A High Impact One Day In Person Cross Functional Experience

Human Thinking
Business Transformation
Building Shared Futures

Featuring Paul Cobban, former Head of Transformation at DBS Bank, Singapore

24 February 2027 | The Forum, Bryanston, Johannesburg

The next competitive advantage is how we think together.

The Think Differently™ Event series brings professionals and thought leaders together to explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping organisations and the future of work. Functional expertise is essential; functional silos are optional. New technology is not the same as new thinking — transformation needs the human capability to perceive differently, generate options and exercise judgement.

What will you gain from this event?

Common language

Shared understanding across business disciplines.

Thinking toolset

New possibilities through de Bono methods.

Transformation framework

From fresh ideas to organisational change.

Shared application

A meaningful next move to test together.

About the event

A cross-functional one day experience in human thinking and business transformation. While AI can accelerate the work; human thinking shapes the questions, choices and possibilities. Join leaders from Business, People, Technology and Finance for one shared learning journey with Paul Cobban, Nicola Tyler and Thami Nkadimeng. Every delegate experiences the fully integrated program, suported by a curated cross-functional conversation and an application lab that turns new thinking into a meaningful next moves.

Date: 24 February 2027
Time: 08:30 to 17:00 (Optional book signing 17:00–17:30)
Venue: The Forum Bryanston, Johannesburg
Format: In-person event

Book Your Place

Five compelling reasons to attend

Understand what human thinking is and why it remains essential
Learn a transformation framework from Paul Cobban
Appreciate the competing perspectives of Business, People, Technology and Finance
Learn and apply a proven de Bono Thinking Differently technique
Co-create a testable next move to apply in your organisation

Counting down to 24 February 2027

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Your hosts, speakers & panelists

More exciting panellists have been invited, with confirmations coming soon — watch this space!

Nicola Tyler

Founder & CEO, The Thinking Company

Human thinking & de Bono masterclass

Read profile

A global strategist with over 25 years in the field of thinking. Nicola brings world-class thinking capabilities, deep knowledge and experience to a one-day journey of insights, learning and networking. Together with Thami Nkadimeng, she hosts cross-functional conversations that bring Business, People, Technology and Finance together around a common goal, language and outcome.

Paul Cobban

Former Chief Transformation and Data Officer, DBS Bank, Singapore

DBS transformation & framework masterclass

Read profile

A trained software engineer and experienced transformation leader, Paul spearheaded the DBS Bank transformation in Singapore. Co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate, he speaks the language of Technology, Finance and HR and will share insights and a methodology for change. An advisor to a large-scale AI start-up in Scotland, he brings a perspective on AI and its impact on business. Paul believes organisations have the internal capability to transform, and that transformation is an embedded process, not a one-off event.

Thami Nkadimeng

Thinking Architect

Co-host & cross-functional dialogue

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South Africa’s Thami Nkadimeng joins Nicola Tyler to host a day of sharp thinking, insights, learning and networking. Experienced in complex cross-functional conversations, strategy and innovation, Thami helps leaders from Business, People, Technology and Finance explore shared challenges and work towards a common future.

S’ne Magagula

Chief People Officer, Tiger Brands

Panelist

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A seasoned business and people leader, S’ne Magagula brings extensive experience in shaping people strategy, developing leadership capability and driving organisational transformation across complex, multinational businesses. Recognised as the 2024 CHRO of the Year, S’ne combines strategic business insight with a strong focus on building high-impact teams, strengthening organisational culture and creating inclusive environments where people can thrive.

Quinton Douman

Chief Learning Officer, PPS

Panelist

Read profile

A strategic learning and transformation leader, Quinton Douman works at the intersection of human capability, business performance and emerging technology. As Chief Learning Officer at PPS, he leads the development of organisational learning and capability, helping people and leaders build the skills, mindsets and adaptability needed to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. Quinton is also the founder of Mutual Mind Academy, focused on building augmented workforces through the integration of human and machine intelligence.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances we reserve the right to change the dates, venue, speakers and/or sessions.

Programme

08:30–09:15Arrive & OpenThami Nkadimeng

Perspective swaps introduce the different lenses in the room and why they matter. Open the day with a shared purpose: better human thinking and cross-functional business transformation.

09:15–10:30What Is Human Thinking?Nicola Tyler

Nicola explores perception, patterns, judgement, creativity and thinking with others as conscious, learnable capabilities. By unpacking what human thinking really is, why it matters and how we can develop it, she challenges us to ask a fundamental question: Are we using the full power of our human thinking?

10:30–11:00Thinking Coffee

Take part in a short interactive thinking experiment with someone outside your function. Make a new connection while exploring how a different perspective can change what you notice.

11:00–12:00The Transformation TableFacilitated by Nicola Tyler, Thami Nkadimeng, S’ne Magagula, Quinton Douman & Paul CobbanMore exciting panellists have been invited, with confirmations coming soon — watch this space!

Can we transform the business without transforming our thinking? A candid cross-functional panel explores functional assumptions, blind spots, competing priorities and accountability for shared outcomes. Paul Cobban frames the conversation through his DBS perspective, joined by panelists S'ne Magagula, Quinton Douman and more invited leaders. Nicola Tyler and Thami Nkadimeng facilitate.

12:00–12:30Shared Language Sprint

Turn panel insights into one better business question. Bring four leadership perspectives to a shared outcome, exploring the constraints and priorities of other disciplines to build common understanding.

12:30–13:30Food for Thought

A hosted lunch with curated tables and perspective-changing prompts. Discover how colleagues from different functions see the same business challenge and build relationships around a shared conversation.

13:30–14:15Nicola Tyler MasterclassNicola Tyler, Founder & CEO, The Thinking Company

Learn how to create new thinking through Edward de Bono’s Provocation and Movement technique. Find a stubborn assumption, introduce a deliberate provocation, search for useful possibilities and translate one possibility into a new direction. Everyone practises the technique in this interactive demonstration.

14:15–15:00Paul Cobban MasterclassPaul Cobban, Former Chief Transformation and Data Officer, DBS Bank, Singapore

Learn how to embed transformation through a practical framework informed by the DBS experience. Explore how new possibilities become organisationally real through changes in behaviour, systems and results.

15:00–15:30Speed Thinking

Pressure-test new ideas through rapid exchanges with different perspectives. Challenge familiar answers and rehearse cross-functional conversations before applying your learning in the afternoon lab.

15:30–16:15Cross-Functional Application LabNicola Tyler & Paul Cobban

Mixed-function groups apply Nicola’s technique and Paul’s transformation lens to a real business challenge. Frame a meaningful outcome, provoke a familiar assumption, consider people, technology, finance and execution, then commit to an experiment. Leave with one reframed challenge, one fresh option and one accountable next step to test.

16:15–16:45Expert Q&AWith the panelists

Put your questions to the panelists in an open expert Q&A.

16:45–17:00Closing RemarksThami Nkadimeng

Closing reflections to draw the day together.

17:00–17:30Eat, Sleep, Innovate — Book SigningPaul Cobban

An optional book-signing session with Paul Cobban, co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate, following the shared learning programme.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances we reserve the right to change the dates, venue, speakers and/or sessions.

PRE-ORDER PAUL COBBAN’S BOOK

Eat, Sleep, Innovate

What does it take to build a culture of innovation?

Explore the ideas behind Eat, Sleep, Innovate, the book by Paul Cobban, former Head of Transformation at DBS Bank, Singapore, and discover how organisations can make innovation part of everyday work.

Eat, Sleep, Innovate was shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Innovation Award.

Get ahead of the conversation at Think Differently™ and reserve your copy ahead of the event, with the opportunity to have your book signed by Paul.

We are currently negotiating the best price for the book in South Africa. If you would like to reserve a copy, it will be in the range of R600.

RESERVE A COPY

Who should attend?

Bring a leadership team — with perspectives from People, Business, Technology and Finance around one table. Build shared understanding, align priorities and turn better thinking into stronger business outcomes.

Business Leaders

CEOs & managing directors
Business unit & P&L leaders

People Leaders

CHROs & CPOs
Organisational development & talent leaders

Technology Leaders

CIOs & CTOs
Digital, data & AI transformation leads

Finance Leaders

CFOs & finance leaders
Risk, investment & performance leaders

Pricing

Corporate (10+)R5 995Excl VAT · per personR6 894.25 Incl VAT · per person

Team (4–9)R6 895Excl VAT · per personR7 929.25 Incl VAT · per person

Individual (1–3)R7 995Excl VAT · per personR9 194.25 Incl VAT · per person

All prices are per person. VAT is charged at 15%; excluding and including VAT amounts are shown.

Buy 3 seats for the price of 2 when you register and pay by 30 November 2026.

Future Events

Think Differently™ About Sustainability & Long-Term Value Creation

26 May 2027Details to be announced.In-person event

A practical, immersive one-day experience for leaders and professionals navigating the complexities of sustainability. Explore new perspectives, challenge conventional approaches and discover how better thinking can unlock innovative solutions to environmental and business challenges. Build the thinking skills to balance competing priorities, create long-term value and turn sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.

Think Differently™ About Green Energy & the Energy Transition

2027Details to be announced.In-person event

A practical, immersive one-day experience for leaders and professionals shaping the future of energy. Explore the opportunities and complexities of the energy transition, challenge established assumptions and discover how better thinking can accelerate innovation. Build the thinking skills to navigate uncertainty, identify new possibilities and develop creative approaches to the challenges of a changing energy landscape.

Current Partners

Become a Partner

Put your brand in front of senior Business, People, Technology and Finance leaders. We offer headline, masterclass and hospitality sponsorship packages for each Think Differently™ event, including speaking opportunities and hosted networking.

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Complete the form and our team will confirm your booking. Payment details follow by invoice.

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The Future favours those who think differently.

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BEYOND THE EVENT

Bring Think Differently to Your Organisation

Every organisation faces different challenges. We curate tailored, high-impact experiences that bring leaders and cross-functional teams together to think differently, challenge assumptions and turn new perspectives into meaningful business outcomes.

Whether you want to align your leadership team, break down functional silos, navigate transformation or build a stronger culture of innovation, we can design an experience around your organisation’s unique needs.

One shared challenge. Different perspectives. Better outcomes.