AI for Business - Johan Steyn

164. In conversation with Hykie Berg - The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum

In conversation with Hyie Berg (Award-winning actor, speaker & entrepreneur)

 

Website: https://www.hykieberg.com/

 

Actor, Hykie Berg releases New Book ‘Geroep vir Meer’: https://youtu.be/DCf4351vXWM?si=r9Dvm0UmO89vnfrR

 

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum is more than just an initiative – it’s a call to action. Technology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, yet the voices driving these changes often come from the “Global North.” It’s time for Africa to rise, to lead, and to share its own story. Join us here: https://forms.gle/9i71dKWxAPdjRCfA8

 

The main points from our conversation:

 

• Find Your Message and Purpose – Speaking isn’t about being born talented; it’s about having a meaningful message. Identify what drives you and what value you can offer others. Your personal journey can be your most powerful tool.

 

• Overcome Fear Through Practice – Confidence isn’t innate but developed through experience. Every great speaker has faced fear, but consistent practice, starting with small audiences, helps build skill and assurance.

 

• Start Where You Are – Use social media, join speaking groups (like Toastmasters), or start sharing your story in community spaces such as churches. Speaking opportunities grow as you refine your craft.

 

• Authenticity and Passion Matter – People connect with real, heartfelt stories. Speaking from the heart, rather than relying heavily on notes, helps build a genuine connection with your audience.

 

• Keep Learning and Growing – Watch TED Talks, take courses, seek mentorship, and never stop improving. Even experienced speakers refine their skills to enhance their impact.

About our conversation:

 

Public speaking is a skill that many admire but few truly master. Whether you are an aspiring speaker or a seasoned professional, the journey to becoming an impactful communicator is one of continuous learning and self-discovery. In a recent conversation with Johan Steyn for The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum, award-winning author and speaker Hykie Berg shared invaluable insights into his own speaking journey. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of sharing one's truth. Here are some key takeaways that can inspire and guide anyone looking to step into the world of public speaking.

 

1. Find Your Message and Purpose

Every great speaker starts with a message that resonates deeply within them. For Hykie, his experiences with addiction and recovery became the foundation of his speaking career. Rather than focusing solely on technical speaking skills, he emphasised the importance of having a strong purpose behind one’s words. Whether it is personal growth, leadership, or advocacy, a compelling message will naturally connect with an audience.

 

2. Overcoming Fear Through Practice

Many believe that great speakers are simply born with the ability to command a room, but Hykie debunked this myth. He recalled his early experiences with public speaking, including moments of extreme nervousness. His advice is simple: practice relentlessly. Confidence is built through repetition and experience. The more you speak, the more comfortable you become in front of an audience.

 

3. Start Where You Are

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring speakers is finding opportunities to practise. Hykie highlighted the importance of utilising available platforms, whether through social media, local events, or community gatherings. Many successful speakers, including Hykie himself, started by sharing their stories in small circles before moving on to larger audiences. Churches, corporate events, and networking groups such as Toastmasters provide excellent opportunities to develop one’s speaking ability.

 

4. Authenticity and Passion Matter

Audiences respond to authenticity. Hykie emphasised that speaking from the heart, rather than relying too heavily on prepared notes, makes a talk more engaging. He advised speakers to connect with their audience through shared experiences, particularly struggles and vulnerabilities. People relate more to real stories than to polished, scripted performances. Passion is what makes a speech memorable and impactful.

 

5. Continuous Learning and Growth

Even the best speakers never stop learning. Hykie recommended watching TED Talks, enrolling in public speaking courses, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. One of the most crucial aspects of growth is being open to feedback and refining one’s message over time. He stressed the importance of resilience, noting that failure is simply a stepping stone to improvement.

 

Conclusion

Public speaking is not about perfection but about connection. Hykie Berg’s journey demonstrates that anyone can develop the confidence and skill to inspire others. By finding your message, embracing practice, starting small, speaking with authenticity, and continually learning, you can become an impactful speaker. Your voice matters—use it to make a difference.

163. In conversation with Greg Serandos - The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum

The main points from our conversation:

• Focus on Your Audience: Remember, it's not about you; it's about providing value to your audience.

• Simplify Your Slides: Use fewer words and more visuals. People remember pictures better than text.

• Adaptability is Key: Be prepared for unexpected disruptions like sound issues or projector failures.

• Develop a Pre-Speech Routine: Techniques like breathing can help manage nerves, and arriving early helps settle in.

• Embrace Your Style: Don't copy others; find what works best for you in terms of content and presentation style.

• Start Small to Build Confidence: New speakers should take on free or low-paying gigs to gain experience, refine their skills, and build their reputation over time.

162. In conversation with Yusuf Ismail - The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum

The main points from our conversation:

• Understand Speaker Bureaus: Speaker bureaus connect speakers with clients, handle logistics, and simplify vendor processes, allowing speakers to focus on their craft.

• Be Adaptable: Success in the speaking industry requires flexibility and a willingness to evolve with changing trends and opportunities.

• Cultural Sensitivity is Key: Knowing cultural nuances is crucial when addressing diverse audiences, as it can make or break your connection with them.

• Build Ethical Relationships: Honesty and trust are vital. Upholding ethical practices strengthens partnerships with bureaus and clients.

• Start Small to Build Confidence: New speakers should take on free or low-paying gigs to gain experience, refine their skills, and build their reputation over time.

161. In conversation with Nomsa Nteleko - The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum is more than just an initiative – it’s a call to action. Technology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, yet the voices driving these changes often come from the “Global North.” It’s time for Africa to rise, to lead, and to share its own story.

The main points from our conversation:

• The conversation between Johan Steyn and Nomsa Nteleko emphasizes the importance of sharing African technology narratives and experiences, particularly for aspiring speakers.
• Nomsa's journey in the STEM industry illustrates the challenges and triumphs of speaking in a male-dominated field, offering relatable insights for others.
• Overcoming fear and self-doubt is crucial; Nomsa encourages aspiring speakers to recognize the value of their stories and the potential impact on their audience.
• The discussion highlights the necessity of thorough research and understanding the audience to deliver relevant and engaging presentations.
• Networking is vital for gaining visibility and opportunities; aspiring speakers should actively seek platforms to share their insights, even at no cost initially.

160. 2025 - The Year of Quantum Computing (in conversation with Michael Avery - Classic Business)

Quantum computing is no longer just a theoretical concept—it is rapidly moving toward real-world applications that could redefine industries, revolutionise problem-solving, and disrupt existing cybersecurity systems. With tech giants like Google and IBM making significant advancements, including claims that quantum processors can solve problems in minutes that would take classical computers billions of years, businesses must pay attention now. 

From finance and healthcare to telecommunications and AI, quantum computing promises breakthroughs that could reshape competitive landscapes. However, it also presents serious risks, particularly in encryption and data security, making quantum literacy and preparedness essential for business leaders. As 2025 marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the time to understand and adapt to this shift is now.

Key points: 

• Quantum Computing vs Classical Computing – Unlike traditional computers that use bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once (superposition), vastly increasing computing power.

 

• Google’s Willow Chip & the Acceleration of Quantum Advancements – Google claims its Willow chip can solve problems in minutes that would take the world’s most powerful classical computers septillion years, signalling rapid progress in quantum computing.
• Cybersecurity Risks & Encryption Challenges – Quantum computers could break current encryption methods, potentially exposing sensitive data in banking, military, and national security systems, making quantum-safe encryption a priority.
• Business Applications & Industry Impact – Industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications will see major benefits, with quantum computing enhancing fraud detection, customer behaviour analysis, algorithmic trading, and drug discovery.
• Urgency for Business Leaders to Upskill – 2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and businesses must start educating themselves, exploring cloud-based quantum services (IBM, Microsoft, Amazon), and identifying strategic use cases to stay ahead.

159. The rise of AI on Psychotherapy: Resolution or Risk? In conversation with Pabi Moloi from PowerFM Business.

Our conversation centered on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in professional psychology and psychotherapy, focusing on its current applications, ethical considerations, and future implications. We discussed how AI enhances diagnostic processes and therapy accessibility through tools like chatbots but emphasized that human therapists remain essential for complex emotional issues. 

 

Key points included addressing misconceptions about AI replacing therapists, ethical concerns around data privacy and cultural biases, anticipated advancements in AI technology such as improved conversational capabilities and augmented reality therapies, and the need for balanced integration to maintain patient-centered care. 

 

Additionally, we touched on regulatory frameworks in South Africa and Africa to ensure ethical use of AI in mental health contexts. Overall, while AI offers significant benefits by automating tasks and providing personalized insights, it must be used thoughtfully to complement rather than replace human interaction in therapeutic settings.

158. AI arms race raises questions for markets (in conversation with Michael Avery from Classic Business)

Michael Avery and Johan Steyn discuss the global race for AI dominance, highlighting the US's $500 billion Stargate Project and China's low-cost, high-performance AI models. Steyn expresses skepticism about the feasibility of the US investment, citing potential digital oligarchy and conflicts between government and private sector interests. He notes China's $6 million model performing similarly to OpenAI's ChatGPT, which costs $700,000 daily. Steyn emphasizes the need for AI regulations, education reform, and government incentives to prepare South Africa's workforce for the AI revolution, warning of potential digital colonization and societal unrest if not managed properly.

157. AI conversation with Ruan Schutte from Flame Station (a Liberty/Standard Bank initiative)

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/QtJl6jgnJCw

 

In the recent discussion I had on the Flame Station show with Ruan Schutte, we delved into the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial services sector, particularly focusing on South Africa.

 

We began by acknowledging the substantial budgets allocated by major banks for IT and infrastructure improvements, amounting to around 70 billion rand collectively. However, I expressed my scepticism regarding the effectiveness of these expenditures, as many customers, including myself, still experience poor service levels from these institutions. The challenges are compounded by the highly regulated nature of the industry and South Africa's unique socio-economic landscape, which includes a diverse population speaking numerous languages.

 

A significant point of our conversation was the need for banks to leverage technology effectively to cater to this diversity. For instance, implementing chatbots that can communicate in various local dialects could enhance customer engagement. Despite the potential for hyper-personalization through data analytics, I noted that many financial services still fail to deliver meaningful improvements in customer experience.

 

We also touched on the skills shortage in South Africa, which hampers innovation and implementation of AI solutions. While there are initiatives aimed at upskilling young South Africans, I lamented that many companies prefer outsourcing to cheaper labour markets abroad rather than investing in local talent. This not only stifles local development but also leads to a brain drain as skilled individuals are attracted to opportunities overseas.

156. Creating a Sensory-Smart Workplace: Embracing Autism and Neurodiversity in Tech

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fwS75RqU90w

 

I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism late in life. It felt like I was “born again” as everything in my life - especially my childhood - made sense now. It also made me understand why I was drawn to a career in technology - especially in Artificial Intelligence.

 

In this discussion, I engaged with Dr Annemarie Lombard, CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, who shared groundbreaking insights on how sensory intelligence can transform the modern workplace, especially in tech. 

 

Dr Lombard emphasised that autism isn’t just a childhood diagnosis; it’s a lifelong condition often identified later in life. She highlighted the unique strengths that autistic individuals bring to tech roles, such as enhanced pattern recognition and problem-solving abilities. However, Dr Lombard noted that for these talents to thrive, workplaces need to accommodate diverse sensory needs by creating “sensory-smart” environments, which can minimise sensory stressors and foster better communication among teams.

 

We also explored the stereotypes and challenges neurodiverse individuals face, particularly in hiring. Dr Lombard pointed out that traditional interview formats can present barriers for neurodivergent candidates. Companies like Google and Microsoft have set a precedent by adapting hiring processes to focus on skills rather than social cues. With AI and automation transforming workplaces, Dr Lombard argues that human-centred skills like creativity and empathy, often found in neurodiverse individuals, are more essential than ever. This conversation underscores the critical role of sensory intelligence in creating inclusive, innovative workplaces that harness the strengths of every individual.

 

155. The AI Tsunami in Remuneration (SARA)

My talk at the South African Reward Association.