About Better Business Forum
Experience makes better decisions possible
A trusted community where owners and CEOs of midsized businesses share experience, challenge assumptions and help one another move forward with greater clarity.
How it works
A regular forum shaped by what members need now
Better Business Forum is a regular get-together of the CEOs and owners of midsized businesses, which in the current environment takes place online. In this safe and trusted environment, members share experiences and contribute to solutions for challenges faced by all.
Occasionally, outside experts join to bring new knowledge and context. The meetings are guided by two experienced facilitators. However, the meetings are driven by the needs and requirements of the participating members.
MEMBER
DRIVEN
The agenda stays flexible, the conversation stays confidential, and the value comes from experience shared on equal footing.
The outcome
What leaders take away
Members experience peer support of the highest order and the value of participating on equal footing with like-minded business leaders.
01
Peer support
Honest support from leaders who understand the responsibility.
02
Less isolation
A trusted room that helps ease the loneliness of leadership.
03
Renewed hope
Perspective and encouragement when circumstances feel turbulent.
04
New knowledge
Practical insight, context and understanding drawn from experience.
05
New opportunity
Space to identify ideas and business opportunities worth pursuing.
06
Equal footing
A candid exchange with like-minded business leaders.
Our facilitators
Experienced leaders who know how to guide the room
The forum is supported by experienced facilitators with backgrounds spanning listed companies, entrepreneurship, strategy, finance, operations, leadership and business learning.
Leon Theron
BSc Eng (Elec), B Com, MBL
Prior to entering the commercial world, Leon qualified as an electrical engineer. He served as a director, CEO and Chairman of several JSE-listed companies, gaining valuable leadership and strategic management experience which he now shares with business owners.
- Leadership development and business strategy in volatile and complex environments.
- Mentoring and coaching business leaders to enhance agility.
- Practical guidance across strategy, cash management, process, people, contracts and customer relations.
Alfons Mauchle
BSc Eng (Elec), MBA
An electrical engineer by profession, Alfons runs Micron Precision Tools, the South African agent and distributor for TESA measuring instruments. He provides experience and support to business owners.
- Leadership priorities and business strategies for tough and risky times.
- Sound support structures and better decision-making processes.
- Everyday issues from finance and labour to costing, quality, cash flow and legal matters.
Warwick Corder
BCom
Warwick spent many years in the market research and media industries, developing his skills in sales and marketing. Senior management roles channelled his interests into leadership and talent development.
He has also been involved in several start-ups and small businesses, and shares this experience with entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized businesses.
Keith Brown
BA (Hons), B Ed, HDE, MBA
A teacher at heart, Keith is an experienced facilitator of business learning focused on leadership development, strategy, human performance and process improvement.
He served in senior positions in two listed companies before founding d-n-a Knowledge Network in 2004. His clients include Shoprite, Toyota and Legacy Hotels and Resorts, and he has worked across Africa, the USA and India.
Keith Garden
CA (SA) DBA, RA
A chartered accountant and registered auditor, Keith held senior positions with a listed wholesale group before joining Stratagem Training Services in 1991, which he now owns with a BEE partner.
His retail and wholesale background and understanding of stock and working capital management support his work in accounting, finance, process improvement and SME development. His clients include Massmart, Sasol, Sun International, Toyota, Vodacom and Volkswagen.
Nigel Richards
FMCG, operations and strategy
Nigel spent more than 30 years in the FMCG industry in senior Operations, General Management, Franchise Development and Marketing roles with one of Africa’s largest wholesaling groups.
Since his accreditation with the Institute for Independent Business, he has assisted SME owners across many sectors through structured strategic and operational planning and hands-on implementation.
Nigel aligns entrepreneurs’ ambitions with implementation by drawing on a broad range of business experience and creating practical alternatives.
A confidential conversation
Experience the forum for yourself
Join a meeting or two, meet the people in the room and decide whether Better Business Forum is the right sounding board for you.