Going Wireless With Michael Fletcher

There’s no doubt about it. WiFi is the new black.

California-based, NYSE-listed wireless systems company Ruckus Wireless is betting that the rate of WiFi infrastructure development Africa will continue to rise. And you can be sure that they’re doing what they can to help service the millions of Africans coming online year on year— profitably, of course.

In the latest instalment of African Tech Conversations, I chat with the adrenaline-junkie that is Michael Fletcher— who has overseen Ruckus Wireless’ operations and new business development on the continent since 2010.

In a career spanning 23 years, Michael has helped establish new businesses, penetrate new markets, and managed sales teams for companies like Motorola, Workz, Belkin and of course Ruckus.

These days, Michael and his team at Ruckus are leveraging the company’s smart wireless solutions and nimble approach to edge in on massive incumbents like Oracle. They’re aiming to increase the company’s partner footprint across Africa and position to exploit new business opportunities.

Business Is About People With Ornico Group Founder and CEO Oresti Patricios

Oresti Patricios co-founded Ornico Group in 1984, aka the year I was born. While incredibly disruptive in its time, the video reel production business Oresti operated back then is a far cry from the media conglomerate he runs today.

Ornico Group has made a solid name for itself in Africa’s leading markets, boasting a client list which includes the likes of MultiChoice, Old Mutual  and Woolworths.

Oresti, who is undoubtedly a thought-leader in the sphere of African media and brand intelligence, recently made headlines by overseeing Ornico’s acquisition of the media monitoring and social analytics startup, Fuseware— founded by Mike Wronski.

At a recent talk and fireside chat I attended, hosted by iAfrikan and Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg, Oresti and Mike shared their excitement for their new partnership, but to the dismay of many in attendance, the pair remained tight-lipped on their immediate plans for the future.

In this relaxed conversation, Oresti shares on the influences that shaped his success, and explains how understanding that “business is all about people” has helped him pick the right partnerships over the years.

Enjoy!