University of Johannesburg

University of Cape Town

Brescia House High School

Learnfast Academy

2025 GOAL: To support 1,000,000 people on their journey to live Unlimited and Authentic lives #BHAG   - 
Director at Digital Grind Agency   -   Founder of LPW - Learn Play Work   -    Founding Ambassador Future Females Dubai.

Nurture Link

Founder

YOUR FULL-SERVICE DIGITAL MARKETING & TECH AGENCY.
At Digital Grind, we revolutionise your digital journey with flexible, scalable tech solutions tailored for scale-ups and enterprise brands, ensuring you stay ahead in a fast-paced world. 
Our unique blend of top-tier talent, transparent pricing, and commitment to excellence empowers your business growth, offering peace of mind and a competitive edge in the digital landscape.

Digital Grind

Chief Operational Officer

MetaMind3.0 by Digital Grind Agency - The podcast that connects you with the forefront of Web3 and the Metaverse. Tune in to hear from Web3 thought leaders, get answers, and unlock success strategies. Understand the impact on brands and communities and gain actionable insights to confidently launch your brand into the Metaverse.

MetaMind3.0

Podcast Co-Founder

Lead in the planning, execution, and management of the DP World global merchandising programme, overseeing its successful launch and implementation across multiple regions and markets.

DP World

Senior Project Manager - Short Term Contract

Skills: Marketing Strategy · Marketing · Social Media · Event Marketing Strategy

Future Females

Brand Ambassador 

BCW Global

Special Event Specialist - Short Term Contract

While at Chime Sports Management (CSM), a global leader in event management with a presence in 18 countries and a team exceeding 1,000, I supported our esteemed client Mubadala in the Middle East, making significant contributions to their presence at notable events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai World Cup Horse Racing.

During my time at CSM, while primarily contracted to support Mubadala, I embraced diverse responsibilities that enriched my skill set and contributed to the overall success of the team. Beyond my core role, I actively participated in the operational and logistical coordination of the WalkOn event in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, I took on the task of compiling several new business proposals.

Following my impactful assignment at the Abu Dhabi branch, I was offered a permanent position, a gesture I deeply appreciated. However, I chose to pursue opportunities closer to Dubai, my home at the time.

CSM Sport & Entertainment

Senior Event Manager - Contract Position

At The Event Production Company, renowned across Africa and the Middle East, my role significantly enhanced our market position through strategic initiatives in content management and marketing, elevating our brand's presence across both digital and traditional platforms.

In this capacity, I demonstrated a blend of extensive business insight and advanced event production expertise through a variety of responsibilities:

- Led the expansion and refinement of company profiles and presentations, boosting our visibility and appeal across multiple marketing channels.
- Developed tailored, impactful event proposals for a diverse portfolio of clients across key sectors such as finance, agriculture, construction, and the automotive industry, ensuring their visions were brought to life with precision and creativity.
- Engineered innovative event and digital marketing strategies aimed at enhancing ROI, thereby cementing our status as pioneers in the event management industry.
- Managed the seamless conceptualisation and execution of projects, from their inception to the final delivery, guaranteeing client satisfaction and operational excellence.
- Oversaw various aspects of operational and business administration, showcasing my ability to lead and ensure the success of multiple complex projects.

Additionally, within this role, I managed high-profile projects for top-tier clients, adhering to strict confidentiality agreements that prevent the disclosure of specific details. This included pioneering the adoption of hybrid event models, anticipating and setting trends before they became industry standard, thus not only advancing the company’s success but also influencing broader industry practices with a commitment to innovation and strategic growth.

I departed from the company to pursue an exciting opportunity to work overseas.

The Event Production Company

Senior Producer

In my role at Sasfin as Group Event and Divisional Account Manager, my responsibilities spanned a broad spectrum, reflecting my multifaceted expertise:

- I devised, supervised, and implemented a comprehensive range of internal and external events for the Sasfin Group, meticulously ensuring that each event aligned with and celebrated the unique ethos of the existing corporate culture. 

- Additionally, I spearheaded the development and execution of targeted marketing and communication plans for the Commercial Solutions and Business Banking Divisions. Through these initiatives, I elevated the divisions’ market presence, ensuring coherent messaging and a consistent brand experience that resonated with our diverse client base and supported our strategic business objectives.

This role allowed me to blend creative vision with strategic marketing acumen, significantly contributing to the company's brand strength and market position.

Sasfin Bank

Group Event and Divisional Account Manager

As the General Manager of the Face And Body Institute my responsibilities included: 
•	Nurturing international relations with iS CLINICAL head office in California 
•	Maintaining the rights to sole distribution of the product range throughout South Africa
•	Customisation of the existing marketing strategies, tailor-making them to perform in the South African market 
•	Overseeing product training for internal team members and external therapists and retail stockists
•	Liaised closely with South African media agencies on marketing and PR campaigns  
•	Sourced and employed appropriate team members ensuring smooth business operations, training and sale generation

The Face & Body Institute

General Manager

Multitude of large scale contract positions in project direction and marketing consulting ...

UAE CLIENTS & BRANDS:
1. DP World
2. CSM, Chime Sports Management
- Special Olympics 2019, World Games 
- Mubadala (Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix / Dubai World Cup Racing)
3. ASDA'A BWC Global
- Jumeirah Hotel Company 
- Imkan Properties 
4. The Event Production Company
- Toyota, Al Futtaim Motors
- Bloomberg
- Accenture

SA CLIENTS & BRANDS:
- Discovery
- Nedbank
- Pick 'n Pay
- Henkel
- Southern Cross Risk Management
- AG Mobile

LPW Projects

Entrepreneurship / Freelance Consulting Career

*Management & Client Testimonials On Request.

At Thebe Conferences and Events, I was swiftly entrusted at a young age with significant responsibilities, marking a rapid ascent in my career from the outset. My primary challenge was orchestrating our client’s (Discovery) flagship event for their premium brokers —an annual large-scale gathering duplicated for two distinct groups. 

This role not only affirmed my capacity to handle high-stakes situations but also allowed me to lead a core team of four and coordinate an extended network of approximately 20 professionals, overseeing a cumulative staff of around 200 individuals.

My duties spanned the full spectrum of event planning, from the initial conceptualisation of our client’s vision to the seamless execution of the event. 
I lead in developing operational and logistical frameworks by engaging with industry experts, ensuring our strategies were both innovative and feasible. My responsibilities encompassed managing international and local travel logistics, accommodations, food & beverage, decor & styling, large-scale branding initiatives, and guest services, including hospitality, activity scheduling, communication, RSVP tracking, and personalised gift programs. Furthermore, I oversaw the production of significant events within the conference, such as the welcome and gala dinners, alongside arranging live entertainment and managing the logistical needs of our crew.

In leading this venture, I maintained a direct line of communication with the client and key stakeholders, managed the budget, and spearheaded our diverse team to achieve our collective goal. My role underscored the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and the ability to lead by example, ensuring the success of a landmark event that not only met but exceeded our client’s expectations.

GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS: Gaining permission to...
1. enter country with frictionless 'passportless' entry. 
2. brand the Victoria Falls Bridge :)

Lesley Forssman