Leading Innovation: From Radiographer to CEO 

It is with immense pride that I share the news of my appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Savant Incubator. This new role reflects not just a milestone in my career but a testament to the experiences and lessons that have shaped my professional journey. 

From Healthcare to Entrepreneurship 

My path to entrepreneurship began during my MBA studies at Wits Business School where my goal was to use my commercial education to build a high-impact startup. However, as I delved deeper into the programme, I realised entrepreneurship could also mean enabling others to succeed. This revelation marked a turning point in my career aspirations. 

Towards the end of my MBA, I was introduced to an internship opportunity at Savant as an Entrepreneur in Residence (now referred to as Venture Analyst). Resigning from my decade-long career as a healthcare professional to take on this challenge was a leap of faith, but it was driven by a passion for creating meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial space. 

As Savant’s sole representative in Gauteng, I carried the responsibility of upholding its 20-year legacy in the deeptech and hardware innovation space. This was both a privilege and a challenge, as I had to navigate a new career environment while working remotely in a region without direct access to my colleagues. 

Challenges and Growth within Savant 

Being the lone Savant representative in Gauteng was both daunting and isolating at times, as working remotely limited face-to-face interaction despite the Savant team’s unwavering support. However, my infrequent trips to Cape Town, constrained by my young family, were invaluable for fostering meaningful relationships with the team. The Entrepreneur in Residence program itself also added to the intensity, requiring me to manage a portfolio of startups and present to investment committees within just a few weeks 

Another significant challenge was managing complex personalities among founders. Some were difficult to work with, and there were moments when I unfairly questioned my ability to succeed in this space. However, the guidance and mentorship I received from the Savant team helped me navigate these complexities,  refine my approach to relationship management and strengthened my confidence, giving me a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Through targeted interventions for startups, I demonstrated measurable results and earned a promotion to Commercialisation Manager, followed by Head of Commercialisation for Gauteng. In these roles, I helped early-stage deeptech and hardware businesses become investment-ready, guiding founders through the process of engaging with pre-seed and seed investors. I also managed the TIA Savant Seed Fund which supports startups in developing prototypes, achieving MVPs, and securing early sales. These responsibilities reinforced my focus on measurable impact and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“My vision is to transform the Savant Incubator into the premier platform for African hardware and deep technology innovators. This vision builds on Savant’s legacy and my experiences, with a commitment to helping startups launch market-ready products, build scalable businesses, and compete on the global stage”

A core component to this vision is to implement EMERGE 360—a comprehensive nine-month programme designed to empower African emerging innovators with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed. A key feature of the programme is its integration of leadership development across all themes. Leadership is often an overlooked yet critical component in the startup space, especially in high-growth environments where technical founders may suddenly find themselves needing to cover a number of non-technical roles including leading a diverse and growing team. This programme aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to navigate such transitions effectively. 

EMERGE 360 also prioritises inclusivity, focusing on black-owned, youth, and women-led enterprises. Addressing these gaps aligns the programme with the Incubator’s mission to empower startups through tailored commercialization support, funding opportunities, and investor readiness. Our goal is to drive technological leadership and economic growth across Africa. 

Lessons and Gratitude 

Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and entrepreneurs who have supported me along the way. Each challenge—from navigating isolation to managing founder relationships—has strengthened my resolve and enriched my leadership approach. These experiences have fuelled my passion for fostering innovation and creating a meaningful impact. 

As I step into this new role, I am committed to building on Savant’s successes and working with our incredible team to turn ideas into impactful realities. Together, we will continue empowering African innovators and creating a brighter future for the startup ecosystem. 

Savant Logo

Thank you for subscribing to Savant. Please follow us on social media and link to Twitter and LinkedIn?