Speakers
Wendy Mahoney is a distinguished Innovation Behavioural Specialist and the Managing Director of Newmella & Associates (Pty) Ltd; a Change Intelligence Consultancy focused on empowering organisations to innovate and achieve sustainable success. As the driving force behind Newmella & Associates, Wendy has positioned the firm as a thought leader in change intelligence and inclusive innovation. The consultancy partners with organisational leaders to embed core values that support transformative initiatives and foster sustainable innovation. With a team of specialised associates, they have honed their methodologies, enabling prominent brands to effectively navigate evolving business environments, introduce innovative products and services, adapt operational models, and implement impactful organisational designs. Wendy actively contributes to economic inclusion as the chair of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK and the 30% Club for KwaZulu-Natal. She is also a council member of the KZN National Business Initiative and serves on the Advisory Council for Dare Restoring Worth, a youth mentorship and coaching academy. Her expertise extends to the Advisory Council for TEDx and Vega Durban. In academia, Wendy has lectured on Business Innovation Management at Vega School, part of ADvTECH. She holds a cum laude Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing, a cum laude Master of Arts in Brand Innovation, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Culture for Innovation. As a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and an internationally accredited Trainer of NLP, she is a sought-after trainer and executive coach, having presented at TEDx events. Wendy's extensive corporate background includes significant roles such as Executive Director at European Times, Director of Sales and Marketing at CNBC and Forbes Africa, Chief Revenue Officer at Trudon South Africa, and Director of TDS Namibia.
A seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience in strategic leadership, portfolio management, and operational excellence across the financial services and FMCG sectors, Mpume's career began through a prestigious banking learnership and advancing to Regional Head roles at Absa Private Bank, Bidvest Bank and Standard Banks, followed by a diversion to A Finance Director Role for Unilever Africa. After a successful corporate journey, she pivoted to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations, focusing on investment opportunities in mining, ICT, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Mpume remains actively engaged in women and youth empowerment initiatives across Africa. Mpume holds several board positions, including at Richards Bay Coal Terminal and Junior Achievement South Africa, where she supports youth entrepreneurship development at both high school and tertiary levels. Her previous leadership roles include 1st Vice President and Board Member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Regional Chairperson of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa. With qualifications in finance, marketing, and executive leadership from leading institutions, Mpume is also a distinguished fellow and Advisor and Coach at How Women Lead which is a Women Leaders global network based in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley. Beyond her professional achievements, Mpume values her role as a mother to two teenagers, from whom she continues to draw inspiration and life lessons.