
Barry Kayton
CEO (USA)

CEO (USA)
Barry Kayton
As an instructional designer, Barry found the secret to great learning: make it meaningful. Make it learner-centered. Make personalized, practical, powerful questions the key tools. And always make the mental model stand out. Barry co-founded Cognician with Patrick to make this kind of great learning possible at scale.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Relator
- Maximizer
- Strategic
- Learner

Patrick Kayton
CEO (UK)

CEO (UK)
Patrick Kayton
Patrick has a lifelong passion for understanding what makes people tick. He co-founded Cognician with Barry to create a platform and a company with the mission of making learning and behavior change more effective by changing the way people think.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Futuristic
- Learner
- Individualization
- Achiever

Michael Leeman
CFO

Colin Sloman
CSO

CSO
Colin Sloman
Colin is a Strategic HR and Transformation leader. He works with the C-suite to deliver strategic change and has led organizations through transformation and growth across the globe. He focuses on talent, leadership, culture, and diversity.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Maximizer
- Connectedness
- Ideation
- Futuristic
- Relator

Robert Stuttaford
CTO

CTO
Robert Stuttaford
Robert has been writing code for 24 years and is still not dead. He is as passionate about the craft of software development as he is about learning about the mind and how to operate one effectively.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Learner
- Relator
- Consistency
- Harmony

Gideon Shaanan
Executive Advisor

Cali Coetzee
General Manager

General Manager
Cali Coetzee
Cali loves the purpose that work brings and is insatiable for the challenge of new, better, right, and beautiful. She loves to write and develop reading materials and learning experiences that make a difference. Although she probably uses far more exclamation marks than would make a grammarist comfortable!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Learner
- Empathy
- Strategic
- Achiever

Jeff Kayton
Operational Support

Operational Support
Jeff Kayton
Jeff is never bored – he always has books to read, movies to watch, lists of things to do, and places to visit. If something is broken or not working properly, he feels compelled to fix it. Similarly, if he decides that he's going to do something, only bullets will stop him.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Relator
- Analytical
- Arranger
- Strategic

Gerrit Ellis
Head of Infosec Compliance

Head of Infosec Compliance
Gerrit Ellis
Gerrit has over 15 years' experience in Information Technology, of which 10 years were spent within global financial institutions. He is passionate about all things cybersecurity with a keen interest in global politics and international relations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Relator
- Learner
- Individualization
- Responsibility
- Focus

Hayley Slater
Head of Customer Experience

Head of Customer Experience
Hayley Slater
Hayley has a background in customer service, project management, and operational change. Her purpose is to build a customer-success-focused organization that empowers people to create market-winning value. She loves books, craft beer, and her family.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Analytical
- Communication
- Arranger
- Input

Jann Acutt
Account Manager

Account Manager
Jann Acutt
Jann is on her fifth career (more or less). She started as a Social Sciences Researcher. Realising that she wasn't cut out for an ivory tower, she traveled the world. Since returning, Jann worked in media in various incarnations before finding her home at Cognician. She cares deeply about empowering people.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Strategic
- Restorative
- Individualisation

Rhodé Odendaal
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager
Rhodé Odendaal
There is nothing more thrilling than seeing a team or an individual recognize the value of digital, and how it can transform lives and businesses for the greater good. Rhodé is an ardent supporter of the digital technology that helps us to live, work, and learn better as citizens.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Achiever
- Input
- Responsibility
- Strategic

Carolynne Lengfeld
Account Manager

Laurika de Jager Bronkhorst
Account Manager

Account Manager
Laurika de Jager Bronkhorst
Laurika loves to see the light go on in people's eyes. She applies the same principle to herself, so no wonder her number-one Gallup strength is 'Learner'. Her curiosity and creativity also make her a Jane of all trades, who will master with time.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Input
- Analytical
- Individualization
- Intellection

Nicole Petersen
Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager
Nicole Petersen
Nicole got her Bachelor's degree as well as a taste for 'The Bachelor' and other ridiculous reality television in 2015. She started as an intern at Cognician in the same year and has grown to love (and live by) standard project documentation.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Harmony
- Empathy
- Input
- Analytical
- Developer

Lou Mardon
Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager
Lou Mardon
Although she's a Business Analyst at heart, Lou is an experienced project manager who is passionate about business systems design and change management. She loves working on challenging or unusual projects that need strategic, creative, and thinking-outside-the-box solutions.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Relator
- Belief
- Achiever
- Positivity

Tara de Beer
Deployments Lead

Deployments Lead
Tara de Beer
Tara studied Fine Arts, teaching and packaging development before settling into project management. In her spare time, she loves crafting handmade goodies for babies. She believes that you should do all things to the best of your abilities.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Relator
- Achiever
- Developer
- Learner
- Strategic

Saskia Redivo
Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager
Saskia Redivo
Saskia hates writing about herself, especially in the third person. Things she'd like you to know: carbs are life, family is important (including the furry kind), traveling is fun, and expect a lot of complaints during exercise. Other than that, she enjoys a good challenge and learning new skills.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Maximizer
- Deliberative
- Intellection
- Learner
- Adaptability

Zoë Thomas
CX Support Co-ordinator

CX Support Co-ordinator
Zoë Thomas
Zoe is the single point of contact between Cognician's services and users. While managing incidents and service requests, she's always participating in the many various tasks at hand. She likes to spend her free time crafting, writing music, or watching random documentaries. She is a lover of art and chocolate.
Gallup CliftonStrengths rersults:
- Restorative
- Relator
- Individualization
- Analytical
- Deliberative

Maahirah Waggie
Customer Experience Support Coordinator

Customer Experience Support Coordinator
Maahirah Waggie
Maahirah is optimistic, fun-loving and hard-working. She enjoys being outdoors and finds baking very therapeutic when she's stressed. She believes that if you believe in yourself and your capabilities, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Developer
- Responsibility
- Futuristic
- Learner

Phiwe Ntloko
Project Manager

Marili Boshoff
Project Manager

Project Manager
Marili Boshoff
Marili is an independent, self-motivated individual, but she prefers working in teams, as that is where the best ideas originate. Outside of work, she loves running and reading a good book. She's also something of an experimental home chef, often trying new recipes and flavor combinations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Individualization
- Achiever
- Relator
- Responsibility

Natalie Peploe
Configurations Lead

Configurations Lead
Natalie Peploe
Natalie believes in learning something new every day … a word, a theory (conspiracy or otherwise), or how Donkey Kong got its name. She loves watching sports and spending time with her family. She's also a lover of crime thrillers (reading) and romantic comedies (watching).
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Harmony
- Connectedness
- Achiever
- Developer

Bill Machipisa
CX Support Intern

CX Support Intern
Bill Machipisa
Bill seems quiet, but don't be fooled – he's a very sociable being. Having studied mechanical and mechatronics engineering, he's intrigued by the way the world works – from technology to geopolitics and everything between. Outside work, he's an avid comic book reader and anime lover. He can be found taking walks, playing soccer, playing games with friends, or binge-watching series.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Adaptability
- Ideation
- Futuristic
- Connectedness

Nthati Lesaoana
CX Support Intern

CX Support Intern
Nthati Lesaoana
Nthati is always willing to help. She hasn't had the easiest past, but through her desire to make things better, she continues to navigate and soar through life, gunning for everything she hopes to achieve and giving her best – always with a smile. She's highly self-aware and works on herself daily.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Communication
- Strategic
- Learner
- Activator
- Relator

Mumtaaz Allie
CX Support Intern

CX Support Intern
Mumtaaz Allie
Mumtaaz is quiet at first, but can't stop chatting once she gets comfortable. She is optimistic and always looks at the positive side of things, no matter what life throws at her. She has completed her Bachelor's degree and is in the process of completing her Honours degree in Industrial Sociology. When she's not working, you can find her spending quality time with her family and friends and watching series.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Empathy
- Relator
- Discipline
- Positivity

Careena Koch
Editing Team Lead

Refiloe Metsing
Editor

Editor
Refiloe Metsing
Refiloe is a self-proclaimed finicky nitpicker and language enthusiast. She studied English literature, French, and psychology at UCT. A total podcast junkie, she's got at least two going at any one time – one of which is likely to be true crime.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Harmony
- Consistency
- Context
- Maximizer
- Intellection

Tanya Sadler
Editor

Editor
Tanya Sadler
Tanya is a journalist-turned-editor who really only feels truly content when she's reading something. Editing means lots of reading; ergo, Tanya loves editing! She has a bit more of a love-hate relationship with writing, but aspires to write more regularly anyway. And when she dreams her best dreams, she's a successful freelance music journalist in the 70s, writing the most amazingly sought-after articles for NME … *swoon*
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Input
- Learner
- Developer
- Futuristic

Christopher Garratt
Head of Development

Head of Development
Christopher Garratt
When he's not daydreaming or people watching over a good cappuccino, Chris dabbles in just about everything. Languages, tennis, writing, meditating, motorsports, theatre, birdwatching ... you name it, he'll try it! (Well, just about. He's not too keen on extreme sports.)
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Empathy
- Adaptability

Chris Hill
Senior Learning Experience Designer

Senior Learning Experience Designer
Chris Hill
Chris has almost 20 years' experience in training, the bulk of which is in online learning, as well as experience in the Finance sector. He has a Social Science Honours degree along with additional qualifications in management, marketing, and accounting.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Analytical
- Strategic

Ivan Sadler
Senior Learning Experience Designer

Senior Learning Experience Designer
Ivan Sadler
Ivan studied Fine Arts at UCT and runs a microscopic T-shirt printing concern in his spare time. He has previously worked as a technical writer, instructional designer, graphic designer, illustrator, and freelance film critic. He also plays guitar, loves beer, heavy metal, and keeps a pet rabbit that lives inside a couch.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Context
- Ideation
- Empathy
- Input
- Intellection

Robyn Ford
Senior Learning Experience Designer

Senior Learning Experience Designer
Robyn Ford
During her studies in Psychology, Robyn was disappointed to learn that they would not teach her telepathy. Her other skills and talents include shrinking heads, tattooing, and reading and writing real good like. She has a passion for learning, life coaching, and community and individual development. Her Staffordshire Terrier, Poebie, is the master of her universe.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Individualization
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Context

Monica Whippo
Learning Experience Consultant

Learning Experience Consultant
Monica Whippo
Monica studied History and Leadership in Teaching. She is a career educator with a love for making learning exciting. Outside of the office, you can find her practicing Italian, reading a great book, or checking out the newest Netflix series.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Context
- Harmony
- Learner
- Discipline
- Connectedness

Alexandra Findlay
Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designer
Alexandra Findlay
Alexandra – known as Ali by most – studied Journalism and Media. After working as a freelance writer and editor, she settled at Cognician and found Learning Experience Design. A lover of words, cake, traveling, and dogs, she is a people person who enjoys working in a team and learning from others.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Arranger
- Positivity
- Maximizer

Gary Fensham
OTS Development Lead

OTS Development Lead
Gary Fensham
As a psychology graduate, Gary's lifelong quest is to gain an understanding of what drives and motivates people. During his downtime, Gary enjoys the outdoors while mountain biking, hiking, or playing water polo. A braai (with a beer in hand) must follow these activities.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Relator
- Intellection
- Restorative
- Achiever

Nell Hofmeyr
Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designer
Nell Hofmeyr
After a brief stint in copywriting, Nell answered the call to a career in education. On weekends, you can find her at the cinema, on a mountain or raiding the pastry counter at a bakery near you. She never says no to coffee and a chinwag!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Input
- Learner
- Connectedness
- Relator

Freda Swan
Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designer
Freda Swan
Freda is wildly curious. Officially, she has indulged her curiosity by studying Psychology, Philosophy, and Neuroscience. Unofficially, she's always exploring a new learning area. From coding and creative writing to sewing and baking, there's barely a moment to spare! That said, Freda appreciates downtime too, and is an expert couch-dweller who loves feline company.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Learner
- Activator
- Individualization
- Focus

Phondie Simelane
Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designer
Phondie Simelane
Phondie is a walking sponge. She has an insatiable desire to comprehend the whys and how to's. Working in the realm of instructional design allows her the freedom to jump down endless rabbit holes. She is often found near good coffee and is inspired by the beauty of nature.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Context
- Developer
- Strategic

Mandisa Gila
Learning Experience Designer

Storm Mudde
Learning Experience Designer

Chelsea Erispe
LXD Intern

Anam Majikijela
LXD Intern

LXD Intern
Anam Majikijela
Anam is quite shy person when she first meets new people, but warms up to people quickly. She's a hard worker, a learner, and loves to laugh and have a fun time. She's very driven and passionate about technology and is always eager to grow in life and in her career.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Includer
- Deliberative
- Adaptability
- Relator
- Discipline

Tamsyn Steed
LXD Intern

LXD Intern
Tamsyn Steed
Tammy is a BCcom graduate with experience in business intelligence and web app development. After living abroad and working as a teacher, she gained a new-found love for education. This, coupled with her passion for learning and technology, led her to Cognician. In her spare time, you'll find her exploring a new learning area, adventuring somewhere in the city, or curled up on the couch with some tea and her fur baby.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Individualization
- Developer
- Connectedness
- Learner
- Arranger

Gemma Strohbach
LXD Intern

LXD Intern
Gemma Strohbach
Gemma holds a diverse background that spans English Literature, Neuropsychology, and Visual Design. She hopes to combine her knowledge of human perception and behavior with her creative skills in order to solve problems, collaborate, innovate, and grow.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Includer
- Connectedness
- Context
- Discipline
- Futuristic

Cassidy Procter
Designer

Designer
Cassidy Procter
Cassidy likes to go by 'Cass'. She's proficient in Graphic/Digital Design and Illustration and is an old-school music fanatic, enjoying everything from Queen to Fleetwood Mac. Cass is an old soul with a young heart. She loves exploring nature and enjoying life to its fullest.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Self-assurance
- Input
- Responsibility
- Achiever

Bastien Desfontaines
Designer

Designer
Bastien Desfontaines
Known as 'Bash' to his friends, Bastien's a passionate creative who loves illustration and design. He appreciates thought-provoking conversations and engaging concepts. A sucker for funky, alternative music, he plays guitar for fun. If he's not designing, he's in the kitchen cooking ... and eating.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Adaptability
- Strategic
- Input
- Ideation
- Developer

Sihle Mambikimba
Design Intern

Hans Coetzee
Design Intern

Design Intern
Hans Coetzee
Hans is a graphic designer who draws his inspiration from minimalism. He appreciates the UX process and strives to broaden his knowledge in the field. When not mesmerized by a new digital design project, he punctuates his graphic design passion with walking his crazy dogs and lapping up water sports.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Discipline
- Restorative
- Competition
- Deliberative
- Relator

Francois du Toit
Senior Software Engineer

Mark McFadyen
Software Engineer

Software Engineer
Mark McFadyen
Mark studied software development at CTU Stellenbosch, where he completed his MCSD. Mark has an undying thirst for knowledge and believes that there's nothing in the world one cannot learn and master, as long as the will to learn exists. He has a love for all things Internet- and software-related.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Learner
- Ideation
- Strategic
- Futuristic

Mike Hewitson
Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer
Mike Hewitson
Mike has been captured by IT since the late 1970s and hasn't managed to escape since. He is a maker in all aspects of his life – from computer systems to food, furniture, charcuterie, and tonic ... he really struggles to do things in half measures.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Learner
- Achiever
- Responsibility
- Input

Chris Etheridge
Software Engineer

Software Engineer
Chris Etheridge
Chris is a nerd at heart. He loves everything about technology and the Internet. He has a huge interest in software development and is thus studying software development at Varsity College while interning as a software developer. He's beyond addicted to coffee.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Futuristic
- Empathy
- Positivity
- Input
- Restorative

Dimitar Uzunov
Infrastructure Engineer

Infrastructure Engineer
Dimitar Uzunov
Dimitar likes breaking down barriers between teams and disciplines, cloud computing, and infrastructure as code. He considers himself to be more of a fox than a hedgehog and likes tea and coffee equally.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Analytical
- Relator
- Input
- Responsibility
- Consistency

Herbert Hill
Data Analyst

Data Analyst
Herbert Hill
Herbert is an aspiring Business Intelligence Analyst who studied Chemical Engineering while trying to stay focused and extra sparkly. He's a numbers guy; if it doesn't add up, then it doesn't make sense. In data we trust!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Responsibility
- Futuristic
- Analytical
- Restorative

Petro van Tonder
Data Analyst

Werner Vos
Senior User Experience Designer

Senior User Experience Designer
Werner Vos
Werner is a UX/UI Designer with a huge interest in cognitive ergonomics. He loves learning how things work and just so happens to also know how to develop everything that he designs.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Responsibility
- Belief
- Restorative
- Strategic
- Developer

Betty Kayton
Content Marketing Specialist

Simone Bradley
Senior Copywriter

Senior Copywriter
Simone Bradley
Simone is a copywriter and content creator who is on a perpetual quest to find just the right words that inspire and convert. Few things make her happier than deep conversations about her lifelong passion for archaeology, wine, and a good book. She can frequently be found contentedly tapping away on her computer with her cat Sadie on her lap!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Context
- Empathy
- Positivity
- Learner

Mihlali Mabaso
Digital Content Marketing Coordinator

Digital Content Marketing Coordinator
Mihlali Mabaso
Mihlali loves all things media. She has a passion for music, writing, and connecting with others through storytelling. Her curiosity drives her sense of wonder and eagerness to know more about the world around her! When she's not working in marketing, you'll find her exploring the city in search of hidden gems.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Futuristic
- Individualisation
- Strategic
- Positivity
- Learner