Kelo Kubu
Entrepreneur
2 South Franklins Row, 16 Melville Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
Summary
Kelo is a Johannesburg based entrepreneur, community leader and mother. She has a rich and diverse background spanning finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact. As the co-founder of KuMoandCo, Kelo has played a pivotal role in empowering executives, entrepreneurs, and activists through expert speaker coaching.
Kelo's influence extends beyond the boardroom as she serves as the curator and licensee of TEDxSoweto and TEDxJohannesburg, a role she has held since 2009. She has overseen the establishment of TEDxes in various countries in Southern Africa and has often been the voice of the TEDx community at TED conferences.
Kelo's expertise as a TED speaker and Skoll World Forum Senior Fellow underscores her commitment to driving meaningful change on a global scale.
Her journey began in the world of finance with First National Bank, where she honed her skills before embarking on an enriching international experience in Germany. Upon her return, Kelo's passion for international development led her to contribute her talents to impactful initiatives in policy development, migration and small business development before pivoting to branding, design, and entrepreneurship.
As a founding member of the Mandela Poster Project, a TEDxAmbassador and a founding trustee of Orange Corners, Kelo has left an indelible mark on the global stage.
Armed with a Degree in Finance and Business Administration, as well as a post-graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Kelo embodies a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Her status as an alumna of Singularity University further underscores her dedication to harnessing exponential technologies for positive change.
Currently, Kelo is spearheading the development of an ag-tech accelerator program through Peo Labs, with a mission to empower female farmers in Southern Africa.
With her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to social impact, Kelo is poised to continue making significant contributions to the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and empowerment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Co-Founder
KuMo&Co
2 2021 - Current
- As CEO of KuMo&Co, I manage a team devoted to empowering executives, entrepreneurs, and activists through tailored speaker coaching.
- Our business, was born from the work we did with TED and TEDxJohannesburg curating and coaching speakers for the TEDx platform.
- My role blends hands-on business management, cultivating new partnerships, and shaping the strategic vision of our company. With a deep-seated belief in the power of effective communication, I'm on a mission to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to amplify their voices and their work.
- My responsibilities include: -
- Driving company revenue through the development and execution of innovative marketing strategies, to increase profitability.
- Establishing and nurturing strong relationships with customers, vendors, and strategic partners, fostering collaboration and trust to drive mutual success.
- Overseeing financial operations with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and profitability, effectively managing resources to maintain financial health and stability.
Licensee + Co-Curator
TEDxJohannesburg
01.2013 - Current
- As the curator and licensee of TEDxJohannesburg since 2013, I have had the privilege of steering our journey towards becoming one of the go to platforms for thought leadership and inspiration in South Africa.
- Over the years, we have curated an impressive array of talks featuring over 300 renowned speakers from diverse backgrounds, covering topics ranging from innovation and technology to social justice and sustainability.
- Our efforts have garnered significant traction, with our talks collectively amassing millions of views online, amplifying the impact of the ideas shared on our stage.
- By consistently delivering engaging and thought-provoking content, TEDxJohannesburg has become a vital platform for sparking meaningful conversations and driving positive change in South Africa and the region.
- My responsibilities include managing the relationships with TED in New York, securing partners for TEDxJohannesburg and overseeing the curation process of the speakers.
Member Board Of Trustees
Orange Corners
09.2016 - 12.2018
- As a board member of Orange Corners, I played a key role in guiding the initiative's vision and strategy, stemming from the Dutch Prime Minister's visit to South Africa.
- Orange Corners is a platform for entrepreneurs to learn, grow their businesses, and expand their networks, contributing to South Africa's economic growth.
- Engaging with Dutch multinationals like Heineken, Shell, and Phillips, I fostered partnerships to support our objectives.
- Additionally, I worked closely with the Ambassador and her team to leverage their resources in supporting the entrepreneurs who were part of the program.
- Orange Corners has since expanded beyond South Africa and has grown into a global initiative, empowering entrepreneurs worldwide.
Co-Founder | Executive Director
Gamatong Design
03.2003 - 05.2018
- Gamatong Design, was a brand communications consultancy based in Johannesburg, where we specialized in using the power of storytelling and design to help brands connect deeply with their audience.
- At Gamatong, I led a talented team with over fifteen years of experience in crafting and executing comprehensive brand strategies, including:
* Developing captivating brand identities
* Creating impactful communications campaigns
* Designing engaging websites that drive user engagement and conversion.
* Producing eye-catching publications that captivate and inform.
* Crafting innovative packaging solutions
* Conceptualizing and implementing strategic advertising initiatives to drive brand awareness and sales.
Collaborated closely with clients to understand their unique needs and objectives, ensuring that our solutions were tailored to meet their specific goals.
Oversaw project management, creative direction, and strategic guidance to ensure the successful delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
- Cultivated a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the agency, empowering team members to thrive and innovate in a fast-paced industry environment.
Country Co-ordinator ( South Africa + Namibia)
Terre des hommes foundation
12.2000 - 10.2002
- Served as the Country Coordinator for Terre des hommes Germany in South Africa and Namibia, overseeing initiatives aimed at supporting organizations working with children in vulnerable situations and refugees.
- Established the Terre des hommes offices in South Africa and Namibia, facilitating the expansion of the organization's reach and impact in the region.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of 15 organizations, including children shelters, advocacy programs, early childhood development initiatives, and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, trafficking, and those living in refugee camps.
- Provided support through funding, training, and advocacy interventions to empower organizations in their efforts to safeguard children's rights and promote equitable development.
- Supported the establishment of the Terre des hommes Mozambique office and a satelite in Angola, contributing to the organization's mission of promoting children's rights and fostering equitable development.
- Engaged in extensive regional travel to effectively manage and support initiatives across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique, ensuring the effective implementation of programs and the advancement of the organization's objectives.
Project Manager
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit
05.1997 - 06.1998
- Worked as Project Manager - Economic Desk at Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, a German liberal foundation dedicated to promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights globally.
- Led the planning, coordination, and execution of projects aligned with FNS's mission and objectives, reporting directly to the Program Director.
- Oversaw project funding for ten organizations that we supported both in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Worked with political parties in the formulation of economic development policies and set up parliamentary policy monitoring infrastructure for our partners in South Africa
- Pioneered the establishment of think tanks that looked at economic development in
- Coordinated project activities, including organizing meetings, workshops, and events, and facilitating communication among project stakeholders.
- Prepared regular progress reports, project documentation, and materials for internal and external stakeholders.
- Worked with our German team on funding proposals to the European Union and other donors on collaborative projects.
- Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with project partners, donors, and stakeholders in Southern Africa to ensure effective collaboration and project success.
Trainee Manager
First National Bank
02.1993 - 10.1995
- During my tenure as a Bank Manager Trainee at First National Bank, I underwent a comprehensive program aimed at nurturing future leaders in the banking industry.
- This immersive experience involved working in various facets of banking operations, including customer service, financial analysis, risk management, sales techniques, compliance, and leadership development.
- I had the opportunity to rotate through different departments within the bank, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in retail banking, corporate banking, wealth management, and operations.
- Throughout the program, I received mentorship from seasoned professionals, participated in challenging projects contributing to the bank's strategic objectives, and engaged in networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- My time as a Bank Manager Trainee equipped me with a solid foundation in banking principles and practices, positioning me for continued success in the financial services sector.
Education
Post Graduate diploma in Business Management, Business Administration and Management, General -
University of Natal ( Now Kwazulu Natal)
Durban, South Africa 01.2011 - 04.2011
Diploma in Marketing & Management, Marketing/Marketing Management, General -
InWent | GIZ
Durban, South Africa 01.1995 - 04.1997
Bachelor of Commerce, Finance, Business Administration, Economics -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa 01.1987 - 04.1991
Skills
Strategy
undefinedAccomplishments
TED Fellow - TEDGlobal 2007
TEDx Senior Ambassador 2010 -
Skoll Senior Fellow 2018 - 2022
Singularity University Ambassador
TED Host - TEDGlobal 2014
TED Resident - 2018
Timeline
Member Board Of Trustees
Orange Corners
09.2016 - 12.2018
Licensee + Co-Curator
TEDxJohannesburg
01.2013 - Current
Post Graduate diploma in Business Management, Business Administration and Management, General -
University of Natal ( Now Kwazulu Natal)
01.2011 - 04.2011
Co-Founder | Executive Director
Gamatong Design
03.2003 - 05.2018
Country Co-ordinator ( South Africa + Namibia)
Terre des hommes foundation
12.2000 - 10.2002
Project Manager
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit
05.1997 - 06.1998
Diploma in Marketing & Management, Marketing/Marketing Management, General -
InWent | GIZ
01.1995 - 04.1997
Trainee Manager
First National Bank
02.1993 - 10.1995
Bachelor of Commerce, Finance, Business Administration, Economics -
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.1987 - 04.1991
Co-Founder
KuMo&Co
2 2021 - Current
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