Barry Kayton
Patrick Kayton
Michael Leeman
Robert Stuttaford
Cali Coetzee
Jeff Kayton
Gerrit Ellis
Hayley Slater
Jann Acutt
Rhodé Odendaal
Carolynne Lengfeld
Nicole Petersen
Lou Mardon
Tara de Beer
Saskia Redivo
Zoë Thomas
Maahirah Waggie
Phiwe Ntloko
Marili Boshoff
Nwabisa Mene
Natalie Peploe
Bill Machipisa
Maryna Smit
Cassidy Procter
Bastien Desfontaines
Sihle Mambikimba
Careena Koch
Refiloe Metsing
Justin Germishuys
Christopher Garratt
Chris Hill
Ivan Sadler
Gabriella Garnett
Robyn Ford
Laura Germishuys
Alexandra Findlay
Gary Fensham
Nell Hofmeyr
Andre van Vollenstee
Freda Swan
Phondie Simelane
Chelsea Erispe
Anam Majikijela
Tamsyn Steed
Francois du Toit
Mark McFadyen
Mike Hewitson
Chris Etheridge
Ryan White
Herbert Hill
Petro van Tonder
Dimitar Uzunov
Betty Kayton
Aisling McCarthy
Werner Vos
CEO (USA)
Barry Kayton
As an instructional designer, Barry found the secret to great learning: make it meaningful. Make it learner-centered. Make personalized, practical, powerful questions the key tools. And always make the mental model stand out. Barry co-founded Cognician with Patrick to make this kind of great learning possible at scale.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Relator
- Maximizer
- Strategic
- Learner
CEO (UK)
Patrick Kayton
Patrick has a lifelong passion for understanding what makes people tick. He co-founded Cognician with Barry to create a platform and a company with the mission of making learning and behavior change more effective by changing the way people think.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Futuristic
- Learner
- Individualization
- Achiever
GM / Talent Manager
Cali Coetzee
Cali loves the purpose that work brings and is insatiable for the challenge of new, better, right, and beautiful. She loves to write and develop reading materials and learning experiences that make a difference. Although she probably uses far more exclamation marks than would make a grammarist comfortable!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Learner
- Empathy
- Strategic
- Achiever
Operational Support
Jeff Kayton
Jeff is never bored – he always has books to read, movies to watch, lists of things to do, and places to visit. If something is broken or not working properly, he feels compelled to fix it. Similarly, if he decides that he’s going to do something, only bullets will stop him.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Relator
- Analytical
- Arranger
- Strategic
Head of Infosec Compliance
Gerrit Ellis
Gerrit has over 15 years’ experience in Information Technology, of which 10 years were spent within global financial institutions. He is passionate about all things cybersecurity with a keen interest in global politics and international relations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Relator
- Learner
- Individualization
- Responsibility
- Focus
Head of Customer Experience
Hayley Slater
Hayley has a background in customer service, project management, and operational change. Her purpose is to build a customer-success-focused organization that empowers people to create market-winning value. She loves books, craft beer, and her family.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Analytical
- Communication
- Arranger
- Input
Account Manager
Jann Acutt
Jann is on her fifth career (more or less). She started as a Social Sciences Researcher. Realising that she wasn’t cut out for an ivory tower, she traveled the world. Since returning, Jann worked in media in various incarnations before finding her home at Cognician. She cares deeply about empowering people.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Strategic
- Restorative
- Individualisation
Account Manager
Rhodé Odendaal
There is nothing more thrilling than seeing a team or an individual recognize the value of digital, and how it can transform lives and businesses for the greater good. Rhodé is an ardent supporter of the digital technology that helps us to live, work, and learn better as citizens.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Achiever
- Input
- Responsibility
- Strategic
Senior Project Manager
Nicole Petersen
Nicole got her Bachelor’s degree as well as a taste for ‘The Bachelor’ and other ridiculous reality television in 2015. She started as an intern at Cognician in the same year and has grown to love (and live by) standard project documentation.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Harmony
- Empathy
- Input
- Analytical
- Developer
Senior Project Manager
Lou Mardon
Although she’s a Business Analyst at heart, Lou is an experienced project manager who is passionate about business systems design and change management. She loves working on challenging or unusual projects that need strategic, creative, and thinking-outside-the-box solutions.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Relator
- Belief
- Achiever
- Positivity
Senior Project Manager
Tara de Beer
Tara studied Fine Arts, teaching and packaging development before settling into project management. In her spare time, she loves crafting handmade goodies for babies. She believes that you should do all things to the best of your abilities.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Relator
- Achiever
- Developer
- Learner
- Strategic
Senior Project Manager
Saskia Redivo
Saskia hates writing about herself, especially in the third person. Things she’d like you to know: carbs are life, family is important (including the furry kind), traveling is fun, and expect a lot of complaints during exercise. Other than that, she enjoys a good challenge and learning new skills.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Maximizer
- Deliberative
- Intellection
- Learner
- Adaptability
CX Support Co-ordinator
Zoë Thomas
Zoe is the single point of contact between Cognician’s services and users. While managing incidents and service requests, she’s always participating in the many various tasks at hand. She likes to spend her free time crafting, writing music, or watching random documentaries. She is a lover of art and chocolate.
Gallup CliftonStrengths rersults:
- Restorative
- Relator
- Individualization
- Analytical
- Deliberative
Customer Experience Support Coordinator
Maahirah Waggie
Maahirah is optimistic, fun-loving and hard-working. She enjoys being outdoors and finds baking very therapeutic when she’s stressed. She believes that if you believe in yourself and your capabilities, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Developer
- Responsibility
- Futuristic
- Learner
Project Manager
Phiwe Ntloko
Phiwe’s quiet demeanor hides a big laugh. If you want to see him smile, just make him laugh. He can usually be found flicking through comics and manga.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Consistency
- Analytical
- Developer
- Arranger
- Relator
Project Manager
Marili Boshoff
Marili is an independent, self-motivated individual, but she prefers working in teams, as that is where the best ideas originate. Outside of work, she loves running and reading a good book. She’s also something of an experimental home chef, often trying new recipes and flavor combinations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Individualization
- Achiever
- Relator
- Responsibility
Customer Experience Support Coordinator
Nwabisa Mene
Nwabisa’s friends would describe her as a box of choice assorted biscuits. Her interests range from social development to media and marketing. She loves dancing and watching any movie that involves dancing. She loves learning new skills and she’s always looking at new skills to develop.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Developer
- Connectedness
- Relator
- Positivity
Project Manager
Natalie Peploe
Natalie believes in learning something new every day … a word, a theory (conspiracy or otherwise), or how Donkey Kong got its name. She loves watching sports and spending time with her family. She’s also a lover of crime thrillers (reading) and romantic comedies (watching).
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Harmony
- Connectedness
- Achiever
- Developer
CX Support Intern
Bill Machipisa
Bill seems quiet, but don’t be fooled – he’s a very sociable being. Having studied mechanical and mechatronics engineering, he’s intrigued by the way the world works – from technology to geopolitics and everything between. Outside work, he’s an avid comic book reader and anime lover. He can be found taking walks, playing soccer, playing games with friends, or binge-watching series.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Adaptability
- Ideation
- Futuristic
- Connectedness
Head of Design
Maryna Smit
Maryna specializes in creating intuitive user journeys and designing pixel-perfect interfaces. When she’s not busy applying design thinking (which she does to everything), she likes to read about how the human mind works and how that impacts people’s behavior.
Gallup CliftonStrengths Results:
- Individualization
- Input
- Learner
- Connectedness
- Intellection
Designer
Cassidy Procter
Cassidy likes to go by ‘Cass’. She’s proficient in Graphic/Digital Design and Illustration and is an old-school music fanatic, enjoying everything from Queen to Fleetwood Mac. Cass is an old soul with a young heart. She loves exploring nature and enjoying life to its fullest.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Self-assurance
- Input
- Responsibility
- Achiever
Designer
Bastien Desfontaines
Known as ‘Bash’ to his friends, Bastien’s a passionate creative who loves illustration and design. He appreciates thought-provoking conversations and engaging concepts. A sucker for funky, alternative music, he plays guitar for fun. If he’s not designing, he’s in the kitchen cooking … and eating.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Adaptability
- Strategic
- Input
- Ideation
- Developer
Design Intern
Sihle Mambikimba
Sihle is a calm and a self-motivated individual. He enjoys going to the beach, music, and playing with his cats, Umi and Misty. 🙂
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Responsibility
- Consistency
- Discipline
- Restorative
- Achiever
Editor
Refiloe Metsing
Refiloe is a self-proclaimed finicky nitpicker and language enthusiast. She studied English literature, French, and psychology at UCT. A total podcast junkie, she’s got at least two going at any one time – one of which is likely to be true crime.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Harmony
- Consistency
- Context
- Maximizer
- Intellection
Head of Research
Justin Germishuys
In an attempt to remedy his life-long struggle with confusion and uncertainty, Justin studied Psychology and Philosophy at Stellenbosch University. It made his condition much worse. He also enjoys reading PG Wodehouse while eating chocolate biscuits.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Ideation
- Strategic
- Learner
- Restorative
- Individualization
Head of Development
Christopher Garratt
When he’s not daydreaming or people watching over a good cappuccino, Chris dabbles in just about everything. Languages, tennis, writing, meditating, motorsports, theatre, birdwatching … you name it, he’ll try it! (Well, just about. He’s not too keen on extreme sports.)
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Empathy
- Adaptability
Senior Learning Experience Designer
Chris Hill
Chris has almost 20 years’ experience in training, the bulk of which is in online learning, as well as experience in the Finance sector. He has a Social Science Honours degree along with additional qualifications in management, marketing, and accounting.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Analytical
- Strategic
Senior Learning Experience Designer
Ivan Sadler
Ivan studied Fine Arts at UCT and runs a microscopic T-shirt printing concern in his spare time. He has previously worked as a technical writer, instructional designer, graphic designer, illustrator, and freelance film critic. He also plays guitar, loves beer, heavy metal, and keeps a pet rabbit that lives inside a couch.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Context
- Ideation
- Empathy
- Input
- Intellection
Senior Learning Experience Designer
Gabriella Garnett
Gabriella is passionate about human experiences, possibilities, and potential. With a Masters in Organisational Psychology (focusing on the employee experience of emergent change from an Applied Neurosciences perspective), she works to integrate what she learns into all spheres of life. Gabriella loves tea, hiking, and forests.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Learner
- Ideation
- Responsibility
- Connectedness
Senior Learning Experience Designer
Robyn Ford
During her studies in Psychology, Robyn was disappointed to learn that they would not teach her telepathy. Her other skills and talents include shrinking heads, tattooing, and reading and writing real good like. She has a passion for learning, life coaching, and community and individual development. Her Staffordshire Terrier, Poebie, is the master of her universe.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Individualization
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Context
Senior Learning Experience Designer
Laura Germishuys
Hoping to save the world, Laura did a Master’s in Sociology, only to realize that knowledge isn’t a magic wand. She didn’t lose her belief in education though. In her free time, perfection is a cat, a fire, and a good book.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Intellection
- Input
- Achiever
- Ideation
Learning Experience Designer
Alexandra Findlay
Alexandra – known as Ali by most – studied Journalism and Media. After working as a freelance writer and editor, she settled at Cognician and found Learning Experience Design. A lover of words, cake, traveling, and dogs, she is a people person who enjoys working in a team and learning from others.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Arranger
- Positivity
- Maximizer
OTS Development Lead
Gary Fensham
As a psychology graduate, Gary’s lifelong quest is to gain an understanding of what drives and motivates people. During his downtime, Gary enjoys the outdoors while mountain biking, hiking, or playing water polo. A braai (with a beer in hand) must follow these activities.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Learner
- Relator
- Intellection
- Restorative
- Achiever
Learning Experience Designer
Nell Hofmeyr
After a brief stint in copywriting, Nell answered the call to a career in education. On weekends, you can find her at the cinema, on a mountain or raiding the pastry counter at a bakery near you. She never says no to coffee and a chinwag!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Input
- Learner
- Connectedness
- Relator
Learning Experience Designer
Andre van Vollenstee
Following his Master’s degree on graphic narratives, Andre can be found learning random facts, watching films, playing boardgames, and listening to a plethora of music. His passion for learning is rivalled only by his insatiable need for pizza.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Intellection
- Learner
- Context
- Input
- Woo
Learning Experience Designer
Freda Swan
Freda is wildly curious. Officially, she has indulged her curiosity by studying Psychology, Philosophy, and Neuroscience. Unofficially, she’s always exploring a new learning area. From coding and creative writing to sewing and baking, there’s barely a moment to spare! That said, Freda appreciates downtime too, and is an expert couch-dweller who loves feline company.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Learner
- Activator
- Individualization
- Focus
Learning Experience Designer
Phondie Simelane
Phondie is a walking sponge. She has an insatiable desire to comprehend the whys and how to’s. Working in the realm of instructional design allows her the freedom to jump down endless rabbit holes. She is often found near good coffee and is inspired by the beauty of nature.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Input
- Intellection
- Context
- Developer
- Strategic
LXD Intern
Chelsea Erispe
Chelsea is ambitious and driven. She is a people’s person. She is outgoing and very sassy. She easily steps out of her comfort zone and loves to learn new things.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Futuristic
- Competition
- Restorative
- Activator
- Intellection
LXD Intern
Anam Majikijela
Anam is quite shy person when she first meets new people, but warms up to people quickly. She’s a hard worker, a learner, and loves to laugh and have a fun time. She’s very driven and passionate about technology and is always eager to grow in life and in her career.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Includer
- Deliberative
- Adaptability
- Relator
- Discipline
LXD Intern
Tamsyn Steed
Tammy is a BCcom graduate with experience in business intelligence and web app development. After living abroad and working as a teacher, she gained a new-found love for education. This, coupled with her passion for learning and technology, led her to Cognician. In her spare time, you’ll find her exploring a new learning area, adventuring somewhere in the city, or curled up on the couch with some tea and her fur baby.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Individualization
- Developer
- Connectedness
- Learner
- Arranger
Software Engineer
Mark McFadyen
Mark studied software development at CTU Stellenbosch, where he completed his MCSD. Mark has an undying thirst for knowledge and believes that there’s nothing in the world one cannot learn and master, as long as the will to learn exists. He has a love for all things Internet- and software-related.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Restorative
- Learner
- Ideation
- Strategic
- Futuristic
Senior Software Engineer
Mike Hewitson
Mike has been captured by IT since the late 1970s and hasn’t managed to escape since. He is a maker in all aspects of his life – from computer systems to food, furniture, charcuterie, and tonic … he really struggles to do things in half measures.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Learner
- Achiever
- Responsibility
- Input
Software Engineer
Chris Etheridge
Chris is a nerd at heart. He loves everything about technology and the Internet. He has a huge interest in software development and is thus studying software development at Varsity College while interning as a software developer. He’s beyond addicted to coffee.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Futuristic
- Empathy
- Positivity
- Input
- Restorative
Senior Software Engineer
Ryan White
Ryan makes things. He thought Mechanical Engineering would be a good course of study. Then he discovered the Internet, and now, when undoing mistakes, uses Cmd-Z instead of a blowtorch or an angle grinder.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Achiever
- Positivity
- Learner
- Individualization
- Responsibility
Data Analyst
Herbert Hill
Herbert is an aspiring Business Intelligence Analyst who studied Chemical Engineering while trying to stay focused and extra sparkly. He’s a numbers guy; if it doesn’t add up, then it doesn’t make sense. In data we trust!
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Strategic
- Responsibility
- Futuristic
- Analytical
- Restorative
Data Analyst
Petro van Tonder
A nerd at heart, Petro is curious about everything. Solving problems creatively through technology and science excites her.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Responsibility
- Arranger
- Adaptibility
- Connectedness
- Input
Infrastructure Engineer
Dimitar Uzunov
Dimitar likes breaking down barriers between teams and disciplines, cloud computing, and infrastructure as code. He considers himself to be more of a fox than a hedgehog and likes tea and coffee equally.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Analytical
- Relator
- Input
- Responsibility
- Consistency
Senior User Experience Designer
Werner Vos
Werner is a UX/UI Designer with a huge interest in cognitive ergonomics. He loves learning how things work and just so happens to also know how to develop everything that he designs.
Gallup CliftonStrengths results:
- Responsibility
- Belief
- Restorative
- Strategic
- Developer