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:

1. Intellection
2. Relator
3. Maximizer
4. Strategic
5. Learner

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:

1. Strategic
2. Futuristic
3. Learner
4. Individualization
5. Achiever

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:

1. Achiever
2. Analytical
3. Context
4. Strategic
5. Learner

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:

1. Maximizer
2. Connectedness
3. Ideation
4. Futuristic
5. Relator

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:

1. Intellection
2. Learner
3. Relator
4. Consistency
5. Harmony

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.

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:

1. Input
2. Learner
3. Empathy
4. Strategic
5. Achiever

Chief Sustainability Officer

Steve

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Intellection 
2. Strategic
3. Achiever
4. Maximizer
5. Harmony

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:

1. Learner
2. Relator
3. Analytical
4. Arranger
5. Strategic

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:

1. Relator
2. Learner
3. Individualization
4. Responsibility
5. Focus

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:

1. Learner
2. Analytical
3. Communication
4. Arranger
5. Input

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:

1. Input
2. Intellection
3. Strategic
4. Restorative
5. Individualisation

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:

1. Learner
2. Achiever
3. Input
4. Responsibility
5. Strategic

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:

1. Communication
2. Strategic
3. Woo
4. Self-Assurance
5. Responsibility

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:

1. Harmony
2. Empathy
3. Input
4. Analytical
5. Developer

PMO

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:

1. Strategic
2. Relator
3. Belief
4. Achiever
5. Positivity

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:

1. Maximizer
2. Deliberative
3. Intellection
4. Learner
5. Adaptability

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:

1. Restorative
2. Relator
3. Individualization
4. Analytical
5. Deliberative

Customer Success Associate

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:

1. Restorative
2. Developer
3. Responsibility
4. Futuristic
5. Learner

Project Manager

Phiwe Ntloko

Phiwe's quiet demeanor hides a big laugh. If you want to see him smile, just make him laugh. He can usually be found flicking through comics and manga.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Consistency
2. Analytical
3. Developer
4. Arranger
5. Relator

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:

1. Restorative
2. Harmony
3. Connectedness
4. Achiever
5. Developer

Customer 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:

1. Restorative
2. Empathy
3. Relator
4. Discipline
5. Positivity

FLOS and Config Support 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:

1. Learner
2. Positivity
3. Developer
4. Strategic
5. Relator

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:

1. Harmony
2. Consistency
3. Context
4. Learner
5. Analytical

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:

1. Harmony
2. Consistency
3. Context
4. Maximizer
5. Intellection

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:

1. Intellection
2. Input
3. Learner
4. Developer
5. Futuristic

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:

1. Input
2. Intellection
3. Ideation
4. Empathy
5. Adaptability

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:

1. Learner
2. Intellection
3. Ideation
4. Analytical
5. Strategic

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:

1. Context
2. Ideation
3. Empathy
4. Input
5. Intellection

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:

1. Context
2. Harmony
3. Learner
4. Discipline
5. Connectedness

Senior 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:

1. Communication
2. Empathy
3. Arranger
4. Positivity
5. Maximizer

RTG 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:

1. Learner
2. Relator
3. Intellection
4. Restorative
5. Achiever

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:

1. Intellection
2. Input
3. Learner
4. Connectedness
5. Relator

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:

1. Strategic
2. Learner
3. Activator
4. Individualization
5. Focus

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:

1. Input
2. Intellection
3. Context
4. Developer
5. Strategic

Learning Experience Designer

Mandisa Gila

Mandisa is super curious and always learning. She is passionate about language and education and follows her passions wholeheartedly.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Achiever
2. Learner
3. Futuristic
4. Ideation
5. Input

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

Learning Experience Designer

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

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:

1. Futuristic
2. Competition
3. Restorative
4. Activator
5. Intellection

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:

1. Includer
2. Deliberative
3. Adaptability
4. Relator
5. Discipline

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:

1. Individualization
2. Developer
3. Connectedness
4. Learner
5. Arranger

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:

1. Restorative
2. Self-assurance
3. Input
4. Responsibility
5. Achiever

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:

1. Discipline
2. Restorative
3. Competition
4. Deliberative
5. Relator

Design Intern

Shaharazaad Louw

Shaharazaad has a background in Publishing and Psychology. She is a perfectionist, an art lover, and coffee-reliant. She gets excited every time she needs to align fonts and graphics and choose a color palette. She gets equally excited when she sits down to watch a movie from her long 'movies/tv to watch' list.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Intellection
2. Input
3. Achiever
4. Discipline
5. Relator

Senior Software Engineer

Francois du Toit

I would prefer writing a description-generating program over writing a description of myself. Wait, I just wrote one didn't I ...

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Empathy
2. Adaptability
3. Relator
4. Learner
5. Connectedness

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:

1. Restorative
2. Learner
3. Ideation
4. Strategic
5. Futuristic

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:

1. Strategic
2. Learner
3. Achiever
4. Responsibility
5. Input

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:

1. Futuristic
2. Empathy
3. Positivity
4. Input
5. Restorative

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:

1. Analytical
2. Relator
3. Input
4. Responsibility
5. Consistency

Junior Data Engineer

Ernelene Bothma

Ernelene values relationships and has an adventurous spirit. She enjoys nature and spending quality time with loved ones. She is passionate about working in a team using analytical and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and eliminate inefficiencies in systems. She hates to see wasted potential and strives to make the best out of each day while maintaining a good work-life balance.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Learner
2. Belief
3. Responsibility
4. Achiever
5. Activator

Data 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:

1. Responsibility
2. Arranger
3. Adaptibility
4. Connectedness
5. Input

Junior Data 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:

1. Restorative
2. Intellection
3. Empathy
4. Harmony
5. Individualization

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:

1. Responsibility
2. Belief
3. Restorative
4. Strategic
5. Developer

Marketing and Sales Associate

Betty Kayton

Betty is a communications specialist with extensive experience in education, public relations, corporate finance, local government, newspapers and other media.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Harmony
2. Communication
3. Activator
4. Positivity
5. Consistency

Associate Account Manager

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 CliftonStrengths results:

1. Input
2. Context
3. Intellection
4. Strategic
5. Learning

Associate Account Manager

Ruby Versfeld

Ruby embraces challenges and dogs with equal enthusiasm. She has a penchant for problem-solving, a passion for people, a predilection for poetry, and a high probability of playing water polo at any given moment. Her studies in the United States and Scotland have provided her with an international perspective, an adaptable outlook, and the ability to eat anything deep-fried. 

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Achiever

2. Learner

3. Adaptability

4. Woo

5. Communication

CX Support Intern

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

PM Support Intern

Erin Marsberg

Erin is a people person who loves being organized and on time. Before Cognician, Erin obtained her Honors degree in Geography and Environmental Studies at Stellenbosch University. She's interested in understanding how people and their environments affect one another. In her free time, she can be found admiring maps, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Developer

2. Individualization

3. Input

4. Connectedness

5. Responsibility

LXD Intern

Kai Schwarze

Kai is an inquisitive person, sensitive, and driven. He enjoys both indoor and outdoor activities and is always keen for an adventure! His interests vary from staying indoors reading all day to going on multi-day hikes or nautical adventures with his friends. As long as there's action, Kai is there!

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Restorative

2. Learner

3. Intellection

4. Discipline

5. Relator

Project Co-ordinator

Rebecca Sparg

Cat person, unscrupulously honest, and always trying to improve: these things all describe Rebecca. She lives by the value found in community involvement and strong relationships, which is what attracted her to her Project Management internship when she first started at Cognician. Her favourite book is 'The Book of Tea' by Okakura Kakuzō, a small copy of which she carries with her on all her outdoor adventures.

Gallup CliftonStrengths results:

1. Input

2. Context

3. Intellection

4. Strategic

5. Learner