MINNEE, SANDRA

Originally a trained psychologist, Sandra Minnee was in market research, management consultancy and management before starting her own consultancy practice, Professional Strategies. In her business, she focuses on strategic planning and innovation, using creative problem solving as a technique and a guide. She was trained in the Creative Problem Solving process at the Creative Problem Solving Institute at Buffalo, USA, and in Systematic Inventive Thinking at Tel Aviv, Israel. Sandra is an enthusiastic world traveler, a reader and a dancer, a life partner and a mother of two.

MOTANA, MAKHENI

‘The world’s greatest resource stands in your shoes!’ Sound like a cliché? Not when it is stated by the energetic, passionate and enthusiastic Makheni. This vibrant mother of two juggles Speaking, MC-ing, Selling and Training her Soft skills Programs as well as being an associate at TceeDee HR Consulting and Milzet HR Consulting. In 2003, her company, Real Solutions Training, launched an inspirational CD series, the Listen and Grow series which she distributes through Exclusive Books. Real Solutions Training also offers Refresher Courses in the form of training packaged in 60-minute speaking sessions.

She is positive, up beat, light-hearted and brings her own unique brand of humour and human insight to any conference/event. Her presentations are both funny and thought provoking.

Makheni speaks of a former colleague, Rina Thorne and her mother the way most people speak of Madiba. In 1981 Rina gave her the first book she ever read on personal development and that, she says, led to her becoming a ‘Possibilitarian’.

She grew up in Pretoria and did her Secondary education in two different boarding schools. She did her tertiary education in different Universities and Colleges. Apart from studying Psychology and Philosophy, She studied in a variety of unrelated fields and has worked in different sectors of the economy, in different industries and at different levels. She gives another meaning to versatility.

Amongst her work experience, she lists College Lecturer, Insurance Consultant, Pharmaceutical Rep, Call Centre Manager, Communication and Marketing Senior Manager, Account Executive, O.D. Manager, Trainer and Computer Programmer (this she began at the age of 44!). She started a new career as a TV talk show co-host at age 50! When she talks about change and re-inventing yourself; you are bound to listen.

And whilst being so busy building this long CV, she also found time to co-found the Child Abuse Action Group in 1994. She is involved with other children’s charities. She previously volunteered at POWA and other organizations such as the Mental Health Society. She has developed a unique method of teaching Statistics to students who do not have basic computational skills.

She has the ability to say something very serious in a very funny way. The achievement she is most proud of is graduating cum laude with a Doctorate in Life from the University of Hard Knocks because like everyone else, life has not been a walk in the park for her.

NEETHLING, KOBUS

Africa's leading creativity expert and one of the most respected creativity leaders in the world. Winner of the most prestigeous creativity award in the world. Founder and Director of the SA Creativity Foundation and the Kobus Neethling Group. 6 University degrees including two Master's Degrees and a Post Doctorate (Cum Laude). Author and Co-author of 70 books including a number of best-sellers: Creative people can perform miracles; Courage to shake hands with tomorrow; Am I clever or am I stupid; Whole-brain sexuality and relationships; Smart Parents; Creative Rugby; Think like Jesus.. Also a number of TV series including Eureka (13 episodes); Creating a Miracle (13 episodes); Courage (26 episodes). Included in 9 International Who's Who publications; Included in 5000 Personalities of the World; Member of the World Institute of Achievement (one of only a few selected members). Included in 2000 Outstanding People of the 20th Century (Cambridge, England), etc. Motivational speeches, training programmes, development programmes to most of South Africa's leading companies and organisations and numerous international companies including Shell, BMW, Ogilvy & Mather, Mercedes Benz, Anglo Platinum, Anglo Gold, Old Mutual, Sanlam, ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank, Toyota, Multi Choice, Annique Johnson & Johnson, Past President Mandela's office staff, etc. Played provincial rugby and mental coach for three Olympic athletes. Whole-brain adviser of UK County Cricket team.

POTTER, TOM

Administrative Partner, Parent Education Program
In his role, Tom oversees a variety of strengths-based programs. He is an adjunct faculty member of St. Bonaventure University and a consultant in Creative Problem Solving and parent education. He is co-author with Bea Parnes of Parenting Playfully, a book for parents of children from pre-natal to age three. He loves to bicycle and is husband of a charming actress-oriented wife and father of two talented young adults. Tom participated in CEF YouthWise South Africa in 2004 and 2005. He is a CEF Colleague and recipient of the Leadership Service and Commitment Award and Distinguished Leader Award. He is also a member of the Creative Problem Solving Institute Council.