Shapers Podcast is a South Africa–based interview series that profiles people reshaping business, culture and public life across the continent. Founded by entrepreneur and private‑equity partner Riël Malan and later co‑hosted by investment professional Benjamin Shaw, the show grew out of an organizing idea: every guest is a Shaper, Maker, Builder or Breaker. That four‑part lens gives the conversations structure—visionaries, creators, strategists and challengers of orthodoxy each bring different ways to drive change.
The program’s guests span startups, academia, government and the creative industries, with a consistent emphasis on African thought leadership and practical insight. Episodes have featured Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill‑Lewis on political leadership, technology transfer leader Anita Nel on commercialising research, futurist and Flux Trends founder Dion Chang on navigating change, and serious‑games expert Professor Japie Greeff on gamification in learning. Across these stories the hosts aim for peer‑to‑peer dialogue rather than promotional profiles, drawing out decision‑making frameworks, lessons learned and concrete tools listeners can apply.
Shapers positions itself as constructive and non‑sensational, focusing on best practices, career pathways and opportunity on the continent. Selected seasons and episodes are presented with support from EXEO Capital. Distributed on major podcast platforms, the show serves founders, operators, policymakers and students who want grounded perspectives on how Africans build, innovate and govern. Its blend of cross‑sector guests and the Shapers/Makers/Builders/Breakers framework distinguishes it in the region’s business and leadership podcast landscape.