Themed “Business Reimagined”, the 2022 edition of the Standard Bank SME Summit in partnership with Business Day took place on July 27.

Hosted by radio personality Msizi James, this event — watch the recording above — featured an exciting line-up of expert speakers who provided SME owners and entrepreneurs with the insights, practical tips and inspiration needed to transform their business to become more resilient and relevant in a post-Covid economy.

First up, futurist, economist and business trends analyst, Bronwyn Williams, unpacked what changed — and what didn't — in the working world during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

Williams' presentation provided an understanding of how the work landscape has shifted, and is shifting further still, giving attendees an idea of the biggest opportunities and threats that lie ahead for workers, managers and employers. This equipped them with the knowledge needed to problem solve and spot the next lucrative business opportunity.

Next, Tumelo Mojapelo, head of research and content at Flux Trends, hosted a panel discussion with business owners that's focused on helping SMEs navigate the changing world of work. Topics included reimagining your tech, digital readiness strategies and building a hybrid working culture.

The webinar concluded with a fascinating presentation by theoretical physicist Adriana Marais, director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa.

Marais took attendees on an inspirational journey as she talked about her role in the Mars One project, which aimed to establish a human settlement on the Red Planet, and shared her ideas as a technologist and advocate for off-world exploration.