Willing & Abel Willing & Abel

Willing & Abel

Building on the themes in Mike Abel’s book, Willing & Abel: Lessons from a Decade in Crisis, this podcast offers insight, wisdom and nuanced thought through interesting conversations with innovators, thought leaders and business people who all have one thing in common: they believe in driving society forward. This podcast aims to address, not shy away from, the challenges of being in South Africa – and the world – right now. Mike and his guests answer the question: what does it mean to be hopeful, despite…? Proudly produced by 2Stories.

Season 1 of Willing & Abel is brought to you by M&C Saatchi Abel, a proudly South African award-winning creative company founded on the principle of “Brutal Simplicity of Thought”.
Weekly English South Africa Society & Culture · Business
12 Episodes

The promise of a problem with M&C Saatchi Group SA CEO Jacques Burger

Out of crisis comes opportunity. If there are no challenges, there's nothing that pushes you to think differently or innovate. That’s why Jacques Burger, M&C Saatchi SA Group CEO, finds South Africa to be an exciting space for business right now. In this bonus episode of season one of the…
1 May 59 min

When finances meet feelings with investment expert Steven Nathan

What’s the difference between financial happiness and wealth? What sets successful investors apart when it comes to saving? And where’s the quicksand when planning for retirement? Global investor, entrepreneur and consumer champion Steven Nathan answers these questions and more in the latest episode of the Willing & Abel podcast. Steven…
17 Apr 1 hr 03 min

Finding our own solutions with social entrepreneur Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba

Free Maths lessons in her home. Bursaries in her name. Social justice on her mind. Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba is a true original: a chartered accountant who wants to be remembered for how much she loved. In the latest episode of Willing & Abel, Ayanda and host Mike Abel speak about the…
10 Apr 51 min

The strength of South African storytelling with David Kramer

What does it mean to be an artist? Why is it meaningful to show what’s extraordinary within the ordinary, and in doing so bring people together? One of South Africa's most recognised and beloved musical artists, David Kramer, answers these questions and more in a delightful trip down memory lane,…
27 Mar 1 hr 02 min

The power of knowing yourself with executive coach Joanne Smollan

If we want to make meaningful contributions to our relationships with others – whether that’s at home, at work, or in our communities – we need to know ourselves, says Joanne Smollan, an executive and teams coach based in London. Joanne joined host Mike Abel in getting vulnerable for this…
20 Mar 1 hr 03 min

Finding new heights with impactful entrepreneur Gidon Novick

If we want to succeed, we need to get comfortable with uncertainty. If we embrace that things are going to turn out differently to what we think, we can find opportunity and possibility within that, says impactful entrepreneur Gidon Novick, the guest of this episode of the Willing & Abel…
13 Mar 1 hr 01 min

Dreaming and Doing with Songezo Zibi

How much time do you spend with people who don’t share your views? Probably not nearly enough, according to Songezo Zibi, national leader of RISE Mzansi, a modern political organisation of patriotic South Africans, who joined Mike Abel as a guest on this episode of Willing & Abel. With over…
6 Mar 1 hr 03 min

If the shoe fits with Veldskoen CEO Nick Dreyer

Sometimes knowing nothing can be like a naive superpower, says Nick Dreyer, the co-founder of Veldskoen shoes. From an idea sparked between two buddies with no experience in the footwear industry, Veldskoen has grown into a global brand selling in 32 countries and worn by South Africa’s best at the…
6 Mar 1 hr 01 min
 trailer  

Introducing Willing & Abel

At this point in history, challenging perspectives – of others and our own – is more needed than ever. How can we connect despite differences to balance strength and vulnerability, hope and realism? Join Mike Abel, a business, marketing and communications specialist, and the founder of M&C Saatchi Abel to…
29 Feb 2 min