Chairman of the Board

• Oct 2023 - Present

Non Executive Director

• Apr 2022 - Sep 2023

Senior Lecturer

• Jan 2023 - Present

Lecturer

• Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

Founder & Research Scientist

• Nov 2016 - Present

As the Founder & Research Scientist at Thrive Financial Wellness, I am at the forefront of transforming how employers engage with their employees' financial well-being. Our mission at Thrive is to turn employers into genuine advocates for their employees' financial well-being. By harnessing the power of behaviour change science, we provide tailored solutions designed for those who view financial well-being as a cornerstone of their business strategy. Recognizing the deep connection between… Show more As the Founder & Research Scientist at Thrive Financial Wellness, I am at the forefront of transforming how employers engage with their employees' financial well-being. Our mission at Thrive is to turn employers into genuine advocates for their employees' financial well-being. By harnessing the power of behaviour change science, we provide tailored solutions designed for those who view financial well-being as a cornerstone of their business strategy. Recognizing the deep connection between financial well-being, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, I ensure that our strategies not only stand on rigorous research but also deliver tangible value for every organization we partner with. Show less As the Founder & Research Scientist at Thrive Financial Wellness, I am at the forefront of transforming how employers engage with their employees' financial well-being. Our mission at Thrive is to turn employers into genuine advocates for their employees' financial well-being. By harnessing the power of behaviour change science, we provide tailored solutions designed for those who view financial well-being as a cornerstone of their business strategy. Recognizing the deep connection between… Show more As the Founder & Research Scientist at Thrive Financial Wellness, I am at the forefront of transforming how employers engage with their employees' financial well-being. Our mission at Thrive is to turn employers into genuine advocates for their employees' financial well-being. By harnessing the power of behaviour change science, we provide tailored solutions designed for those who view financial well-being as a cornerstone of their business strategy. Recognizing the deep connection between financial well-being, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, I ensure that our strategies not only stand on rigorous research but also deliver tangible value for every organization we partner with. Show less

Founder & Research Scientist

• Nov 2016 - Present

At the core of Dr Mags’ research is a quest to unravel the enigma of resilience. Why do some individuals, despite adversities, not just survive but thrive? Drawing from his experience, Dr Mags seeks to understand the profound interplay between adversity, resilience, and well-being. His insights emphasize actionable steps that build individual and team resilience. It's against this backdrop that Frankly Speaking was born, an employee wellbeing consulting firm whose mission is to design… Show more At the core of Dr Mags’ research is a quest to unravel the enigma of resilience. Why do some individuals, despite adversities, not just survive but thrive? Drawing from his experience, Dr Mags seeks to understand the profound interplay between adversity, resilience, and well-being. His insights emphasize actionable steps that build individual and team resilience. It's against this backdrop that Frankly Speaking was born, an employee wellbeing consulting firm whose mission is to design transformative mental health and resilience programmes rooted in academic research and Dr Mags' personal narrative. This narrative of a journey of transformation from roaming the streets of Johannesburg in 1992 as a homeless, broke, and unemployed young adult to boardrooms and the corridors of GIBS as a senior lecturer stands as a testament to Dr Mags resilience and the power of the human spirit to conquer. Frankly Speaking empowers organizations to champion a holistic and strategic approach to wellbeing. By melding science, research, and lived experiences, Frankly Speaking crafts training programs that are grounded in collective responsibility. The aim? To foster a high-performing wellbeing culture where employees are equipped with the tools to safeguard their mental health, tailored to their unique needs. Frankly Speaking isn't just another consultancy. It's an embodiment of Dr Mags’ ethos. The company understands that a good wellbeing strategy is more than just a plan. It's a bridge that connects the organization's unique priorities, initiates a cultural shift, and progresses towards a culture of well-being. Dr Mags feels immensely grateful and privileged to partner with organizations that want employee wellbeing to be a successful business strategy. Show less At the core of Dr Mags’ research is a quest to unravel the enigma of resilience. Why do some individuals, despite adversities, not just survive but thrive? Drawing from his experience, Dr Mags seeks to understand the profound interplay between adversity, resilience, and well-being. His insights emphasize actionable steps that build individual and team resilience. It's against this backdrop that Frankly Speaking was born, an employee wellbeing consulting firm whose mission is to design… Show more At the core of Dr Mags’ research is a quest to unravel the enigma of resilience. Why do some individuals, despite adversities, not just survive but thrive? Drawing from his experience, Dr Mags seeks to understand the profound interplay between adversity, resilience, and well-being. His insights emphasize actionable steps that build individual and team resilience. It's against this backdrop that Frankly Speaking was born, an employee wellbeing consulting firm whose mission is to design transformative mental health and resilience programmes rooted in academic research and Dr Mags' personal narrative. This narrative of a journey of transformation from roaming the streets of Johannesburg in 1992 as a homeless, broke, and unemployed young adult to boardrooms and the corridors of GIBS as a senior lecturer stands as a testament to Dr Mags resilience and the power of the human spirit to conquer. Frankly Speaking empowers organizations to champion a holistic and strategic approach to wellbeing. By melding science, research, and lived experiences, Frankly Speaking crafts training programs that are grounded in collective responsibility. The aim? To foster a high-performing wellbeing culture where employees are equipped with the tools to safeguard their mental health, tailored to their unique needs. Frankly Speaking isn't just another consultancy. It's an embodiment of Dr Mags’ ethos. The company understands that a good wellbeing strategy is more than just a plan. It's a bridge that connects the organization's unique priorities, initiates a cultural shift, and progresses towards a culture of well-being. Dr Mags feels immensely grateful and privileged to partner with organizations that want employee wellbeing to be a successful business strategy. Show less

CEO | Momentum Middle Market

• Sep 2012 - Oct 2016

A phenomenal opportunity where I provided strategic and operational leadership and built strong partnerships with all stakeholders, formulating strategic plans and building capabilities including business processes, infrastructure, competencies and skills. I led the servicing of middle-income consumers through digital channels, contact centres and financial advisers, developing a digitally enabled enterprise-level sales process, and compliance culture ensuring that business plans were robust to… Show more A phenomenal opportunity where I provided strategic and operational leadership and built strong partnerships with all stakeholders, formulating strategic plans and building capabilities including business processes, infrastructure, competencies and skills. I led the servicing of middle-income consumers through digital channels, contact centres and financial advisers, developing a digitally enabled enterprise-level sales process, and compliance culture ensuring that business plans were robust to the ever-changing regulatory environment. I developed a collaboration model with other Momentum and Metropolitan divisions including financial planning, sales, product development, marketing, actuarial, and brand to grow the sales, and profitability of the business. In addition, I led the launch of innovative products such as 2-in-1 savings products as well as a Financial Adviser Internship Programme. Achievements: Received approval of business case by the MMI Exco and board. Obtained incremental funding over a 3-year period. Opened offices in more accessible locations for clients

Chief Operating Officer | Momentum Wealth

• Mar 2011 - Aug 2012

Led the operations function including legal & compliance, e-commerce, fund accounting and tax matters, personal share portfolios, business planning, learning & development, product management, project management, and platform development, coupled with client operations including contact centres. I successfully managed career development of high-potential employees and the identification, development, and implementation of process re-engineering efforts. Led change management initiatives… Show more Led the operations function including legal & compliance, e-commerce, fund accounting and tax matters, personal share portfolios, business planning, learning & development, product management, project management, and platform development, coupled with client operations including contact centres. I successfully managed career development of high-potential employees and the identification, development, and implementation of process re-engineering efforts. Led change management initiatives that improved employee engagement and introduced various channel strategies. Achievements: Launched employee development programmes that led to improved client service and lower loss call rate and improved quarterly statement reporting timelines. Launched continuous improvement initiatives that improved overall client service and reduced operational expenses. Contributed to growth in assets under administration and management and overall market share Took decisive action to improve employee engagement.

Chief Executive Officer | Momentum Administration Services

• Apr 2010 - Mar 2011

Led the overall business in vision and strategy; people and culture; growth in assets under administration and profitability; as well as organizational development. Achievements: Maintained market share and grew profitability. Created a leadership programme for first level managers Improved employee engagement. Reduced operating expenses by combining various contact centre teams. Improved service levels while reducing costs by entrusting employees with more… Show more Led the overall business in vision and strategy; people and culture; growth in assets under administration and profitability; as well as organizational development. Achievements: Maintained market share and grew profitability. Created a leadership programme for first level managers Improved employee engagement. Reduced operating expenses by combining various contact centre teams. Improved service levels while reducing costs by entrusting employees with more responsibility without adding headcount. Improved contact centre and operations teams’ performance through new ways of work while maintaining excellence standards

Head of Institutional Business

• May 2007 - Mar 2010

Executive Committee member responsible for overseeing all the day-to-day activities of the institutional business of the company. Executive Committee member responsible for overseeing all the day-to-day activities of the institutional business of the company.

Fund Manager

• Apr 2004 - Apr 2007

Client Management I communicated Coronation’s investment process, strategies, and performance to institutional clients and managed a portfolio of clients with the aim of providing high levels of service to the clients and growing the business generated from these clients. Business Development I was responsible for business development in the local government and trade union markets as well as select African countries. Client Management I communicated Coronation’s investment process, strategies, and performance to institutional clients and managed a portfolio of clients with the aim of providing high levels of service to the clients and growing the business generated from these clients. Business Development I was responsible for business development in the local government and trade union markets as well as select African countries.

Head: Equity Derivatives Structuring

• Feb 2003 - Mar 2004

Structure, trade and risk-manage equity derivative structured products. Equity derivatives research. Structure, trade and risk-manage equity derivative structured products. Equity derivatives research.

Head: Equity Derivatives Structuring & Broking

• Aug 2002 - Jan 2003

Structure, trade and risk-manage equity derivative structured products. Structure, trade and risk-manage equity derivative structured products.

Managing Director

• Nov 2001 - Jul 2002

Owner-manager of this derivatives broking and structuring business. Owner-manager of this derivatives broking and structuring business.

Vice President - Equity Derivates Trading

• Jan 2000 - Oct 2001

Price, trade and risk-manage equity derivative products. Analyze volatility, assess product risk, and formulate hedging strategies. Price, trade and risk-manage equity derivative products. Analyze volatility, assess product risk, and formulate hedging strategies.

Risk Manager

• Aug 1998 - Dec 1999

Analysing market and credit risk affecting the trading desks. Risk reporting to the risk committee so that they understand the most significant risks, and to the business heads to ensure they are aware of risks. Analysing market and credit risk affecting the trading desks. Risk reporting to the risk committee so that they understand the most significant risks, and to the business heads to ensure they are aware of risks.

Fund Management Trainee

• Jan 1998 - Jul 1998

Analyzing and doing valuations for listed companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Analyzing performance attribution for investment portfolios. Analyzing and doing valuations for listed companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Analyzing performance attribution for investment portfolios.