Navigating Family-owned Businesses

Only about a third of family businesses worldwide make it to the second generation, and barely one in six reach the third. Every founder knows the pride of building something from scratch: the late nights, the relentless drive, the satisfaction of creating a livelihood not only for one’s family but for others, too. Yet, the hard truth is that most businesses don’t outlive their founders by much. Across regions and industries, family enterprises face similar...

She Means Business

Step aside, boardroom bros, there’s a different kind of leadership in town. She’s wearing heels, and she’s probably already two steps ahead of you. Meet Shirley Pearson, the woman who eats KPIs for breakfast and built her empire with a laugh, a spreadsheet, a team of fierce females and a few brave men! Shirley’s corporate beginnings saw her lead the Industrial Relations Department of the OK Bazaars—back when it was South Africa’s largest retailer—managing more...

Rooted in People. Packaged With Purpose.

The early sun breaks through the trees outside the Durban North factory, casting light across the quiet building as the day begins. Dane Forman walks the floor, not as a distant director, but as someone who once packed boxes here. Raised on the Durban surf and local slang, Dane was “bru’d” for this. He’s been at Phormpak 23 years. It’s not just a job, it’s a legacy. And Dane holds its success like a treasured...