Previous Conversations
Catch up on past conversations and insights from First Thursdays.
Conversation 1: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Gina Schoeman
Thursday 5 March 2026
In the first conversation, we spent time on what I do in my current role as a macroeconomist in a global investment bank, comparing this to what other types of roles economists can take. We addressed the power of scenarios instead of only one baseline forecast. I also described my career journey from student to now, and the many chances I took.
Session Passcode: *80B?6gS
Conversation 2: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Wandile Sihlobo
Thursday 2 April 2026
Our guest, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economists and AgBiz and Presidential Envoy and Advisor, revealed his path to being a specialised sector economist. The conversation led us to highlight how important it is to market yourself in order to expand your readership, brand and network. You have to take chances, show up and put yourself out there.
Session Passcode: GY33^%MA
Conversation 3: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Mamokete Lijane
The session unfortunately didn’t record…. But don’t worry, watch this space for summary of what we spoke about coming soon!
Conversation 4: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Kuben Naidoo
Thursday 11 May 2026
Our guest, Kuben Naidoo, banker, former Deputy Governor of the SARB, former DDG ant National Treasury and Presidential Envoy Advisor, took us on a fascinating journey through his path, starting from when he wrote some of his final high school exams while being detained for protesting against apartheid, to working with some of South Africa’s best Finance Ministers and Governors, to now advising the private sector.
Show up, be brave and be curious!
Conversation 5: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Mandy Wiener
Thursday 2 July 2026
Mandy is one of the country’s best known and most credible journalists and authors. She is the current host of the Midday Report on 702 and Cape Talk and is a regular columnist for EWN.
She has published numerous best-selling books and is a prominent social media commentator.
Recording Coming Soon
Conversation 6: First Thursdays - It’s Always the Economics with Gina Schoeman
August 2026
I paused conversations in August to recap our first six months of conversations.