Martin Brenner

Mira Khleif: Designing Connection Through Playful Parenting Redefining everyday family life with intention, empathy, and meaningful tools In today’s fast-paced world, parenting often feels like a constant balancing act. Between managing routines, navigating emotions, and staying present, many parents find themselves searching for approaches that are not only effective but also sustainable in real life. While advice is everywhere, practical solutions that truly fit into daily family life remain limited. This is where Mira Khleif, Founder of MKandM My Kids and Me, is creating a meaningful shift. Mira’s work stands at the intersection of design, emotional intelligence, and modern parenting. Her approach is not rooted in perfection or rigid systems, but in understanding the real experiences of families. Through MKandM, she is redefining how parents and children connect, learn, and grow together by transforming everyday moments into opportunities for engagement, structure, and emotional awareness. From Designing Spaces to Designing Everyday Life Mira’s professional journey began in architecture and design, where she developed a strong foundation in intentional thinking. Architecture is not simply about buildings. It is about how people move through spaces, how environments influence behavior, and how design can shape experience. This perspective stayed with her as she progressed in her career, working across projects that required both creativity and precision. However, one of the most transformative shifts in her life came with motherhood. Becoming a parent changed not only her priorities but also the way she observed the world around her. Instead of focusing solely on physical environments, she began to notice the invisible spaces within family life. These included routines, transitions, emotional dynamics, and the subtle ways children respond to their surroundings. Like many parents, she experienced the challenges that come with raising young children. There were moments of resistance to routines, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection that felt difficult to navigate. During this time, she realized something significant. There was a gap between what parenting theories suggest and what actually works in everyday life, especially during busy and demanding days. This realization did not lead to an immediate pivot, but rather a gradual evolution. Mira began to apply her design mindset to parenting itself. Instead of designing physical spaces, she started designing experiences. Experiences that could support connection, create structure, and encourage emotional understanding within the home. This marked the beginning of MKandM. A Brand Built on Real Experiences MKandM did not start as a business idea in the traditional sense. It began as a personal need. Mira was looking for tools that could help her children feel more secure, more involved, and more connected in their daily routines. She wanted solutions that were simple enough to use consistently and engaging enough for children to respond to positively. Through trial and error, she created small tools and activities for her own family. These were not perfect solutions, but they were practical and grounded in real moments. Over time, these ideas evolved into something larger. What makes MKandM unique is that it is deeply rooted in lived experience. Every product, activity, and concept comes from situations that parents genuinely face. This authenticity is what allows the brand to resonate with families. It does not present an idealized version of parenting. Instead, it acknowledges the challenges while offering realistic ways to navigate them. At its core, MKandM is built on a simple but powerful belief. Children do not need perfect parents. They need parents who are present, engaged, and willing to connect. Bridging the Gap Between Structure and Play One of the key insights Mira identified early on was the divide between structure and creativity in parenting and early education tools. Many existing approaches tend to lean heavily in one direction. Some emphasize strict routines and discipline, which can feel overwhelming or difficult to maintain. Others focus on free play and creativity, which, while valuable, often lack the guidance needed for daily routines. This gap created an opportunity. MKandM bridges structure and play by combining the two in a way that feels natural. Instead of separating learning from daily life, it integrates both into everyday moments. Routines become interactive. Learning becomes engaging. Children are not simply instructed. They are involved. This approach shifts the dynamic within the home. It moves away from control and toward collaboration. Children begin to understand the purpose behind routines rather than simply following instructions. As a result, they develop confidence, independence, and a sense of ownership over their actions. This balance between structure and creativity is one of the defining elements of MKandM’s philosophy. The Importance of Play and Emotional Intelligence Mira strongly believes that the skills children need today extend far beyond academic knowledge. While education remains important, the ability to navigate emotions, build relationships, and adapt to change has become equally critical. Play plays a central role in this development. It is not just a form of entertainment. It is a fundamental way in which children learn about the world. Through play, they explore ideas, test boundaries, solve problems, and process their experiences. Emotional intelligence is another key component. It allows children to understand their own feelings and recognize the emotions of others. It helps them manage challenges, communicate effectively, and build meaningful relationships. In a rapidly changing world, these skills are essential. Creativity, empathy, resilience, and adaptability are not easily taught through traditional methods. They are developed through experience, interaction, and reflection. MKandM is designed to support this process. By creating tools that encourage both play and emotional awareness, the brand helps children build these skills in a natural and engaging way. Addressing Screen Time Through Engagement One of the most common challenges faced by modern parents is managing screen time. Digital devices are deeply integrated into daily life, and children are naturally drawn to them because they are stimulating and easily accessible. Mira approaches this challenge from a different perspective. Instead of focusing solely on limiting screen time, she emphasizes the importance of offering meaningful alternatives. Children are more likely to move away from screens when they are engaged

Andiswa Zanele Msi: Leading the Future of Higher Education Through Digital Transformation, Purpose, and People-Centered Leadership For Andiswa Zanele Msi, leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by the ability to create meaningful impact at the intersection of people, systems, and vision. As the Campus Chief Director at North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, she stands as a dynamic force shaping the future of higher education through strategic leadership, digital transformation, and an unwavering commitment to student empowerment. Her journey is one of intentional growth, resilience, and purpose. It reflects a leader who has steadily evolved through roles that demanded both technical expertise and human understanding, ultimately positioning her as a transformative figure in academia and beyond. A Journey Built on Strategy, Systems, and Purpose Andiswa’s professional journey is a reflection of deliberate progression into integrated leadership. With a strong foundation in project management, operations, governance, and digital transformation, she has consistently operated at the intersection of institutional strategy and service delivery. Her earlier roles required her to navigate complex systems while ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals. This experience not only strengthened her operational expertise but also deepened her understanding of how institutions function as interconnected ecosystems. A defining phase of her career came during her tenure as Director of IT Academic Systems. In this role, she led initiatives that enhanced digital alignment within the academic environment, supporting teaching, learning, and research through robust technological frameworks. Her work extended beyond implementation to include governance, risk management, and cybersecurity awareness, all critical components in today’s digital landscape. These experiences laid the groundwork for her current role, equipping her with the ability to lead at a strategic level while maintaining a clear focus on operational excellence and institutional resilience. Stepping into Integrated Campus Leadership Her appointment as Campus Chief Director at the Vanderbijlpark Campus represents a significant milestone in her career. In this role, she oversees a wide range of functions, including student life, residences, facilities, protection services, and information technology, ensuring that all elements work cohesively to support the academic mission. At the heart of her leadership is the belief that universities must create environments where students can thrive both academically and personally. This requires more than efficient operations; it demands a holistic approach that integrates support services with academic objectives. A key priority for Andiswa is fostering alignment across all campus functions. By breaking down silos and promoting collaboration, she ensures that every aspect of the campus experience contributes to student success. This integrated approach not only enhances efficiency but also creates a seamless and supportive environment for both students and staff. Driving a Unified Vision for Institutional Excellence Central to her leadership is the institutional vision of “One NWU,” which emphasizes unity across the university’s three campuses. This vision is about more than consistency; it represents a commitment to shared values, standards, and strategic direction. While each campus has its unique context, Andiswa recognizes the importance of maintaining coherence across the institution. Her role involves ensuring that policies, processes, and service delivery standards are aligned, creating a unified experience for students regardless of location. This focus on integration extends to her broader priorities, which include enhancing the student experience, strengthening governance, and advancing digital enablement. Through these efforts, she is contributing to the development of a future ready institution that is both cohesive and adaptive. The Role of Digital Transformation in Modern Education Andiswa’s background in digital transformation has significantly influenced her leadership approach. She views technology not as an isolated function but as a strategic enabler of institutional success. During her time as Director of IT Academic Systems, she oversaw critical platforms such as learning management systems and research support tools. She also played a key role in promoting cybersecurity awareness, ensuring that both staff and students were equipped to navigate digital environments safely. This experience has shaped her perspective on the role of technology in higher education. She believes that digital transformation must be purpose driven, aligning with institutional goals while addressing the needs of students and staff. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, universities must embrace innovation while maintaining strong governance frameworks. For Andiswa, this means balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations, data security, and long term sustainability. Preparing Institutions and Students for a Digital Future As higher education continues to evolve, the importance of digital innovation and cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Andiswa emphasizes that these elements are no longer optional but essential for institutional resilience and student success. At North-West University, efforts are focused on strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting awareness, and ensuring that governance frameworks support both innovation and compliance. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible digital transformation. Equally important is preparing students for the future. Beyond academic knowledge, they must develop digital literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex technological environments. By integrating these elements into the student experience, the university is equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Extending Influence Beyond the Institution In addition to her leadership role, Andiswa is an author, global speaker, and advisory board member. These roles allow her to contribute to broader conversations حول education, leadership, and digital transformation. Through her work, she shares insights on topics such as student experience, artificial intelligence, and the future of higher education. Her involvement in executive education programmes further enables her to engage with professionals and leaders, helping them build digital capabilities and navigate change. These external engagements complement her institutional responsibilities by keeping her connected to global trends and emerging ideas. They also provide a platform for her to influence thought leadership and contribute to the advancement of the sector. Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders Mentorship and leadership development are central to Andiswa’s philosophy. She believes that universities have a responsibility to go beyond academic instruction and actively shape future leaders. At the campus level, this involves creating opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through structured programmes and initiatives. Student governance structures, such as the Student Campus

Redefining Modern Nourishment Through Ancestral Wisdom and Purpose Driven Innovation Hadil Alkhatib, entrepreneurship was never simply about building businesses. It was about answering a deeply personal calling. What began as a structured and successful career in the energy sector gradually transformed into a mission to redefine how people experience food, health, and everyday well being. Today, as the visionary behind The Broth Lab, The Roost Rotisserie, and Catcha Matcha, she is not only shaping brands but influencing a broader shift toward intentional living and functional nourishment. Her journey reflects a powerful intersection of personal transformation, cultural wisdom, and modern innovation. It is a story that moves beyond conventional entrepreneurship and into the realm of purpose driven impact. A Foundation Built on Discipline and Strategy Hadil’s early professional life was rooted in the energy sector, an industry known for its complexity, precision, and demand for strategic execution. During these formative years, she developed a strong foundation in discipline, operational excellence, and analytical thinking. The corporate environment sharpened her ability to manage systems, make data driven decisions, and navigate high pressure situations. While this experience equipped her with essential business skills, it also exposed a gap between professional success and personal fulfillment. Beneath the surface, there was a growing awareness that her true purpose lay elsewhere. That realization, however, did not emerge from the boardroom. It came during one of the most transformative periods of her life. A Personal Turning Point That Changed Everything The defining moment in Hadil’s journey came after childbirth, when she faced significant postpartum health challenges. Physically and emotionally drained, she found herself searching for solutions that extended beyond conventional medicine. This period marked a profound shift, not only in her health but in her entire perspective on life. It was during this time that she discovered the power of ancestral superfoods. Through slow simmered bone broth, nutrient dense meals, and natural remedies rooted in tradition, she began to restore her energy, balance, and overall well being. The results were not just physical but deeply empowering. She realized that food, when approached with intention and knowledge, could serve as a form of medicine. This understanding became the foundation of her future ventures. What started as a personal healing journey soon evolved into a broader mission to share this knowledge with others. From Personal Healing to Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship Inspired by her transformation, Hadil made a bold decision to transition from the corporate world into entrepreneurship. Her vision was clear. She wanted to create brands that would make functional, healing foods accessible, enjoyable, and relevant to modern lifestyles. This vision was rooted in a simple yet powerful belief that wellness should not be complicated or exclusive. It should be integrated into everyday life in a way that feels natural, sustainable, and fulfilling. Her entrepreneurial journey was not driven by trends but by authenticity. Each concept she developed was deeply connected to her personal experiences and guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, and impact. Building a Portfolio of Purpose Led Brands Hadil’s ventures are not standalone businesses but interconnected expressions of a unified philosophy. Each brand represents a different dimension of nourishment, collectively forming an ecosystem that supports holistic well being. The Broth Lab focuses on gut health and recovery through slow cooked, nutrient rich bone broths. The Roost Rotisserie redefines comfort food by prioritizing ethical sourcing and clean ingredients. Catcha Matcha introduces ceremonial grade matcha as a daily ritual for sustained energy and mental clarity. Together, these brands reflect a comprehensive approach to wellness. They demonstrate that nourishment can be functional, convenient, and deeply enjoyable at the same time. The Broth Lab and the Revival of an Ancient Superfood At the center of Hadil’s portfolio is The Broth Lab, a concept that has played a significant role in elevating bone broth from a traditional staple to a modern functional superfood. Bone broth has been used for centuries across cultures for its healing properties. However, its traditional preparation requires time, patience, and access to high quality ingredients, making it difficult to incorporate into fast paced lifestyles. Recognizing this challenge, Hadil set out to create a solution that preserves authenticity while offering convenience. The Broth Lab was designed to bridge this gap by delivering slow cooked broths that maintain their nutritional integrity while being accessible to modern consumers. The brand places strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, long extraction processes, and transparency. This commitment ensures that the final product delivers genuine health benefits rather than diluted alternatives often found in the market. Over time, The Broth Lab has expanded beyond retail into clinics and healthcare settings, reflecting a growing recognition of the role nutrition plays in recovery and preventative care. Expanding the Vision Through Culinary Innovation While The Broth Lab focuses on functional nourishment, The Roost Rotisserie and Catcha Matcha extend Hadil’s vision into everyday experiences. The Roost Rotisserie reimagines familiar comfort foods by elevating ingredient quality and sourcing practices. By using hormone free, antibiotic free poultry and ethically sourced meats, the brand creates meals that are both satisfying and nourishing. It reconnects consumers with the origins of their food while maintaining the flavors and experiences they love. Catcha Matcha, on the other hand, introduces a different dimension of wellness. It celebrates matcha as an ancestral superfood that offers sustained energy, mental clarity, and a rich profile of antioxidants. Unlike conventional stimulants, matcha provides a balanced and calming effect, making it an ideal choice for modern lifestyles. These ventures demonstrate that wellness does not require sacrifice. Instead, it can enhance everyday experiences through thoughtful choices and intentional design. Leadership Defined by Values At the core of Hadil’s success is her leadership philosophy, which is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and joy. These values influence every aspect of her work, from product development to team culture. Integrity ensures that all decisions align with ethical and transparent practices. Curiosity drives continuous learning and innovation, encouraging exploration of new ideas and opportunities. Joy shapes the way teams collaborate, creating an environment that is both