Breaking barriers, shattering ceilings: BrightRock’s Change in One Generation podcast showcases South Africa’s most inspiring change agents

Posted on 25 May, 23 by BrightRock

Johannesburg, 20 April 2023 – Life is a journey of change, a constant force that shapes and molds us, leading us to new horizons and opportunities. Though the path may sometimes be fraught with challenges, it is in these moments that we often find opportunity, enabling us to grow stronger and thrive.

Needs-matched insurer, BrightRock, has always recognised the opportunity inherent in change, and has now launched a brand-new podcast series, Change in One Generation, to showcase the power of embracing change. This 8-part series shares the remarkable journeys of inspiring South Africans who have harnessed change to make a tremendous positive impact in their respective communities. Through their stories, we learn that change can be a force for good, empowering us to grow, learn, and transform ourselves and the world around us.

The guests featured on the Change in One Generation podcast have all risen above poverty and adversity to achieve phenomenal success in their respective fields, breaking barriers, and shattering ceilings. And in the process, as the podcast title suggests, they have created lasting change that will benefit generations to come. In the first episode, dropping on 20 April, listeners will hear from Ofentse Pitse, the youngest black woman to conduct and own an all-black orchestra. She’ll discuss the power of music and her journey from  Mabopane where she first learned to play an instrument in the Salvation Army’s brass band to conducting and performing on the international stage.

Ofentse’s story will be followed by that of Saray Khumalo, trailblazing black explorer and mountaineer, and Setlogane Manchidi, who rose from humble beginnings in rural Limpopo to head up CSI for one of corporate South Africa’s most prestigious institutions. Other guests to look forward to include Asnath Mahapa, the first black woman to become a commercial pilot in Africa; leading economist, Isaah Mhlanga; Fulbright scholar, Dr Dorothy Ndletyana; and Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first black woman winemaker.  

Hosted by personal change and resilience expert, Dr Frank Magwegwe, and journalist, Ruda Landman, the podcast combines these personal stories with practical insights and advice gleaned from the Science of Change, a theoretical framework from psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience that articulates BrightRock’s belief that anyone is capable of change ­– and that any change brings opportunity with it.  

According to Landman, these stories are part of a broader, truly unique South African story that is playing out all around us. One that she has encountered repeatedly in interviews, including the ‘Ruda Talks Change’ interviews she has conducted over the past decade on the Change Exchange, a BrightRock platform. Taking inspiration from this broader story, the Change in One Generation podcast aims to distil some of its lessons. “We wanted to create a podcast that both inspires and empowers people to embrace change,” says Dr Magwegwe. “Our guests have overcome significant obstacles to make a real difference in their communities, and we hope that the themes and insights we highlight, can support listeners in doing the same.” Landman agrees: “I have learnt so much from these eight conversations. The stories are amazing, and the theory is fascinating,” she says.

Deputy CEO of BrightRock, Suzanne Stevens explains: “At the heart of BrightRock’s Love Change philosophy, lies the belief that change is an inevitable and constant part of life. No matter how unexpected or challenging, each change presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and transformation. The Change in One Generation podcast is just one of many change science-based initiatives on the Change Exchange – an online BrightRock platform for sharing stories, insights, and ideas to help people navigate change in their lives. “It’s packed with tips and tools for anyone looking to embrace change and unlock their full potential. It is a community where people can share their stories, connect with others who are going through similar experiences, and learn from experts in the field of change leadership and change science.”

Listeners can stream the Change in One Generation podcast from their preferred streaming platform or by visiting changepodcasts.co.za, with the first episode launching on Thursday, 20 April, and the remaining episodes being released weekly after that. With its focus on positivity, inspiration, and transformation, the podcast promises to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to embrace change.

//ENDS

About BrightRock

BrightRock is a disrupter in the South African life insurance market, offering clients and financial advisers’ solutions that can be co-created to precisely meet their needs. BrightRock’s world-first, needs-matched individual life insurance cover matches each client’s specific needs on day one of their policy and can change over time as their needs change. By matching a client’s cover to their changing needs over time, BrightRock cuts out unnecessary waste, delivering significantly more cover (up to double) for the same premium. BrightRock also operates in the funeral insurance market, where it partners with large funeral parlour businesses around South Africa, providing underwriting and other insurance services. BrightRock Life Ltd is a licensed financial services provider and insurer. Company registration no: 1996/014618/06, FSP 11643. Terms and conditions apply.