Among those who will feature on the line-up is founder and creative director of
Green Robot Design, Kgomotso Mautloa.
Mautloa is an accomplished designer, creative director and brand consultant, and has worked in various divisions of the design and branding industry. His experience has taught him invaluable skills that he now puts to good use in running his own agency which is based in the creative hub of Newtown in Johannesburg.
Mautloa will be among 30 pioneers who will share their stories in 15-minute presentations at the interactive daytime programme event. Each speaker has been selected because of their proven ability to identify a gap in the market and align their passion.
Pioneer Nation will become a hub for sharing the stories of hundreds of inspiring local and international pioneers and is designed to be a pragmatic resource for the young and eager looking to connect the dots from insight to idea to income.
"This is a really great achievement for us, says Mautloa. "I say ‘us’ because I always represent a bigger team - the team at Green Robot Design. I’ve followed the event since last year and thought it was such a fantastic idea, particularly because it aims to empower entrepreneurs."
"Seeing a brand such as Levi’s
® taking the initiative and playing in that space, which is something new for them, but still in line with their awesome brand. Having found out that I'd been invited to speak at this year’s event is such an honour. It's great to be called upon to share your story and experiences, in the hopes to inspire the next person or other entrepreneurs who have that passion and drive to succeed. I'm really humbled by the opportunity, and am amped to be part of it,” adds Mautloa.
"The purpose that’s driving
Pioneer Nation - that we’re building a nation of passionate productive entrepreneurs who will have their futures into their own hands. We at Levi’s
® know that entrepreneurs are the rock stars of tomorrow," says Cal Bruns, account manager and creative director of
Pioneer Nation.
Mautloa feels that the event will provide a great deal of value for up and coming entrepreneurs. “Knowledge, inspiration and insight will be the keywords on the day. I think people will get a lot out of it especially because all of the speakers are from different backgrounds and have different experiences. Going into its second year,
Pioneer Nation is building a nice hub for connecting people with each other. It's definitely a great event to attend as a business innovator,” Mautloa adds.
“Where others would find an excuse, the pioneer sees only opportunity, and it’s by taking chances and facing the inevitable challenges head on, which defines them. Levi’s
® Pioneer Nation celebrates these brave spirits. More than a festival, it’s a movement, a vehicle that aims to inspire, inform and entertain. Celebrating doers. Championing champions. Attempting to change a generation.”
And that’s the spirit of the event which will be held at the Sci Bono Centre in Johannesburg between 08:00 and 17:00 on Friday, 25 September 2015. In addition to the 30 speakers’ presentations, there will be workshops, on the couch sessions, speed mentoring, and the opportunity to meet angel investors.
For more information, visit the
Pioneer Nation website.