The Business Culture Podcast Series seeks to engage and learn from business leaders across various industries and cultures. We listen to their stories and how they overcame various challenges towards building their world-class organisation cultures. The Business Culture Podcast is powered by RCA Consulting and hosted by founder, Rob Arnold.
Episodes
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
In this RCA Short, we unpack the power of hospitality for any business. The concept and notion of hospitality beyond an industry.
This podcast is brought to you by RCA Consulting, a specialist in staff training and market research.
For more information, do visit www.rcaconsulting.biz
Friday Jun 24, 2022
Friday Jun 24, 2022
In this episode, Rob had the wonderful opportunity to engage with Mark Wernich, General Manager at the TAJ Hotel in Cape Town.
Mark has enjoyed a remarkable career in the hospitality industry and become an industry leader in turnaround strategy. An individual willing to get his hands dirty, Mark speaks to us about the lessons he has gleaned from environments like the Protea Group (now Marriott) and now the TAJ group.
Having come through the pandemic, Mark is hugely optimistic about the new resiliency and problem-solving capabilities acquired by those who have stuck things out in the industry.
This episode is brought to you by RCA Consulting, a leading blended learning and performance provider in Africa. For more information, please visit www.rcaconsulting.biz.
Monday Mar 21, 2022
Monday Mar 21, 2022
In this episode, Rob had the great fortune of chatting with Jonathan Menteath, the General Manager at the Heritage Golf Club in Mauritius.
Jonno is a soft-spoken but deliberate individual who leads through the power of context and community. Throughout his career, he has found himself somewhat outside of his comfort zone which has allowed for a steep learning curve and maturity in the hospitality industry at a relatively young age.
In this episode, we discuss the move from a professional playing career into management as well as what it has been like to develop roots in Mauritius as well as an exciting new project at the Heritage resort.
This episode is brought to you by RCA Consulting, a leading blended learning and performance provider in Africa. For more information, please visit www.rcaconsulting.biz.
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
In this episode, Rob had the great pleasure of chatting with Alison Boruchowitz, head of People and Organisation at Puma South Africa.
Alison has enjoyed a highly successful career in the HR space since her formative days at Cape Union Mart.
A significant part of Alison's impact within the HR space in her career has been her passion for organisational culture. In this conversation, we unpack the relationship between learning and culture development in the workplace as well as looking at some trends in terms of technology and other factors.
This episode is brought to you by RCA Consulting, a leading blended learning and performance provider in Africa. For more information, please visit www.rcaconsulting.biz.
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Welcome to Season 3 of the Business Culture Podcast powered by RCA.
In the first episode of this season, Rob had the great pleasure of chatting with a legend of the golfing world, Mr Jeff Clause.
As one of the front-running advocates for people-centricity in golf, Jeff has brought an immense amount of positive change to how the club industry delivers value to its members. We get into his journey in the industry and some of the key lessons learnt along the way.
To learn more about Jeff's journey, visit his LinkedIn profile below:
https://za.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clause-b225a231
Find out more about the Business Culture Podcast by visit www.rcaconsulting.biz
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
In the final episode of Season 2, I had the pleasure of spending time with a good friend of mine and General Manager of Pearl Valley Golf Estate at Val de Vie, Damian Wrigley.
I’ve always believed that some of the great leaders in business are able to find the optimal balance between ambition and humility. Damian is somebody who, for me, truly personifies an evolutionary mindset to leadership and culture development. With a solid grounding in both golf operations as well as Food and Beverage, his insights in this interview are worth their weight in gold.
This episode is hosted by Rob Arnold, founder of RCA Consulting.
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Monday Sep 06, 2021
In this episode, I once again had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Bentley.
A familiar face and voice to the golf and club industry, Chris is a futurist. Somebody who can see things before it becomes a reality in greater society.
In this episode, we unpacked the importance of running a club like a business rather than a club. Chris, together with his capable team at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington, have and continue to build a business that is diversifying in revenue streams and thereby de-risking itself in the process.
The Business Culture Podcast is powered by RCA Consulting and hosted by Rob Arnold.
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Michael Leemhuis, M.A. Ed., CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional, was born in South Africa and had his initial education in that country. After graduating from Pretoria Boys High School, he studied at Wits University in Johannesburg, graduating in 1976 with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History. Leemhuis started his teaching career at the famous King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, where he taught Physical Education.
His desire for education then took him to the United States in 1979, where he studied at UCLA. He then completed his graduate degree at East Carolina University in 1991, where he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Sport Administration Management. In realizing his lifetime goal of working in sports-related fields, Leemhuis’s experience has taken him through many different industries, including hotel/resort management, stadium management, athlete representation, event management and private club management. Major sporting events that he has been involved in organizing and directing have included the 2011 U.S. Open, as well as United States Tennis Association events, numerous PGA TOUR events, and multiple ultra-distance marathon and triathlon races. Leemhuis’ extensive leadership and sports experience have been gained in his current role as the President of the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Fla., as well as previous positions as Chief Executive Officer of Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Md.; GM/Director of Golf at the PGA TOUR; General Manager, Sport and Recreation at the Sun City Resort in South Africa; Tournament Director of the Nedbank Million $ Golf Challenge, and Managing Director of Sports International. Leemhuis’ career highlights have included guiding Congressional Country Club to the #1 spot in the Platinum Clubs of America and into the top 100 of Platinum Clubs in the World.
Wednesday Jul 21, 2021
Wednesday Jul 21, 2021
Rob was once again joined by Monique Landman (Chief Empathy Officer) to unpack the concept of resilient leadership as well as the shaping of a robust company culture.
This episode delves into some insightful psychology behind leadership in testing and uncertain times as well as what leaders can do to instil confidence and certainty back into the workforce.
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For more information about RCA's culture development training and measurement programmes, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz.
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
In this episode, I got to chat with Dale Hayes, former European #1 Pro Golfer and fondly known as the voice of golf in South Africa.
If you’ve ever watched a European or Sunshine Tour event, chances are you’ve heard Dale’s voice. A man with a story for every occasion, a wicked sense of humour and a remarkable CV in golf.
A big thank you to our friends at Steenberg Golf Club for hosting this podcast. Head over to www.steenberggolfclub.co.za and experience what this wonderful golf destination has to offer.
Let’s hear her story.
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
In this episode, I got to chat with Robbie Marshall, Chairman of Golf Data.
A man of humble beginnings, Robbie takes us on a fascinating journey of how Golf Data, South Africa’s most successful course design business became the force it is today as well as befriending Jack Nicklaus and others along the way. We also delve into the partnership between Golf Data and Pearl Valley.
A special thanks to Damian Wrigley, General Manager of Pearl Valley at Val de Vie for setting up this interview.
Background to Robbie Marshall.
ROBBIE MARSHALL – CHAIRMAN (GOLF DATA)
LOVE OF THE GAME
- Robbie Marshall’s love for golf only started after his best friend from his service in the army (Robbie Chapman) introduced him to the game, yet although he had a late start to the game Robbie went on to play 1st League Golf in Johannesburg for 15 years, and during that time Robbie had the fortune to play with the likes of Bobby Locke at Ohenimuri & Gary Player at Crown Mines courses.
- Robbie has also played in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am with the US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, and with Ernie Els at the SA Open Pro Am, as well as at the opening of the Ernie Els Design course Oubaai which Golf Data Constructed
PASSION FOR GOLF COURSES
- Robert Douglas Marshall (“Robbie”) has been involved in the business of golf courses for more than 40 years having been the course superintendent at Ohenimuri Country Club & Crown Mines Golf Club from 1970. Robbie, together with his wife Marie then started a close corporation called Lawn Doctor in 1981, and ultimately Golf Data CC was formed in 1989.
Robbie’s early education in turf management started around 1980 when he was selected to attend a turf study course of America, visiting the Texas A&M University. Although already well versed in turf management, this was Robbie’s first formal education in turf studies. A few short years later Robbie was chosen to visit the Toro equipment factory (again in the USA) and there he attended further Turf Study Courses.
Early in 1995 Robbie visited Augusta National for the Masters (which was ultimately won by Ben Crenshaw) to sign an agreement to represent Jack Nicklaus & Nicklaus Design. This was the start of an enduring friendship between Jack & Robbie that continues to this day.
The letter (below) sent to Robbie by Jack after one of his earlier visits to South Africa was one of many that expressed much the same sentiment, namely that Jack held Robbie in high regard for his quality of work, and as a friend.
In the year 2000 Robbie visited England & Scotland with a team of certified USA Golf Course Architects in order to study and debate the architectural design principles of Links versus Parkland courses. Again in 2005 with a similar contingent of professionals in the golf course industry, Robbie played 7 British Open course venues including St Andrews Royal, St Georges Royal, Birkdale Royal, Carnoustie & Muirfield Golf Links, again with a view to understanding the game’s heritage design & design philosophy.
In 2005 Robbie was invited by Jack Nicklaus to attend his final professional round at St Andrews “Old Course” where Jack & Tom Watson stopped during their initial round to greet Robbie & his wife (Marie) on the 11th tee (pictured here);
Robbie & Marie also received personal invites to be the guests of the Jack Nicklaus at the Celebratory dinner marking the end of the professional career of golf’s greatest ever player (Pictured here).
Robbie was named as being one of the 10 most influential people in Golf in South Africa by Compleat Golfer (one of South Africa’s top 2 premier Golf Publications) in 2007 & later that same year he was awarded Compleat Golfer’s most prestigious award, the “Lifetime Contribution to Golf Award” for his “outstanding contribution to Golf in SA”. Robbie’s good friend, the great legend Mr Jack Nicklaus himself recorded a special video tribute to Robbie for the event which was played on announcing Robbie’s award, and he had the following to say about Robbie;
“Robbie Marshall… lifetime achievement award[!]… couldn’t go to a better person my friend! …You are responsible for the Nicklaus organisation and me being involved in South Africa on so many golf courses… Your attention to detail, in making sure the project is completed, in making sure the quality is great, and making sure that what is right for golf the game of golf in SA is being done! …your contribution to golf has been special, and of course the friendship that Barbara and I have had with you [and your family] has been special & we value our friendship and the work we have done together…”
Robbie is not a man to boast about his achievements, and less so about his friendships with exceptional people such as Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Els to name a few, but beyond all the awards and top ranked courses that Robbie has been instrumental in bringing to life in South Africa, the fact that a great legend, and a man known throughout the world for his perfectionism trusts his brand and reputation in course construction exclusively with Robbie and his company in Southern Africa speaks far more of Robbie’s abilities, knowledge and perfectionism in the ‘game’ of golf course construction and maintenance than any award!
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Guest Biography:
Monique's career started in 1985 as a junior in the hospitality space. What followed from there was managing events and consulting in communications, which then organically lead Monique into leadership development and change management.
To date, she has worked with a diverse range of companies including:
- Rabobank
- Rovos Rail
- Fancourt
- PGA of South Africa
- Pearl Valley
- ASN Bank
Monique is currently assigned as the official Empathy Officer of the PGA of South Africa.
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Wednesday May 13, 2020
As much as we like to think that the personal and business world are separate - I’ve come to learn in the last 10 years that they in fact really aren’t.
The fundamentals of building a relationship with another human being in the business context is not that far removed from the fundamentals in our personal world.
We as individuals get so caught up in our own worlds that we don’t communicate often enough with those in our business ecosystems. I’m speaking generally of course because there are examples of individuals who do this brilliantly.
- For more information on RCA, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz or learn.rcaconsulting.biz.
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
The company behind the Business Culture Podcast series, RCA Consulting, turned 10 years old in January 2020 and in reflection, Rob Arnold our founder, has accumulated a few key lessons about PEOPLE after those 10 years of business.
This is a mini-pod with no frills and fuss but rather some key insights that have taken us to a far greater understanding of how people in business work.
A bit more about our founder, Rob Arnold below:
- Born and bred in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
- Attended high school in Cape Town at Bishops after returning to Stellenbosch to study Law at Stellenbosch University.
- Rob's first job was working for a successful training company called Let's Sell Lobster which eventually became Lobster Ink.
- In January of 2010, Rob started his own venture called RCA Consulting.
- To date, the company has trained (Digitally or in live workshops) over 100 000 learners across the globe and audited over 1000 companies through their mystery shopper programme.
- For more information on RCA, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz or learn.rcaconsulting.biz.
Monday Apr 27, 2020
Monday Apr 27, 2020
Guest BIOGRAPHY
Michael Leemhuis, M.A. Ed., CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional
Michael was born and had his initial education in South Africa. After graduating from Pretoria Boys HS, he studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg graduating with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History.
Michael started his teaching career at the renowned King Edward VII School in South Africa where he taught PE and History. Michael’s desire for education then brought him to the United States, where he studied at UCLA for a brief time. It was this experience at UCLA that drove him to complete his Master’s degree in Sport at East Carolina University.
Michael’s life-time goal of a career in sport has been realized and he is the first one to tell you that the only positions he has ever had, have been in the sports industry. His experience in sport has run through many different industries;
- hotel/resort management;
- stadium management;
- athlete representation;
- event management;
- sports retail and finally
- private club management.
He is also no stranger to major sporting events, having been very involved in the hosting of a
- U.S. Open (Congressional C.C. 2011);
- a USTA Tennis event;
- eight PGA TOUR events and
- multiple ultra-distance marathon and triathlon races.
His extensive leadership and sports experience has been gained in his roles as the
- President of the Ocean Reef Club;
- CEO of Congressional Country Club;
- President of the Club Managers Association of America in 2009;
- GM/Director of Golf at the PGA TOUR;
- General Manager, Sport and Recreation at Sun City Resort;
- Tournament Director of the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge and MD of Sports International.
One of Mike’s career highlights was guiding Congressional Country Club to the #1 spot in the Platinum Clubs of America and into the top 100 of Platinum Clubs in the World.
- Education combined with certification are what Mike believes are the cornerstones of success in business and in life and to that end Mike is a Certified Club Manager (CCM) and
- Certified Chief Executive (CCE) through CMAA,
- as well as a certified PGA member through the PGA of America and the PGA of South Africa (Master Professional).
- In 2011 Michael was recognized as the CMAA Club Manager of the Year for his dedication and commitment to the club industry and,
- in 2013 he was presented The Boardroom magazine - Jim Singerling Leadership Award.
- As of November 2016, Michael has served as the Chairman of the PGA of America National Employment Committee, a way he feels he can give back to the golf community at large.
- In 2019 Mike was recognized by CMAA as one of 10 “Fellows” in their inaugural class.
An avid sportsman himself, Mike has twice finished the gruelling Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, numerous other ultra-triathlons, two ultra-marathons and 40 marathons.
- His other passions are fishing, photography, travel, wine and reading.
- Michael is a native of South Africa … married to his wife Dale for 37 years and a proud father of two very athletic sons, Matthew and Joshua … he and Dale currently reside in Jupiter, FL, USA.
Follow Mike Leemhuis:
If you'd like to go deeper into the learnings from this podcast and other leadership lessons, head on over to learn.rcaconsulting.biz.
Monday Mar 30, 2020
Monday Mar 30, 2020
In this episode, I got to chat with Elma Smit. Having recently covered both the Cricket and Rugby World Cups in England and Japan respectively, Elma graciously gives us a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like to create a personal brand in the world of content creation. An individual who continues to make global impact in very much her own, authentic way.
To follow Elma's journey, visit the respective links below:
https://www.instagram.com/elmakapelma
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Welcome back to Season 2 of the Business Culture Podcast! A platform to learn through the power of context & story.
Great to be back with you. This season is all about IMPACT.
I’ll be chatting to impact-makers across industries and geographies to understand how they have made true impact on their customers, colleagues and communities.
Our first guest for season 2 is Brett Graham - Director of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in South Africa.
What was initially meant to be a brief temp job upon arriving in London in the year 2000, turned out to be 20 years and counting with the remarkable Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Let’s hear what it means to work within a truly purpose-led organisation.
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For more information about Laureus, visit www.laureus.com.
If you'd like to find out more about the work that we at RCA are doing to cultivate world-class organisational cultures, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz.
Friday Feb 28, 2020
Friday Feb 28, 2020
In the final episode of season 1, I got to chat with Simon Ekin - a prominent performance & life coach based in Cape Town.
Simon has worked with an interesting cross-section of professionals across the sporting and business worlds. Growing up in the UK, Si speaks of his time serving in the army to ultimately stumbling onto performance-coaching and falling in love with South Africa.
Thanks to our friends at Spaces for providing the venue for the interview.
Thursday Feb 13, 2020
Thursday Feb 13, 2020
In this episode, I got to chat with Mark Fawzy - the founder of Boxchamp, a globally successful tech solution for gyms born right here in South Africa.
Mark tells his fascinating story about going from detesting academia to disrupting an industry and the tough lessons learnt along to ultimately achieving global presence.
Thanks to our friends at Spaces for providing the venue for the interview.
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Scotty Fraser, one of South Africa’s leading financial advisors.
Scotty and his team have built up an impressive client base over the last 7 years. More significant though, is his story of how he got to where he is today. He generously shares a rather personal journey with us in this podcast.
Thanks to our friends at Spaces for providing the venue for the interview.