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Daddy says no book

Daddy says no

Book by Benji Coetzee

Making daring decisions for greater life satisfaction.

“Daddy says no” is an inspiring collection of anecdotes paired with research on how decisions and emotions influence our lives. It makes a compelling argument that we can change the trajectory of our lives and increase happiness through our choices. That we can nurture a different personality beyond our genetic makeup. It offers practical advice to consider changing behaviours that may not serve your life.

Benji takes you on a thrilling series of real-life stories that resonate, shock and encourage. The lessons, reflections and tools are relevant and succinct from emotional, romantic, professional and entrepreneurial adventures.
 

What Readers Say

"Dramatic, insightful and super structured. Now to implement the advice."

About the author

Psychology, decisions, book, change, satisfaction, choices

buy book benji coetzee

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Forbes Benji Solutionist Digital

A dynamic polymath driven by an energetic intention and an unquenchable curiosity for transformational change in both personal and professional realms.

Benji has an impressive history with leading firms such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Singular Group, World Economic Forum (WEF), HSBC, Hollard Insurance, Vodafone, and Ziggo. Her global experience spans South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands.

With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, she consistently exceeds ROI expectations for shareholders. Benji takes pride in her unique ability to leverage diverse experiences in visioning, architecting, designing, and delivering complex programs that generate tangible value.

She is adept at developing, presenting, and implementing comprehensive end-to-end commercial, technical, and cultural roadmaps.

Listed a Forbes Top60 woman leader in technology, she actively nurtures a collaborative culture for cross-functional teams in matrix organisations during hybrid integrations.

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Benji is dedicated to driving multi-domain business transformation and rapid growth

Key Highlights: Digital Native, Value Engineer, Transformational Architect

Notable projects include:
- At HSBC, BCG & Singular, she led major operational optimization and restructuring projects, including M&A, and turnarounds.

- At the WEF, she managed a $5.5bn infrastructure program in Africa, spearheading fundraising to enhance the Central rail corridor of East Africa spanning five countries.

- She served as Digital Director for Vodafone and Ziggo, transforming their digital channels in the Netherlands during Corona and embedding a new operating model for the joint venture of Liberty Global and Vodafone.
- Currently, Benji serves as the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at KPN B.V. (listed) based in Amsterdam. Here she collaborates with teams to identify trends and develop strategies for market success while supporting the Board and making a societal impact.

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Benji Media CEO

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Key entrepreneurial ventures:

- Founder of Seedpitch, a boutique strategy firm that serves as selective sounding board for executives and startups, enabling her to her own ventures until securing VC funding in 2017.

- Benji was the Founder & CEO of EmptyTrips, an award-winning platform that utilizes algorithmic AI and machine learning to minimize freight space waste, costs, and carbon emissions in industrial transport. In 2018, she was recognized by Forbes as one of the top60 women technologists globally, and she exited the company to Vector Logistics (part of the RCL Foods/Remgro portfolio) in 2019. Whom in turn exited Vector to A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S.

- Benji also designed and developed SURE (formerly Surefox), an on-demand instant freight insurance technology platform, which was sold to Santova in the Netherlands in 2019.

Investor & partner:

  • Benji is a conscious investor into positive brands both in her personal (Angel) capacity & as a Venture Partner for Calibre Capital (private equity investment). 

  • She also facilitates the Scout Network to accelerate & reward identifying opportunities.

  • Mentors & supports entrepreneurs through the process of capital raising & performance management.

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At Seedpitch: 

  • Benji facilitates experts within the network & continues to selectively consult to executives & mentors founders.

  • Preferred agenda items include innovation, venture diversification, culture change, & business model transformation.

  • She leverages data & behavioral science for better decision making to build sustainable momentum.

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Education:

  • Benji is a PhD Candidate in Behavioral Psychology since 2024.

  • Benji holds two Economic Master degrees; a Master of Laws in Corporate Finance from Goethe University in Germany, & a Master of Philosophy in Maritime Economics, & a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance with Statistics from Stellenbosch University.

  • Executive Leadership programmes & courses such as NEXUS from GIBS, the Executive Programme at  Singularity University in San Francisco & Behavioural Economics with Johannesburg Business School. 

  • Avid learner of Data Science & Behavioral Design to better the world & applies agile processes for rapid delivery in all she does.

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