Our Team

Exco

Advisors & Fellow

Manco

Editing

Design

LXD

Tech

Marketing

Barry Kayton

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)

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

Michael Leeman

Michael is a serial entrepreneur, politics enthusiast, and lapsed actuary. After 15 years in investment banking, he found the prospect of improving learning for all irresistible and joined Cognician.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Achiever
Analytical
Context
Strategic
Learner

Colin Sloman

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

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

Gideon Shaanan

Gideon is an Executive Advisor, specializing in bringing innovative products to markets quickly, efficiently, and effectively. His organizational entrepreneurship work integrates collaboration, innovation, and change management.

Cali Coetzee

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

Steve

Chief Sustainability Officer

Steve

Steve is a passionate behavior change activator who’s committed to moving his fellows off the IUCN Red List. He’ll enthusiastically give you a two-flippers-up for choosing biodegradable straws and cycling to work. Always the most formally dressed dinner guest, he’ll never refuse a sashimi entrée – as long as it was responsibly sourced. He’s a member of SANCOB and believes you should be too!

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Intellection
Strategic
Achiever
Maximizer
Harmony

Jeff Kayton

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

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

Jann Acutt

Senior 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

Account Director

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 Director

Carolynne Lengfeld

Carolynne is an educator and learner and believes that a good sense of humour is a life necessity. She loves people, new experiences and beefy challenges.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Communication
Strategic
Woo
Self-Assurance
Responsibility

Lisa Bluett

Lead Gen and Sales

Lisa Bluett

Lisa loves sorting round pegs and square pegs and delights in matching them to the correct holes. Concerning herself with the shape of things, Lisa likes to spend most of her time thinking and learning about what makes things the way they are. You'll find her with a notebook and a box of colored pens, ready to draw connections and link people and ideas with action plans.

Gallup Strengths:

1. Input

2. Context

3. Intellection

4.Strategic

5.Learning

Nicole Petersen

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

Studio Manager (CX)

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

Saskia Redivo

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

Nadine Conradie

Project Manager

Nadine Conradie

From the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam to the dynamic city of Los Angeles, Nadine is a seasoned global traveler. She's a skilled project master who specializes in e-commerce, online travel, and family schedules, allowing her to seamlessly navigate between the professional and personal spheres. Nadine finds fulfilment in her creative pursuits, which include embracing the simple joys of DIY projects and gardening. She's guided by the philosophy of "Be present, be approachable, and be impactful," bringing dedication and enthusiasm to every aspect of life.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Achiever

2. Arranger

3. Responsibility

4. Connectedness

5. Relator

Zoë Thomas

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

Client Success Lead Co-Ordinator

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

Natalie Peploe

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

Mumtaaz Allie

Client Success Associate

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

Nehad Ahmed

Client Success Associate

Nehad Ahmed

Nehad is fresh out of university and is ready to take on what life throws at her! So much so, that she's doing her postgraduate studies part time. She loves challenging herself and learning through 'doing'. When she not working or studying, you'll find her catching some fresh air outdoors with her family.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Strategic

2. Learner

3. Achiever

4. Restorative

5. Discipline

Kaylynn Thomas

Support Desk and Configurations Associate

Kaylynn Thomas

Kaylynn is a life enthusiast! She loves to spend her free time with her beautiful dogs or kickboxing! She's easily able to step out of her comfort zone and loves learning new things.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Learner
Positivity
Developer
Strategic
Relator

Careena Koch

Editing Team Lead

Careena Koch

Careena is a molecular biologist turned editor, and a fancier of apostrophes, en-dashes and bacteria. She also likes tea.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Harmony
Consistency
Context
Learner
Analytical

Refiloe Metsing

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

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

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

Ivan Sadler

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

Monica Whippo

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

Studio Manager (LXD)

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

Nell Hofmeyr

Senior 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

Phondie Simelane

Senior 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

Chanel Richardson

Learning Experience Designer

Chanel Richardson

Chanel is a personal development enthusiast. She is friendly, adventurous, and diligent. You'll often find her surfing small waves, aspiring towards a new Duolingo streak, or enjoying the best veggie burgers in town.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Futurist

2. Relator

3. Learner

4. Intellection

5. Connectedness

Crystelle Aucamp

Rapid Development and Prototyping Lead

Crystelle Aucamp

Crystelle loves anything to do with education. When she's not applying her learning design skills, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up an intricate cake or with her nose in the latest self-help book. A good flat white is the key to her happiness.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Learner

2. Achiever

3. Deliberative

4. Relator

5. Intellection

Daniela Savoia

Learning Experience Designer

Daniela Savoia

As a lifelong learner (and teacher), Dani is passionate about discovering more about the world and about people – especially how people learn things.

You can find Dani with her head in a book, enjoying a tasty meal, or soaking up the sunshine outdoors. She also gets a kick out of checking items off a to-do list and making others smile.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Individualization

2. Learner

3. Input

4. Strategic

5. Responsibility

Lyndall Cain

Learning Experience Designer

Lyndall Cain

Lyndall studied art curatorship and creative writing and has been accused of being too narratively minded. As someone who strives to be a constant learner, she’s found herself designing learning experiences, where she feels a good sense of curation and narrative helps. When not daydreaming, she also enjoys hiking, swimming, both the baking and the eating of cake, podcasts and sometimes, even, bad TV.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Empathy

2. Strategic

3. Ideation

4. Input

5. Communication

Chelsea Erispe

Implementation LXD

Chelsea Erispe

Chelsea is ambitious and driven. She is a people's person. She is outgoing and very sassy. She easily steps out of her comfort zone and loves to learn new things.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Futuristic
Competition
Restorative
Activator
Intellection

Anam Majikijela

Implementation LXD

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

Implementation LXD

Tamsyn Steed

Tammy is a BCom 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

Cassidy Procter

Senior 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

Hans Coetzee

Designer

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

Freda Swan

Software Engineer

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

Mark McFadyen

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

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

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

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

Petro van Tonder

Software Engineer

Petro van Tonder

A nerd at heart, Petro is curious about everything. Solving problems creatively through technology and science excites her.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Responsibility
Arranger
Adaptibility
Connectedness
Input

Nicole Moodley

Software Engineer

Nicole Moodley

Before landing at Cognician, Nicole studied Physics at the University of Cape Town. Her life is a constant battle between her nature-loving desire to be outdoors, up a mountain, basking in the sun and her lazy default state of wanting to sit at home on her laptop all day.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

Restorative
Intellection
Empathy
Harmony
Individualization

Werner Vos

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

Erin Marsberg

Junior Project Manager

Erin Marsberg

Erin loves bringing order to chaos, clarity to conversations, and calm to complex projects. Since joining Cognician in 2022, she’s found her stride in structured collaboration and thoughtful problem-solving. A map enthusiast turned project manager, she’s fascinated by how people, systems, and environments interact—both in work and in the world. Outside of work, you’ll find her in a swim cap (pool, ocean or dam), cooking something comforting, or laughing with friends and family.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Developer

2. Individualization

3. Input

4. Connectedness

5. Responsibility

Zander Maré

Junior Data and Reporting Analyst

Zander Maré

Zander is a balanced individual with a strong desire to know himself and others. He views everyone as an equal and cares deeply about relationships and self-development. He's always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and listen to anyone with his full, undivided attention. He's very creative and loves to view problems from more than one angle. He believes that problems can most effectively be solved if everyone is involved as a team.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Restorative

2. Individualization

3. Focus

4. Positivity

5. Analytical

Andréa Froud

Executive and Sales Support

Andréa Froud

Andréa is a hard-working individual who's always keen learn something new and never shies away from a challenge. She originally qualified with a degree in Sports Science and followed this by becoming a certified Online English Teacher. Always striving to be the best she can be, she won't let anything prevent her from reaching her goals. She has a passion for karate, is happiest on the beach or around animals, and can often be found practicing her Patronus charm.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Relator

2. Achiever

3. Futuristic

4. Learner

5. Responsibility

Sinothando Bacela

Client Success Associate

Sinothando Bacela

Sinothando, whom most call 'Sea', is a not only a thalassophile but also a bookworm, writer, coffee aficionado, and designer. She exemplifies the expression 'dynamite comes in small packages.' Sea sometimes dabbles in adrenaline-filled adventures and believes in dreaming big and scary dreams of cities she's never visited in words she cannot pronounce.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Ideation

2. Input

3. Strategic

4. Achiever

5. Learner

Sarah Thom

Junior Implementation LXD

Sarah Thom

With a passion for the environment, continual learning, and working with technology, Sarah discovered Cognician while searching for a career where she could make a difference. She worked as a university tutor and online English tutor before completing a course in Instructional Design.

In her free time, you can find her hiking, camping, drawing, painting, or with her nose stuck in an epic fantasy novel.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Relator

2. Responsibility

3. Learner

4. Intellection

5. Arranger

Phethani Maanda

CX support intern

Phethani Maanda

Phethani has a great enthusiasm for learning new things, particularly coding languages. She loves hiking, staying active, watching anime, and building projects primarily in java for fun. With a keen interest in the digital world, she enjoys meeting new people, networking, and keeping up with the evolution of AI. One might say she finds her happy place either at a cafe or in nature. Socially , she falls somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert - so you'll either find her deep in thought or chatting away , depending on the coffee level of course!

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Futuristic

2. Discipline

3. Learner

4. Analytical

5. Focus

Laurie Michas

CX support intern

Laurie Michas

Laurie is a keen traveller, a dedicated cat lover, and an active nature enthusiast. She is an extremely organised person who finds immense satisfaction in ticking things off a to-do list! Laurie is driven by a philosophy of continuous learning and is constantly studying new things! She also wholeheartedly believes that humans are teachable, and that knowledge should be shared.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Learner

2. Achiever

3. Intellection

4. Developer

5. Input

Bonolo Tlhapane

Junior Project Co-ordinator

Bonolo Tlhapane

Bonolo thrives in dynamic environments where collaboration and innovation are key, Bonolo is always eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to every project. Outside of work, Bonolo is passionate about exploring creative ways to bridge the gap between technology, science, and design, making STEM more accessible and engaging.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Developer

2. Relator

3. Responsibility

4.Positivity

5.Individualization