Companies large and small are racing to embed AI in everything from customer support to financial forecasting. In consulting and IT, keeping pace isn't optional anymore; it's the price of admission. From my own experience advising companies across the board, I've watched as AI has gone from a "nice to have" to a critical component of staying competitive. Automation is the first wave most businesses ride think invoice processing, basic compliance checks, and customer service bots. These tools cut down on errors, speed up delivery, and let human teams shift their focus to higher-value work. It's not just about shaving costs it's about unlocking potential that was stuck behind repetitive tasks. But the real power play? Predictive analytics. Machine learning is letting firms anticipate customer needs, adapt to market changes, and spot risks before they snowball. That's a huge

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leap from the old days of reacting after the fact. As consultants, this means our role is evolving from putting out fires to helping clients build fireproof strategies. Our recommendations aren't just based on gut feeling anymore; they're grounded in data, which clients expect. Still, this transformation isn't all smooth sailing. Plenty of organizations are tangled up in legacy systems that don't mesh well with AI solutions. The skills gap is another headache many teams simply aren't equipped to manage or even understand these new tools. So, consultants have to wear a few hats: tech guide, change manager, sometimes even coach, making sure the transition sticks and delivers real results.

afford to get complacent. We need to foster a culture of continuous learning, agility, and real partnership with our clients. The old playbooks are out; adaptability is everything. Bottom line: AI is both a disruptor and a catalyst for growth in consulting and IT services. The firms that will come out ahead are those that combine technical expertise with strategic vision and a strong sense of responsibility. In this landscape, success belongs to those who invest in people, stay nimble, and never lose sight of the human element behind every solution.

And there's no ignoring the compliance and ethics piece. AI's reach means more data, and more data means bigger responsibilities. Regulatory frameworks like GDPR aren't going away, and any slip-up can be costly. It's our job to help clients navigate this maze, building in privacy and ethics from day one not as an afterthought. What's truly challenging and exciting is the speed of change. New AI platforms and tools pop up constantly. That means consulting firms can't

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Clayton Brad Marcar COO | Correlation Business Advisory

Driving Strategic Growth | Global Sales Leadership | Operational Excellence With over 20 years of proven success in sales and marketing leadership, I specialize in driving revenue, building high-performance teams, and executing business-critical strategies across global markets. My expertise spans enterprise software, SaaS solutions, B2B marketing, CRM and ERP implementations, and client lifecycle management. I take a consultative, results-driven approach focused on substance over fluff and consistently uncover new opportunities, break into emerging markets, and deliver customercentric solutions that stick. Throughout my career, I've led and inspired teams across North America, India, Australia, MENA, and Europe, consistently exceeding performance targets while aligning business goals with real-world execution. I'm not just about numbers. I streamline operations, prioritize long-term client relationships, and champion efficiency at every stage of growth. Passionate about mentoring and strategic planning, I bring a sharp eye for market analysis, lead generation, key account management, and process optimization. Bottom line: I blend hands-on leadership with operational precision to enable steady, sustainable growth and I'm always ready to roll up my sleeves. Let's grow business together.

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