The Business Culture Podcast

Platō Coffee: The Origin Story

In December 2019, two brothers from Free State mining towns opened a shipping container in Irene and named their coffee shop after a Greek philosopher. Six years later, Platō Coffee has grown to over 130 stores, a roastery, a bakery, its own training academy, and a London launch on the horizon.

This isn't the version of the story you've read a dozen times. On this episode of the Business Culture Podcast, we take a fresh look at the rise of Platō through the lens of the philosopher they named it after — Plato, and his idea of the ideal Form. Because when you look closely, every strategic decision Stephan and Petrus Bredell have made is really about closing the gap between the ideal cup and the one actually in the customer's hand.

Along the way, we unpack the eight failures before Platō (including the one that killed Stephan's first business a month after his honeymoon), the café hidden inside King Price Insurance that quietly wrote Platō's DNA four years early, the COVID loophole that revealed what the brothers were actually building, and the small-town masterclass that most South African chains never bothered to learn.

Eight lessons for anyone building a business that has to deliver the same promise in more than one place.

Brought to you by the RCA Group.

The Open Championship looks like tradition — tweed, links golf, unpredictable weather. Underneath it, it's a finely tuned commercial operation. As the tournament returns to Royal Birkdale in 2026, we dig into how the R&A actually runs the numbers: sponsorship deals worth tens of millions, a split broadcasting strategy that plays both premium and free-to-air, ticket demand in the millions, and the hundreds of millions in economic impact a single week can generate for a host town. Expect real figures, a few surprises, and a dry look at why golf's oldest major still pays out the smallest prize purse of the four.

From a childhood treehouse dinner party in Johannesburg to a loan-shark-funded first café and now restaurants across South Africa, the UAE, the UK and Saudi Arabia — this episode traces how Natasha Sideris built Tashas into one of South Africa's most recognisable hospitality brands. We dig into the market gap she spotted, why she deliberately refused to mass-roll-out her franchise, what she learned from selling — and later buying back — a 51% stake to Famous Brands, and how she took the brand global without diluting it. It's a story about scaling culture without losing soul, and why, twenty years and nearly fifty openings in, she says the work never actually gets easier.

In this episode, we explore the grit and philosophy behind the meteoric rise of Freedom of Movement, a brand born not in a boardroom, but in a chaotic South African home where freedom was a reward for discipline. Join us as we follow brothers Roal and Léan Boezaart from their stable corporate careers into a tiny, ten-square-meter "cupboard" office, where they risked everything to turn a childhood ethos into a leather empire. From surviving the "Valley of Death" with a daring pivot into footwear to forging a groundbreaking equity partnership with rugby icon Siya Kolisi, this story proves that authenticity isn't just a marketing strategy—it’s the ultimate currency for building a legacy.

In this episode, we look past the mining giants and tech startups to uncover the true South African business success story of the last decade: Checkers Sixty60. We take listeners back to the retail stagnation of the late 2010s—a time when online grocery shopping was dismissed by experts as a "logistical nightmare" and a quick way to lose money.

 

Join us as we explore how the ShopriteX innovation team defied the "Big Four" status quo to solve the impossible math of sixty-minute delivery. We dive into the strategy that turned a tentative pilot into a multi-billion rand cultural phenomenon, rewiring how an entire nation values their time and convenience.

In this season premiere of the Business Culture Podcast, host Joe tackles a common frustration among leaders: why team members often lack initiative and fail to act like owners. This episode explores the structural reasons why companies claim to want "owners" but accidentally build systems designed for "renters".

 

For more information, visit www.rcaconsulting.biz

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

 

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.

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.

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.  

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!

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.

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.

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.