Stafford Masie

Stafford Masie talks around Digital Innovation and Disruption, and are applicable to any audience because technology is a transversal matter, irrespective of industry or theme.

Stafford Masie, a name synonymous with innovation and digital expertise, is a South African tech luminary who has left an indelible mark on the technology landscape. With a career spanning decades, Masie has consistently demonstrated his passion for pushing the boundaries of digital innovation, driving change, and empowering individuals and organizations through technology.

Stafford has been in the ICT industry for more than 25 years. His career foundations started in mid 90’s working for Telkom, Dimension Data and then Novell as a software engineer. After spending 7.5 years living in the USA working for Novell based in Utah, he notably was responsible for establishing Google’s presence in South Africa (2006).

He led their team in launching the African versions of Google Search, Adwords, Google Maps and Streetview as well as the local version of YouTube – in other words, the Southern African Google business eco-system and strategy.

After leaving Google in 2010, he founded several fintech businesses and has since established several technology start-ups that have expanded globally. He’s known for the ‘Payment Pebble®’ and ‘Payment Blade®’ which he invented and which were launched via ABSA in South Africa and ANZ Bank in Australia and New Zealand.

They are presently being launched throughout the Asia Pacific region. During Stafford Masie time in the fintech arena he raised capital via an international venture capital firm and also the USA based Visa Inc (who also acquired an equity stake in one of his businesses).

Stafford continues his entrepreneurial journey today as an inventor and mentor within early-stage technology start-ups. Presently the two most notable of which are GATTACA – an artificial intelligence platform – and another which focuses on bitcoin crypto currency innovations.

Stafford Masie | Digital Innovation

Stafford Masie joined WeWork (an American commercial real estate company that provides shared workspaces for technology startups and services for other enterprises) and was their General Manager for Africa and launched their first presence on the African continent for 2.5 years.

He also guest lectures at several business schools such as Wits/UJ Business School, GIBS and Henley, participates in television and radio broadcasts and is an international guest keynote speaker on the influence of technology on modern life, society and education.

Over the past 7 years his focus has turned to the Bitcoin blockchain network and all aspects of cryptocurrencies. Many of his recent keynotes entails deciphering this world to audiences and inspiring enterprises with these new tectonic technological shifts.

Stafford Masie served on the Advtech board for 7.5 years and is currently an independent non-executive director on several boards including the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) & Discovery Bank.

He serves as a non-executive director, of the board of ADvTECH (the largest private school education body in Africa) and, after being approached by the Minister of Science and Technology, accepted an invitation to join the board of the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research).

Stafford Masie has also been appointed as one of the specialist advisors to the Office of the President of South Africa.

Leadership in Prominent Tech Companies

Masie’s career trajectory led him to hold leadership positions in several prominent technology companies. He worked for leading organizations in South Africa and beyond, consistently pushing the envelope when it came to digital innovation and technological advancements.

One of the milestones in Masie’s career was his tenure as the Managing Director of Google South Africa. During his time at Google, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence in the South African market, as well as advocating for increased internet access and digital literacy across the continent.

A Visionary Speaker and Thought Leader

Beyond his contributions as a technology executive, Stafford Masie has also emerged as an influential speaker and thought leader. He has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panel discussions at numerous tech conferences, sharing his insights on emerging trends, innovation, and the transformative power of technology.

His ability to communicate complex technological concepts in a relatable and accessible manner has made him a sought-after speaker. Masie’s talks often touch on the future of digital technology, the importance of digital inclusion, and the role of innovation in solving global challenges.

Advocacy for Digital Inclusion and Empowerment

Stafford Masie’s work extends beyond corporate leadership and speaking engagements. He is a fervent advocate for digital inclusion, believing that access to technology is a fundamental human right. His efforts to bridge the digital divide have included initiatives aimed at providing access to technology and digital education in underserved communities in South Africa and across the African continent.

He is also a strong proponent of the potential for technology to drive positive societal change, emphasizing its role in addressing pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

Conclusion

Stafford Masie’s journey from a curious technophile to a digital visionary in South Africa is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the world of technology and innovation. His pioneering spirit, leadership in the tech industry, and advocacy for digital inclusion have not only transformed the digital landscape in South Africa but have also had a significant impact on the broader global technology community.

As a digital expert and visionary, Stafford Masie continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way for South Africa and the world, emphasizing the boundless possibilities that technology offers for individuals and societies. His commitment to the principles of innovation, openness, and empowerment make him a guiding light in the ever-evolving digital age, reinforcing his role as a true South African digital luminary.

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