Thabo Matshego

Experience

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  Grenville High School

  Nov 2010 - Nov 2011

  Executive Leader & President, Learner Representative Council

  Elected to lead the Learner Representative Council (LRC), representing student interests and driving institutional change. Oversaw annual strategy for the student executive leadership model, advocated for infrastructure improvements, and represented learner needs on the school governing body. Engaged in provincial government forums to strengthen student leadership initiatives.

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  Grenville High School

  Feb 2011 - Nov 2011

  Member of the School Governing Body

  As a school governing body member, I played a key role in overseeing the strategic direction and overall management of the school. I contributed to shaping the school’s vision and values, approving policies, and ensuring accountability for both educational and financial performance. A significant part of my responsibilities involved managing annual and quarterly budgeting processes to ensure resources were effectively allocated to meet the school’s priorities. Collaborating with the school leadership team, I helped set goals, monitor progress, and make informed decisions that enhanced student outcomes and community engagement Show less

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  Department of Basic Education

  Feb 2011 - Nov 2011

  Deputy President for Regional Counsel of Leaders

  Appointed to represent regional student leaders at provincial forums, advocating for student issues and fostering collaboration between district leaders and the Department of Education. Conducted research to identify common challenges, communicated insights to stakeholders, and contributed to policy discussions affecting student life across the region

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  University of Johannesburg

  Mar 2012 - Aug 2017

  Artistic Director - ATKV Ser

  As the Artistic Director for the annual competitive production Serenade, I led all creative and operational aspects of the production, resulting in multiple awards, including Best Composition, and guiding my groups to win the Overall Competition. I developed compelling scripts and storylines, selected repertoire, and arranged and composed original music that resonated with audiences and competition judges alike. I managed auditions, trained cast members, and served as the musical director, teaching and directing music to achieve exceptional performance quality. I created detailed rehearsal calendars to optimize preparation and ensured full compliance with competition rules and guidelines. Additionally, I oversaw the entire production process, from conception to execution, combining artistic vision with effective project management to deliver award-winning performances. Show less

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  McKinsey & Company

  Jan 2017 - May 2018

  Management Consultant

  Developed growth strategies, competitive analyses, and digital transformation initiatives for clients across various industries. Led projects in sales growth, banking app development, and operating model redesign, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, and organizational culture. Contributed to high-impact proposal development for securing new business

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  Quava Vocal Group

  Jan 2018 - Nov 2022

  African Music Director

  Directed the African music program and served as a strategic leader for the choir, contributing to repertoire development, leadership, and operational excellence. Composed and arranged over 15 acclaimed works performed across South Africa and Europe, connecting with global audiences. Led rehearsals and workshops, aligning music with the choir’s artistic vision through tailored support materials. Advised the Artistic Director on vision, leadership, and annual strategy, while managing sponsorship applications. Oversaw day-to-day operations, including rehearsals, performances, tours, and recruitment, designing audition criteria and executing successful social media campaigns Show less

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  Freelance

  Jan 2018 - Jul 2021

  Management Consultant & Project Lead

  As an Independent Management Consultant, I provided strategic advisory services to organizations across Africa and Europe, specializing in commercial due diligence, market entry strategies, strategy development, and operating model design. I led high-impact projects, including platform redesigns, due diligence, and funding initiatives, while advising on growth strategies, risk management, and CSR.

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  Quava Vocal Group

  Mar 2018 - Mar 2021

  Marketing Lead & Social Media Manager

  Transformed the choir’s Facebook presence from 200 followers to an engaged community of over 5,000, with video content generating 150,000 views in under 24 months. Built and led the choir’s marketing division, setting and executing annual strategies while overseeing all marketing efforts. Collaborated with the artistic director to align creative strategies with strategic objectives and the annual concert calendar. Led the media task team for the 10-year celebration concert, managing social media campaigns, concert visuals, and collaborations with designers and videographers. Provided strategic guidance to internal and external media teams, ensuring high-quality content creation and curation across platforms Show less

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  Discovery Limited

  Jan 2019 - Jul 2019

  R&D Product Innovation

  Assisted divisional CEOs in driving product innovation and concept generation by analyzing customer data, conducting market research, and performing customer segmentation to support ongoing product feature enhancements and new product development. Collaborated closely with stakeholders to identify market trends, understand customer preferences, and uncover opportunities for innovation.

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  MusicSpoke

  Nov 2019 - now

  Musical Composer & Artistic Director

  As a celebrated choral composer and music director, I specialize in Contemporary African Music, Gospel, and Vocal Jazz, blending traditional African elements with modern influences to create culturally rich and innovative works. My compositions have been performed globally at prestigious events like the American Choral Directors Association Conference and Carnegie Hall. Highlights include being published under the Derrick Fox Choral Series and leading workshops on performance interpretation and storytelling. I also mentor emerging black talent, develop ensembles from scratch, and collaborate with recording artists and publishers to create new works for competitions and recordings. Show less

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  Notto

  Nov 2019 - Apr 2020

  Principal Management Consultant

  Partnered with the Founder & CEO of Notto Inc. as a Principal Consultant and Strategic Advisor to lead the development and market entry of Africa's first licensed credit bureau fintech. Directed strategy development, market research, and competitor analysis across Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia. Refined and created the end-to-end business model, developed investor pitch decks that secured UK and US funding, and delivered impactful go-to-market strategies

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  The Bridgespan Group

  Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

  Management Consultant

  Provided strategic advisory services to NGOs and philanthropic foundations, focusing on due diligence, operating model transformation, and equity-focused global initiatives. Conducted research, co-authored thought leadership, and played a key role in major consolidation efforts within the philanthropic sector in Africa

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  Freelance

  Apr 2022 - now

  As a Strategy Consultant and Leadership Coach, I partner with organizations and individuals to address complex challenges, enhance performance, and drive sustainable growth. I provide expert advisory services in areas such as growth strategies, risk management, operational efficiencies, and competitive positioning, while leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions across industries. Additionally, I coach individuals—from emerging professionals to senior executives—using strengths-based methodologies and change management techniques to clarify vision, set goals, and develop leadership effectiveness. By combining organizational strategy with leadership coaching, I enable long-term success and growth for clients worldwide Show less I manage my personal brand as a composer across digital platforms, building an engaged community and driving recognition for my music. Highlights include growing a TikTok audience to 35,000 followers and 4.4 million views within seven months and earning recognition from Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre. I specialize in content creation, from videography and editing to analytics, and have directed strategies for projects like Quava Vocal Group’s World Choral Cup campaign, collaborating with international media teams to amplify their reach Show less

  • Principal Strategy Consultant

    Oct 2023 - now

  • Principal Content Strategist

    Apr 2022 - now
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  Uber

  Jan 2023 - Aug 2023

  Competition Strategy Lead SSA and Egypt

  As a member of the overall EMEA strategy team, I Spearheaded competition strategy development and execution for the Middle East and Africa region, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Egypt. Managed regional business intelligence, partnered with leadership on strategic initiatives, and ensured alignment across global teams to address competitive challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

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  University of Minnesota Duluth

  Jun 2023 - Nov 2023

  Artist in Residence

  Commissioned by the University of Minnesota Duluth University Singers to compose three original South African choral works blending traditional African gospel with modern styles. I led virtual rehearsals and curated in-person lectures and workshops on topics like post-Apartheid South African choral music, harmony, and interpreting African music. My contributions celebrated South African holiday traditions through innovative music and educational initiatives.