Abdullah Verachia

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SPEAKER DETAILS

Guest Speaker Abdullah Verachia is a globally respected strategist, entrepreneur, and keynote presenter known for turning disruption into opportunity.

He is adept at fusing practice, education, insight, empathy and experience together to add significant value at all levels. Abdullah has served in senior executive and board roles, crafted competitive strategies for leading companies and governments around the world, lectured at some of the top-ranked business schools globally and also built and run a number of successful companies.

He serves as CEO of The Strategists, a leading strategy, innovation and bespoke immersion consultancy A successful entrepreneur, Abdullah co-founded disruptive ventures including Digicars, iCar Technologies, and The Collective Genius, and was a founding partner of Frontier Advisory (acquired by Deloitte).

Abdullah is a PhD candidate with a focus on strategy and dynamic capabilities. He is a Harvard Business School alumnus, having completed the acclaimed Harvard Business School General Management Program, and also holds a Bachelors in Law and a Masters in Management (cum laude).

Academically, he heads faculty for Strategy, Sustainability, and Digital at GIBS, is Director of the Harvard Business School Senior Executive Programme for Africa, and holds the inaugural MultiChoice Chair in Sport, Media and Entertainment. He’s taught and advised across 70+ cities globally. Abdullah has worked with governments, CEOs, and boards in in numerous sectors helping them navigate turbulence through bold, future-fit strategy. He is the lead strategy advisor to over 10 listed firms globally. He is the author of the best-selling Disruption Amplified and has also cp-authored over 7 other books.

Abdullah has also completed a number of executive programmes namely:

– Strategy and shared value, with Professor Michael Porter’s Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School.

– Executive programme at University of Oxford’s Said Business School

– Executive programme on broadcast technology at Columbia Business School

Abdullah has delivered presentations around the world to leading listed firms, international organisations and governments. He has captivated audiences in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Accra, Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris, London and New York. Some of the world’s leading institutions, including the School of Public and International Affairs at Colombia University in New York, TEDx Euston, the OECD Paris and Casa Asia in Madrid, are among the acclaimed bodies that have invited Abdullah to present at their events.

GLOBAL STRATEGIST

Abdullah serves as CEO of The Strategists, where he plays an active role in assisting companies and organisations to craft competitive future strategies and build innovation functions. He is renowned for his expertise in building ambidextrous organisations. With significant expertise in strategy, innovation and disruption, Abdullah facilitates numerous high-level strategy sessions and breakaways for companies and governments, and is an authoritative speaker on the world stage regarding these matters.

He has led strategy, innovation and consulting assignments in an array of sectors including banking, mining, finance, asset management, construction, insurance, legal, audit, FMCG, telecoms, retail and automotive. Abdullah and his team have consulted and guided more than 200 global multinationals firms (listed and non-listed) to build disruptive, ambidextrous organisations, with a focus on building success in the now and the next.

Abdullah led the team that crafted the 2017-2030 Gauteng Economic Development Strategy in association with the province’s Premier and Executive Council. He also led the 2017 Mauritius Competitiveness foresight strategy and continues to play a vital role on the Oxford University and Gates Foundation programme on South Africa in a Digital Age.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Abdullah is a regular media commentator for a number of global news outlets and publications including CNBC Africa, BBC, CCTV, CNN, SABC, MoneyWeb, Business Day, SAFM, 702, Al Jazeera, New York Times, Financial Times, Reuters and the Sunday Times.

Abdullah is the author of ‘Disruption Amplified: Reset, Rewire, Reimagine Everything’, which was published in 2020. He also co-authored a book on the commercial corridor between Africa and India, and contributed to ‘The Book Every Business Owner Must Read’.

Abdullah has authored a number of academic journal articles and business school case studies.

BOARD & EXECUTIVE ADVISOR

Abdullah sits on several boards and also serves as an EXCO advisor to leading companies. Companies and organisations have found Abdullah’s unique blend of legal, business, emerging market, digital, strategy, innovation, academic and human capital experience to add significant value to their organisations. Many companies have gone on to build successful, long-term partnerships with Abdullah as a trusted EXCO advisor.

An ability to advise and guide senior leaders and teams to build disruptive and ambidextrous organisations sets Abdullah apart and has solidified his reputation as a globally sought-after advisor and strategist.

Notable Achievements

– Selected for the Brightest Young Minds in South Africa

– Awarded Harvard Business School Dean’s Scholarship for leadership and innovation

– Recipient of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 GIBS Excellence in Teaching

– Award for executive education and academic programmes, as voted by staff and students

– Presented with the 15-year Excellence Award for contributions made towards and development of the Model United Nations

– Made an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honour Society

Current

– CEO: The Strategists

– Senior Faculty: GIBS

– Programme Director: Harvard Senior Executive Programme for Africa

– Co-Founder: Digicars (a disruptor in the motor industry)

– Executive: International at Rand Merchant Bank

– FirstRand India

Management Board

– Co-Founder and Partner: Frontier Advisory (acquired by Deloitte in 2015)

– Social Advisory Panel: Sibanye-Stillwater

– Trustee: Londvolota General Electric Supplier

Development Trust

– Member: University of Pretoria Think Tank on the Future of Work

Current Board & Advisory

– Member: The Institute of Directors South Africa

– Chairperson of the Board: Education Africa

– Board: General Electric South Africa

– Board: Clarke and Sons (including Twizza)

– Social Advisory Panel: Sibanye-Stillwater

– Trustee: Londvolota General Electric

Supplier Development Trust

– Member: University of Pretoria Think

– Tank on the Future of Work

Previous Board & Advisory

– Advisory Board: Gauteng Innovation

– Task Team: Gauteng Vision 2055

– Brains Trust: Youth Employment Service

– Board: Penryn College Council

– Appointed by the Minister of Trade and

Industry as a judge for the South African Premier Business Awards

– Chairperson: South African Model

United Nations

– Advisor: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’sDevelopment Centre for the 2011 edition of the African Economic Outlook

Presentation Content by Abdullah Verachia

The AI & Digital Revolution: Strategy, Leadership, and Relevance in a Tech-Driven World

This keynote provides clarity and practical foresight on how to lead, compete, and thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation. It focuses on what leaders must understand and do to remain relevant and build future-ready organisations.

Why This Keynote Matters

AI and digital transformation are strategic imperatives, not emerging trends
Many organisations are overwhelmed or stuck in “pilot paralysis”
The session helps leaders cut through complexity and act with intent

Making Sense of the Revolution

Explores how AI, cloud, IoT, automation, and digital technologies are reshaping industries and redefining business models.

AI and Digital Mega Trends

Examines how AI is transforming sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, highlighting opportunities and risks.

Sector-Specific Disruption

Unpacks key global trends including generative AI, blockchain, robotics, and real-time data, and their implications for organisations.

Key Takeaways

Building a future-fit digital strategy for growth and innovation
Leading in a tech-driven world with confidence and digital literacy
Embedding digital ethics, cybersecurity, and responsible AI practices

The Audacity to Thrive: Strategy, Leadership and Reinvention in a Disrupted World

This keynote challenges leaders to not only navigate disruption but to use it as a catalyst for reinvention. It draws on strategic foresight, global case studies, and Abdullah’s personal entrepreneurial journey.

Focus Areas

Building resilient, future-ready businesses
Reinventing strategy with simplicity and bold execution
Turning disruption into opportunity

Leading Through the Whirlwind

A high-impact keynote focused on leading through volatility and complexity while building future-ready organisations. It helps leaders move from reactive decision-making to strategic foresight.

Key Takeaways

Understanding global political, economic, and digital shifts
Balancing short-term execution with long-term strategy
Building culture, resilience, and leadership under pressure
Creating momentum and alignment in uncertain environments

Developing the Now and the Next and the Next

A future-focused keynote designed for organisations navigating constant change in 2025 and beyond. It equips teams to thrive amid disruption while maintaining strategic clarity.

Key Takeaways

Leveraging major global shifts for strategic advantage
Balancing short-term priorities with long-term vision
Building a digital, innovative, and agile mindset
Developing leadership traits such as curiosity, empathy, and creativity

Don’t Just React to Change

This session focuses on building the capability to respond proactively to disruption and uncertainty, using practical strategy tools and frameworks.

Core Areas Covered

The changing global landscape across politics, economy, and technology
How to anticipate and “see around corners”
Turning disruption into strategic advantage
Future-back thinking for better decision-making

Other Keynote Talks

Reset, Rewire and Reimagine Everything

Based on Abdullah’s book Disruption Amplified, focusing on relevance, agility, and adaptability in a disrupted world.

Disruption, Disintermediation and Digital

An exploration of global disruption and its impact on industries, business models, and competition.

Reimagining Everything

A focus on innovation, creativity, and exponential thinking to transform business models and customer value.

Beyond the Headlines

A contextual and balanced perspective on South Africa, cutting through noise to provide practical insights on the local landscape.

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