Theme: Builders, Truth Tellers and Catalysts

At TEDxMaudeStreet, we have opened applications for speakers who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight till the 1st of August. Our presenters run the world's most admired companies and design its best-loved products; they invent world-changing devices and create ground-breaking media. This event will happen in Johannesburg South Africa. TEDxMaudeStreet also seeks out emerging artists, scientists, business leaders and thinkers, introducing them to the TED community well before they hit the mainstream.

Balalaika Sandton
25 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Ballroom
Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2126
South Africa

Anael Granoux

Strategy Advisor | Lecturer

Anael Granoux is a French consultant, lecturer, speaker, and entrepreneur with two decades of experience in strategy formulation, strategy execution, and performance management. He has worked with renowned consulting houses (including Strategy& - Booz&co - PwC) as well as smaller boutique firms in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

Christopher Thompson

CEO - Sober Sidekick

Chris Thompson, founder and CEO of Sober Sidekick. After hitting rock bottom in 2018 because of addiction, Chris created the world's largest digital recovery community, supporting nearly 500,000 members. Sober Sidekick is more than an app—it's a lifeline. Its empathy algorithm ensures no member goes without support for more than minutes, directly addressing isolation, a root cause of substance abuse. The platform has gathered more self-reported sobriety data than any entity worldwide, providing unique insights into successful recovery journeys. A Harvard Business School case study highlighted Sober Sidekick's commitment to user needs over immediate revenue. Chris has presented at high-profile conferences, including the DoD's suicide prevention conference. Chris is integrating Sober Sidekick with healthcare systems and insurance providers to reduce relapse rates and costs. The platform can predict potential relapses two weeks in advance with 93% accuracy.

Estelle Solomons

Investment Banker

Estelle Solomons is an accomplished investment banker with a strong background in the development finance services industry. She has extensive expertise in Corporate Finance, Business Strategy, Strategy Execution, Management Consulting, Accounting, and Performance Management. A graduate of Regenesys Business School, where she earned a Master’s degree in Public Management, Estelle is also a passionate development activist. She has consistently advocated for the empowerment of women, leveraging her leadership roles to champion gender equality. Estelle remains dedicated to raising awareness about women's issues and advancing opportunities for women in all spheres of life

Gavin Moffat

Nomad

A nomad work lifestyle concept co-founded by Ingrid Lotze and Gavin Moffat, a dynamic wife-and-husband team, who are also business partners, adventurers, and scuba divers. Embarking on a journey that took them to 25 cities across 12 countries in 2 ½ years, they embraced a minimalist lifestyle where everything they owned had to fit into a single suitcase each, with just 7 t-shirts each. This bold experiment was born out of a desire to explore the world deeply, create meaningful human connections, and maintain their professional work remotely. Their adventures emphasize intentional living, cultural immersion, and sustainability, offering valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and work-life balance. Through their blog and social media channels, they share practical insights, inspiring stories, and the transformative power of minimalism, encouraging others to prioritize experiences over material possessions and to live more enriched and connected lives.

Ingrid Lotze

Nomad

7 t-shirts each is an enchanting idea, a nomad work lifestyle concept co-founded by Ingrid Lotze and Gavin Moffat, a dynamic wife & husband team, who are also business partners, adventurers, and scuba divers. Embarking on a journey that took them to 25 cities across 12 countries in 2 ½ years, they embraced a minimalist lifestyle where everything they owned had to fit into a single suitcase each, with just 7 t-shirts each. This bold experiment was born out of a desire to explore the world deeply, create meaningful human connections, and maintain their professional work remotely. Their adventures emphasize intentional living, cultural immersion, & sustainability, offering valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, & work-life balance. Through their blog & social media channels, they share practical insights, inspiring stories, and the transformative power of minimalism, encouraging others to prioritize experiences over material possessions & to live more enriched & connected lives.

Kevin Musembi Kimwelle

Architect

Kimwelle’s architectural studies and professional experience span from Kenya to South Africa with global collaborations from USA, Germany, and India. His focus has led him into community development work in South Africa, where his practice is currently based. His doctoral research in the use of alternative design (materials & technology) technology as agent towards social change merges the environmental aspects with the socioeconomic impact and applies a transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach. Kimwelle’s research development and innovation work engages several academic institutions in Africa, Europe and the US. His work responds to the urgency towards social and environmental justice by merging business, environment, and technical knowledge towards a holistic application. Well-travelled in the Eastern and Southern Africa, and Central Europe, his work explores alternatives that ground the green agenda in affordable sustainable solutions in Africa.

Lidia Rauch Jansen van Vuuren

Founder Bloom Enterprise

Lidia Rauch is the founder of Bloom Enterprise. With eight years of experience in professional politics, she now drives change through impactful social change initiatives. Lidia holds degrees in Psychology and Political Science, a postgraduate diploma in HIV/AIDS Management, and a Master’s in Inclusive Innovation from the University of Cape Town. Her research, Building an Inclusive South African Society: The Position of Young, White Afrikaans-Speaking Women, reflects her dedication to tackling systemic inequities. Currently writing a book on racial equity, Lidia explores the role of white South Africans in advancing justice. As an accredited thinking environment facilitator and coach, Lidia creates spaces for authentic thinking and transformation. Above all, she values her role as a mom, considering it her most important and fulfilling role. Based in Johannesburg, Lidia enjoys current affairs, global travel, and time with her family.