Leadership: Lessons for Today from Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was arguably the most popular and recognisable icon of the 20th Century. He skillfully led South Africa through one of the most dangerous periods of its history, from which the country emerged united and reinvigorated. Yet, he was a reluctant leader, and after just 4 years as State President, he stood down and passed his mantle on to others.

In his book, Andrew explores both the character and leadership attributes that enabled Mandela to be such an inspirational and capable leader, to help us both understand and appreciate his qualities, and emulate them in our own business and personal lives.

Andrew will explore these themes in conversation with Sharon Constançon, with opportunities to ask questions afterwards. The session will include networking, canapes and drinks before and after the meeting.

This event is kindly sponsored by Isle of Man Indaba, who will be hosting an Indaba at the same venue from 4pm to 6pm:

Connect with fellow professionals with an interest in the exciting future facing South Africa under the Government of National Unity, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge. Whether you have clients looking to expand their wealth into or out of South Africa, the Isle of Man offers opportunities you might not have considered. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your connections and understanding of structures in the Isle of Man.

A panel of experts in taxation and capital raising will address key topics around SA and IOM tax, Isle of Man structures, investing internationally, capital raising and corporate banking, followed by a Q&A session and networking with representatives from Isle of Man companies, including Finance Isle of Man, Atla Group, Boston Multi Family Office, Farrand Global, Resilience Asset Management, ILS World, Capital International Bank, Brooks Macdonald, Appleby Global and Ramsey Crookall.

Guests are very welcome to attend both events, and can book for the Indaba here, which includes entry to this event. Both events are free of charge, but booking is essential.

Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell was born in Cape Town in 1964 and grew up as a white South African under the apartheid regime that had been introduced and perpetrated by the National Party. He attended Bishops College in Cape Town, then the University of Cape Town. He taught for eight years, before in 1997 leaving teaching to start his own tourism businesses. He then bought a retail travel agency and in January 2000 launched Cape Africa Tours, arranging sporting and cultural tours to South Africa for school, university, and adult groups.

Andrew also launched a sports charity, sport4kids, as a vehicle for distributing the many generous donations of cash and used sporting equipment that his touring sides would leave behind in South Africa.

In July 2018, Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard who became his lifelong friend, asked Andrew to be his business manager, as he set out to establish himself as a full-time storyteller and public speaker.

During Covid lockdown Andrew realised that Christo’s book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend, which had been published in 2014, needed updating. With Ethan Casey of Blue Ear Books in Seattle, they embarked on a two-year-long journey to produce the updated book, which was published in September 2022 with Andrew as the editor.