Gia Whitehead is a visionary co-founder and CEO of TSIBA Business School, where she has been instrumental in pioneering the institution’s fundraising, sustainability, and entrepreneurship initiatives since its inception. A trailblazer in educational innovation, Gia designed TSIBA’s Entrepreneurship Curricula to equip students with the practical and strategic skills needed in today’s business landscape. She holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Bond University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management from the University of Cape Town. Under her leadership, TSIBA continues to advance transformative education that empowers future leaders to succeed globally.

Karien Cloete is a dynamic leader with a diverse background across HR, recruitment, TV production, and IT, where she held executive roles in Operations and Business Development. Since joining TSIBA in 2016, she has applied her extensive expertise to the growth and strategic development of SMEs through the TSIBA Ignition Academy. Karien holds an undergraduate degree from UNISA, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law. Passionate about driving SME growth and operational excellence, Karien plays a pivotal role in guiding TSIBA’s mission to empower future business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Dylan Taylor is a co-founder of TSIBA Elevate, bringing his passion for learning and global experiences to the programme. He holds an undergraduate degree in English and Classics from the University of Edinburgh and a postgraduate degree in Greek and Latin Literature from the University of Oxford. Dylan recognises that graduates may find themselves underprepared for today’s job market by lacking practical, digital, and technical competencies that employers increasingly prioritise. He co-created TSIBA Elevate to provide young people with relevant, firsthand experience as they step into their future wrapped up in a great experience in a world-class city. As your host and programme leader in Cape Town, Dylan combines academic rigor with a commitment to empowering future leaders through transformative experiences.

Paul is a seasoned strategist and corporate innovation expert with two decades experience working across sub-Saharan Africa and China. As Co-Founder of 30Nine Solutions, Paul partners with organisations to drive strategic change by transforming innovative ideas into impactful strategies. His approach focuses on bridging the gap between vision and execution, guiding teams, and leaders—from startups to board-level executives—to turn concepts into rapidly developing strategies. His international experience and commitment to transformative growth make him an invaluable asset to the TSIBA Elevate Programme, where he designs and facilitates curriculum aimed at preparing future leaders for success in a global market.

Heather Parker brings a wealth of expertise in communications, stakeholder relationships, and leadership development, shaped by over a decade of consulting experience with both independent clients and EY. Formerly a media professional, Heather now specializes in guiding organisations through culture change, purpose alignment, and business improvement initiatives. She holds an executive MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB), where she continues to give back by leading seminars and moderating on the EMBA programme. Heather’s approach to curriculum design and facilitation for the TSIBA Elevate Programme combines her deep understanding of strategic leadership with innovative, human-centred methodologies.

Greg Taylor is a seasoned finance professional with a career spanning three continents in roles across investment banking and fund management. With a bachelor’s degree in commerce and qualifications as both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, Greg has extensive experience in capital raising, structuring, and sales, primarily with Swiss-based investors. Although now working and living in Switzerland, Greg’s younger years in Southern Africa reinforces his belief that affordable education in this region is crucial for economic growth, improving prospects and bridging the gap between privileged and disadvantaged communities. Greg is driven by a “pay it forward” philosophy, making him a valuable advisor to TSIBA’s mission to increase access to quality tertiary education.