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When South Africa’s Two-Pot System went live, many employers and retirement funds braced for uncertainty. How many members would withdraw? How quickly? And what would they use the money for? Now, more than a year on, the data has provided clarity. Listen to this episode to find out more.  This MINDSPACE soundbite is inspired by the November edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.  Want to stay in the loop with the latest updates, insights, and ideas around retirement, investment, risk, health, and wellbeing on LinkedIn? Follow the new Old Mutual Employee Benefits page for practical insights and fresh perspectives. 

What can we learn from other countries who have successfully moved from poverty to prosperity? Evidence from 60 years of data across 160 countries suggests that nations with high savings rates enjoy stronger and more sustained growth. What can business leaders and decision-makers do to make this a reality for South Africa? Listen to this episode to find out. This MINDSPACE soundbite is inspired by the October edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.   Want to stay in the loop with the latest updates, insights, and ideas around retirement, investment, risk, health, and wellbeing on LinkedIn? Follow the new Old Mutual Employee Benefits page for practical insights and fresh perspectives. Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89cJ9KTaZbE  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/old-mutual-employee-benefits_economy-savingsandinvestments-jobs-activity-7381236861387575296-wxmF/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAATSm-gB_Uj2aIe6zahNwHrpFRfTgjzUmF8  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX1KpVFB1so  https://www.linkedin.com/company/old-mutual-employee-benefits/posts/?feedView=all 

Our retirement system has seen significant improvements over the past few decades. But the pace of change is likely to accelerate, not slow down. What three trends are going to shape the future of the retirement industry over the next 10 to 15 years? Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss what innovation is needed to address the challenge of poor retirement outcomes for members, while remaining sensitive to their realities in the South African context.  This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the October edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.  Credits:  https://youtu.be/SvKdpxo-lVs?t=7  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbedDaEWmAI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvKdpxo-lVs  https://youtu.be/6XrLzlCkOpA?t=263 

What must South Africa do now to secure better retirement futures? A panel discussion sought to answer this question at the second annual Old Mutual Thought Leaders Forum in August 2025. In this special MINDSPACE Soundbite, we share the engaging dialogue and sound clips from the conversation. The panel comprised Astrid Ludin, Deputy Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority; Chris Axelson, Deputy Director-General at the National Treasury; Shafeeq Abrahams, Chief Executive and Principal Officer of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund; and Paul Watson, Principal at PDW Advisory in Australia. The discussion was moderated by Humphrey Mkwebu, Old Mutual Corporate’s Acting Managing Director. How can we better prepare ourselves for further reforms, what did Two-Pot teach us about tech, and is auto-enrolment on the cards for South Africa? Listen to find out.      If you’d like to subscribe to the MINDSPACE newsletter, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.  Sources: Thought Leaders Forum 2025 

The industry is still buzzing with energy and ideas from the second annual Old Mutual Thought Leaders Forum, held on 12 August 2025. Listen to this special MINDSPACE Soundbite, which shares the engaging dialogue and diverse perspectives of the event.  Our esteemed speakers and panellists included Professor Adrian Saville of GIBS; Paul Watson, Principal at PDW Advisory; Astrid Ludin, Deputy Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority; Shafeeq Abrahams, Chief Executive and Principal Officer of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund; Chris Axelson, Deputy Director-General at the National Treasury; Valter Adão, Chief Executive Officer at Cadena Growth Partners; KG Bako, Managing Executive of Talent Management and Transitions at Absa Group Limited; Colin Smith, Executive of Human Resources at Northam Platinum; Lindiwe Sebesho, Managing Director of Remchannel; Zingiswa Losi, President of Cosatu: and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, currently a faculty member at Stellenbosch University.  The Forum made it clear that the work ahead is significant – but so is our potential to make a real impact on improving economic outcomes for millions of South Africans.    If you’d like to subscribe to the MINDSPACE newsletter, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub. 

We’re navigating a new world trade order. The world’s geopolitical landscape is shifting beneath our feet, with new alliances forming and old powers jostling for influence. South Africa finds itself walking a tightrope. On one side, geopolitical alliances and ideological narratives. On the other, the urgent need for economic growth, job creation, and the upliftment of ordinary South Africans. So, where does our country stand in this emerging new world trade order?  Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss how we as a nation can prioritise the right things: our people, our economy, and our future.  This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the June edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub. 

South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers above 30% – a staggering figure that demands urgent action. SMEs and startups are powerful engines for job creation, but only if they can grow and scale effectively. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem is gaining momentum, but we’re at a critical juncture. What can we learn from Europe and the US to help unlock our country’s potential? Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss how we can better build an environment – through policies, finance and support structures – to drive innovation and employment growth. This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the May edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.

We’ve recently seen a shift in the global aid landscape. Some of the world’s largest economies are pulling back on international aid to prioritise their domestic concerns. This raises an important question for South Africa: How do we create self-sustainability beyond foreign aid? Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss how we can better structure our economy to create sustainable progress rather than rely on short-term relief. Some of SA’s biggest challenges lie in infrastructure development, job creation, and fostering economic growth. What can the public and private sectors do together to change things for a better future?   This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the April edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub. 

For decision-makers, the challenge is clear: finding the right balance between productivity, culture, employee engagement, recruitment, and retention. How does hybrid work fit into this picture?  Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss the findings of a global study, the 2024 HP Work Relationship Index, on what employees and employers value most in the workplace. You might be surprised to hear the results. We also ask what skills and tools the workforce will need to work alongside AI in the future.  This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the March edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub. 

The post-COVID era has brought about significant changes in the workplace, introducing new work models, systems, and non-traditional income opportunities. This raises an important question: how will retirement look in a world where its traditional framework has evolved?  This thought-provoking topic is the focus of this episode of the Big Business Insights podcast, hosted by Blessing Utete, Managing Executive at Old Mutual Corporate Consultants. Guests Doris Viljoen, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch Business School, and Graeme Codrington, thought leader and founder of Futures Club, provide insights into the shifting retirement landscape. They examine the reframing of traditional single-employer pension plans, the influence of trends like job-hopping and the gig economy, and the rising importance of adaptability and individual responsibility in retirement planning. The discussion also tackles issues such as short-term financial thinking, the critical role of financial literacy, and practical steps for individuals and employers to build secure financial futures.  Resources used in this episode: Kiplinger.com: 6 ways retirement has changed over the past 25 years   Bowmanslaw.com: South Africa working beyond retirement   Businesstech.com: How much money you need to retire in SA    iol.co.za: Plan your retirement early   eNCA: Are South Africans ready for retirement? Financial Bunny: You don’t need a retirement fund  

The latest data from the World Economic Forum (WEF 2024) shows that women in 41 African countries earn, on average, 39% less than men and struggle to receive the same wage for the same job as their male colleagues. This season on the Big Business Insights podcast, we explore the evolving dynamics of the workplace, including the critical topic of gender equality. In this episode of Big Business Insights, host Blessing Utete, Managing Executive at Old Mutual Corporate, Phillipa Geard, founder of RecruitMyMom, and Celiwe Ross, Director of Strategy, Sustainability, People, and Public Affairs at Old Mutual, delve deeper into the historical and current challenges faced by women in the workplace.  Examining systemic issues such as the wage gap and career barriers, this conversation highlights the ongoing need to balance flexible work arrangements, financial security, and holistic wellness to create inclusive work environments.  Resources used in this episode: ●      Diversity for Social Impact Gender Equality in the Workplace  ●      TEDx Talks: “A Seat at the Table” Isn’t the Solution for Gender Equity | Lilly Singh ●     Britannica.com: Industrial Revolution ●     UNwomen.org: Progress On The Sustainable Development Goals ●     Working women in South Africa report 2024

Silicon Valley is home to many of the world's largest tech companies, and thousands of startups. Why is it that this small area is a global epicentre for tech and innovation? The reason is that innovators and entrepreneurs there don’t seem to get discouraged when a pitch, a business plan, or an idea doesn’t work; they just go back and try again.  Join us for this MINDSPACE Soundbite as we discuss how to foster an ethos of collaboration and encouragement in the workplace, so stakeholders across the spectrum can help each other to try things, even if they fail at first, and innovate for the greater good.   This episode contains five encouraging takeouts from the 2025 World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, courtesy of Old Mutual CEO Iain Williamson, that will make you feel (more) optimistic about doing business in Africa.  This MINDSPACE Soundbite is inspired by the February edition of our MINDSPACE newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, contact us at [email protected] or visit the Old Mutual Corporate Resource Hub at www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub.

This episode of the Big Business Insights podcast discusses the shifting landscape of financial wellbeing in South African workplaces, particularly in the context of the country's retirement preparations and widespread financial literacy issues.  Blessing Utete hosts a conversation with Fatima Vawda, a Director of the Association of Savings and Investments South Africa, and Mlamuli Mbambo, Managing Director of Money Fundi, financial educator, coach and author. Why do some employees not make use of their workplace financial wellness programmes, even if they can clearly be used to their advantage? Can employee engagement with financial wellness programmes be improved? What kinds of strategies can be used to do so? Creative approaches like storytelling, gamification, and peer-to-peer learning are impactful ways to approach these sometimes tricky dynamics. Listen to this episode to find out. Resources used in this episode:  10x.co.za: 10X Retirement Reality Report   Businesstech.co.za: How much money you need to retire in South Africa   Mlamuli Mbambo LinkedIn   Oldmutual.co.za: What is the Financial Wellbeing Programme?   NYU StudentLink YouTube: What is Financial Literacy? | Introduction SABC News YouTube: Financial literacy challenges for SA: Mamapudi Nkgadima weighs in  

The growing presence of AI is multifaceted and impacts our lives in multiple ways. However, AI is not new and learning to grapple with this topic is important both now and for the future.   This episode of the Big Business Insights podcast unpacks the profound impact of artificial intelligence on various industries. Host Blessing Utete, Managing Executive at Old Mutual Corporate Consultants, is joined by Antonia Bothner, Capital Markets Lead at Endeavor SA, and Samad Masood, Associate Vice President at the Infosys Knowledge Institute, to dive into AI’s role and the challenges it faces in understanding human emotions and adaptability within the workspace.  The trio highlights the value of maintaining the human touch even while advancing technologies and successfully using AI as a co-creator instead of using it to replace human beings.   Resources used in this episode:  TechTarget: AI in banking: Benefits, risks, what’s next  Santander.com: What is artificial intelligence and how does it affect banking? New York Times: 35 Ways Real People Are Using A.I. Right Now    Forbes.com: The 10 Best Examples Of How AI Is Already Used In Our Everyday LifeGlobal Education: AI in Everyday Life: How Artificial Intelligence Impacts You TEDx Talks: The value of human creativity in the AI era | Beena Ammanath 

The changing landscape of employment demands creative financial solutions. Traditional nine-to-five desk jobs with financial benefits tied to a single employer are less common than they once were. Today, the rise of the gig economy and new work models, accelerated by the global pandemic, have reshaped how we work. We may even need to change the language we’ve used for years.  In this episode of the Big Business Insights podcast, host Blessing Utete unpacks this evolving landscape of retirement and financial planning together with Dr Bomikazi Zeka, Associate Professor in Finance and Financial Planning at the University of Canberra, and futurist and CEO of Flux Trends, Dion Chang. They discuss the new Two-Pot Retirement System and the diverse economic and social factors affecting retirement planning globally, and have predictions about Gen Z’s ways of working.  Resources used in this episode:  ●      Weforum.org: Global Risks Report ●      Treasury.gov.za: Retirement Fund Reform   ●      Oxfordre.com: Social Policy: History (1900–1950) ●      PopTech YouTube: The changing world of work ●      SABC YouTube Clip: Two-Pot System   ●      LinkedIn: How big is the creator economy? Three times larger than we thought! ●      Oldmutual.co.za: Revolution in retirement: How the "Two-Pot" system brightens the future for South Africa's workers