Grade 7 EMS Business Conference

On Thursday, 10 July, our Grade 7 boys took part in the unforgettable 4th Annual EMS Business Conference – a day packed with inspiration, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy. Themed “Style Up, Gear Up, Level Up!”, the event brought together a powerhouse line-up of guest speakers whose personal journeys and success stories sparked enthusiasm, curiosity, and ambition among the young delegates.

At the helm of the event was Lowen Smith from Raising Young Leaders, a dynamic and influential figure who has dedicated over 20 years to empowering young people. With a special focus on entrepreneurship, strategic change management, and leadership development, Lowen delivered a powerful and interactive experience. His facilitation brought the conference theme “Style Up, Gear Up, Level Up!” to life, encouraging the boys to see themselves as future business leaders and innovators.

Lowen’s engaging presentation style, backed by real-world insights, introduced the boys to the fundamentals of managing a business. Using an exciting and innovative business gaming app, delegates were challenged to run a virtual business, making critical decisions around inventory, marketing, staffing, sales, and value creation. This hands-on approach not only kept them captivated but also prompted thoughtful discussions around responsibility, initiative, innovation, and long-term ambition.

His final session centred on the BizVenture BizBox, a specially created Grade 7 EMS Conference Workbook. This resource offered a step-by-step guide to launching, running, and growing a business, a perfect way to Gear Up and Level Up their understanding of entrepreneurship.

Another standout moment was the appearance of Thokozani Miya, visionary founder and CEO of Neo Aviation, a pioneering African aviation company. Thokozani’s powerful talk emphasised breaking boundaries and pursuing bold, unconventional career paths. He shared his inspiring journey of resilience and innovation, showing the boys that passion and purpose can truly take you anywhere – even to the skies! His message beautifully echoed the theme: Style Up, Gear Up, Level Up!

Also taking to the stage was Sheldon Tatchell, founder of the iconic Legends Barber brand. Since launching in 2011, Sheldon has grown the business into a household name with over 70 branches across Southern Africa. His talk was a masterclass in branding, perseverance, and staying true to your vision. From humble beginnings to high-end partnerships – including recent collaborations blending grooming with automotive luxury – Sheldon reminded the boys that entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but also about purpose. As he shared, “Profit must have purpose,” a quote that resonated deeply with the young audience.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was electric. The boys were fully engaged, asking insightful questions, and showing genuine interest in the speakers’ stories. The spirit of the theme – “Style Up, Gear Up, Level Up!” – was felt in every interaction, every conversation, and every inspired moment.

A huge thank you goes out to all the organisers, guest speakers, and staff who made the 4th Annual EMS Business Conference such a memorable and meaningful event. Our Grade 7 delegates walked away inspired, energised, and better prepared to take on the world of business with confidence and creativity.

Here’s to the next generation of leaders – ready to Style Up, Gear Up, and Level Up!