Workforce Readiness | 25

Billy has over 7 years of experience in the training and learning development sector, with his tenure split between instructor-led training and self-paced content segments. Currently, he serves as a Channel Account Executive within Skillsoft’s Channel business. His primary focus is enabling the Skillsoft partner ecosystem across the African and Mainland Europe regions.

Tim has worked within the training, platform and talent sector for over 23 years, primarily focusing on the development of Skillsoft’s Channel business. He began his career as an Account Executive, concentrating on the African and Middle Eastern markets, and has since been promoted to VP Global Channels. In this global role, he now leads the Channel teams, driving the development and sustainable growth of Skillsoft’s content and platform subscription offerings.

Based in the UK with his wife and two children, Tim holds a degree in Business, Finance, and Marketing from Hull University.

With over 20 years Tech experience throughout her career, Nadia has held various positions in the technology industry, ranging from system developer to service delivery manager to now CISO.

Over the years, she has honed her skills in managing and securing complex networks, identifying and mitigating cyber threats, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. Nadia has a passion for educating others on the principles of information security and has also mentored many aspiring future information security candidates. She has also participated in various industry conferences and spoken on topics related to cybersecurity and has also been nominated for numerous industry awards by her peers.

Jill Dyers is a distinguished Banking Executive with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Sector, encompassing extensive expertise in both general banking and human capital management, consulting on a large-scale transformation projects.

She began her career in Retail Banking at First National Bank (FNB) in 1998, where she initially served as an ATM custodian and subsequently advanced through various roles within the branch network. Her commitment to Change and Transformation led her to spearhead numerous significant projects focused on organizational culture and change management. In 2008, Jill joined ABSA in the Free State, eventually rising to the position of Head of Human Resources for Business Banking Africa.

Jill joined African Bank to strategically manage the integration of acquisitions and the Digital Transformation programme, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with future business objectives. She is a seasoned expert in Organizational Transformation, as a strategic thinker, she excels in leading substantial transformation initiatives.

Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and a Master’s in Business Leadership from UNISA.

Mark Furman began his AI journey as the founder of Evalu8r, conducting thousands of interviews to uncover unique insights into human behaviour. As co-founder of 1064 Degrees, he has partnered with leading companies to provide strategic advice on AI and innovation. Mark co-developed "Dawn of Disruption”, a globally recognised board game educating businesses on AI.

Passionate about fostering an AI mindset, Mark helps businesses navigate AI's complexities, driving innovation by questioning the status quo and aligning AI strategies with business goals. A natural-born speaker, he engages audiences with his relaxed style and sharp sense of humour, making complex topics accessible.

Charlene Lawrence is an accomplished HR professional with over 20 years of experience in talent management, learning, and organizational culture. Currently serving as the Senior Manager for Talent Optimisation at MTN SA in Johannesburg, Charlene has been the driving force behind strategies that enhance employee experience and boost organizational vitality.

As a digital learning expert, Charlene has transformed the learning landscape with her innovative approach. Her cutting-edge methods have made training programs more accessible, engaging, and effective, enabling employees to upskill and reskill efficiently.

Her expertise encompasses talent management, employee experience, and capability development. Known for her dynamic leadership, exceptional communication skills, and ability to influence and negotiate, Charlene has led initiatives such as Career & Wellbeing Week, Capability Academies, and Graduate Development Programmes.

Charlene holds an Honours degree in English Literary and Cultural Studies from the University of Durban Westville majoring in Critical Thinking & Research. Her career is marked by significant achievements in learning innovation, cost efficiency, compliance, and leadership development.

With deep passion and expertise in leadership development, coaching, digital learning, team collaboration and effectiveness, facilitation, and programme design and development, Thembi is a strategic and financially astute learning professional focused on future skill development.

Rezah Williams is an experienced expert in risk management, Internal Audit and compliance, boasting over 20 years of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Senior Manager Group Internal Audit, Rezah has been instrumental in developing and implementing robust GRC tools and frameworks that have significantly enhanced the overall control environment evaluations and improvements.

Specializing in eGRC (Enterprise Governance, Risk, and Compliance) tools, Telecoms, Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management (RAFM), and Internal Audit, Rezah brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to his role. His comprehensive understanding of these areas has enabled him to drive significant improvements in providing assurance within various domains across MTN.

Known for his insightful and engaging presentations, Rezah has spoken at various international conferences, sharing his expertise on topics such as RAFM, Combined Assurance, Integrated Risk Management and effective use of eGRC tools.

Outside of his professional life, Rezah is an avid runner and golfer and enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his family. His passion for continuous learning and dedication to excellence make him a valuable contributor to this event.

Frederick is currently the Head of Learning & Development: Human Resources: Sanlam Retail Affluent responsible for the full function of Learning & Development, Performance Development and E-learning in the company. He graduated at the University of Port Elizabeth with a degree in Industrial & Organisational Psychology and has a post graduate degree in Industrial Sociology.

He was a national board member of the Institute of People Management (IPM) in South Africa and the Western Cape Chairman. He serves on the HR Advisory Board of the University of Johannesburg: Department of Industrial Psychology & People Management.

He has presented at various local and international conferences on the topics of Training and Development, Performance Development and Technology in Training.

During 2010 he was invited to attend the Executive Learning Forum in Germany. This forum is by personal invitation and limited to 50 European Chief Learning Officers and Board members.
In 2011 he was a recipient of the Sanlam Personal Finance CEO Award.

Omri Yaari is the Managing Executive of LRMG’s Talent Development portfolio, which designs and implements business performance-enabling solutions targeting both broad-based and specific organisational capability development.

Omri believes that technological disruption, growing skills shortages, and tough economic conditions necessitate rapid employee upskilling and performance optimisation initiatives. These initiatives are crucial for increasing operational efficiency, driving strategic execution, and improving business results. He asserts that learning and development must be integrated into business strategy for companies to stay relevant and competitive in a complex, ever-changing landscape.

Over the past twenty years, Omri has built his expertise at the intersection of human capital, technology innovation, and performance consulting. He continues to evolve LRMG’s strategic partnerships, industry solutions, and delivery methodologies, facilitating the development of the skills and capabilities needed by today’s markets and those of the future.