Abdullah is a very dedicated individual and has an excellent work-ethic. It was always a pleasure working with him on international projects. We have been travelling together also on business with a large group of professionals and his ability to connect with people on a professional level impressed me. Besides that he has a vast knowledge of emerging markets in the East and his public speaking skills, especially on that topic, are extremely good. I am looking forward on working with Abdullah on future projects

Abdullah is a creative thinker and finds his passion in linking perspectives from different worlds into meaningful local solutions. He understands team dynamics and therefore manages teams of people in a proactive way. He also manages to stay focussed when doing his work and delivers high levels of professional service.

Abdullah is passionate and highly knowledgeable about his work. He is someone with vision and a dedication to sharing this knowledge with the young people he engages with through his work with MUNSA. He is fair, open-minded and easily connects with others. He has the character and disclipline of a great leader.

During the M.Sc. course at the Da Vinci Institute I met with Abdullah as one of our lecturers and in preparation for our international immersion to Kenya and India. I was not only impressed by Abdullah’s expertise in Africa and India, but he also came across as a very knowledgeable individual that one can have a good intellectual discussion on a wide range of topics. One can see Abdullah is a perpetual student, not only in the books that he reads, but also in being very inquisitive when debating on issues that are of concern to him.

Abdullah presented his Disruption Amplified talk at the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa’s Speak to the Future convention. His talk was measured and insightful. The trends he was highlighting were easy to follow. No-one moved while Abdullah spoke. He had complete command of the room, even virtually, and sharing some of his personal choices at this time displayed vulnerability that made him so relatable. I would highly recommend Abdullah as a speaker to challenge the thinking of your delegates at any event.

During my MBA at GIBS, I had the privilege of attending two courses taught by Abdullah. His passion for his discipline was evident in the energy he brought to class. I was in awe of his vast knowledge ranging from emerging markets to disruption and innovation. Abdullah brought to life the most pressing issues that all MBA students need to be thinking about in a way that was exciting and thought-provoking. He has an incredible network and was able to expose his students to captains of industry and thought leaders to enhance their learning. Abdullah is an excellent facilitator, and through his humility, he was able to connect with every student in his class.

I have had the privilege of working with Abdullah for more than a decade, having gotten to know him well as a respected professional, astute executive and sharp strategic thinker. Abdullah’s work across industries and sectors gives him a breadth of experience that translates into rich and deep ideas and arguments that are backed by his capacity to get from “concept” to “delivery.” Alongside my deep professional respect for Abdullah, I have the privilege of a long and growing friendship with a great guy.

I have worked with Abdullah during my time at GIBS in many different ways, and whether he is giving me advice or teaching as Faculty, he is always professional and well prepared. I have admired his value system and his passion for the African continent and its people. Abdullah has shown to be valuable in many different situations, including but not limited to teaching, speaking engagements (across occupational levels), Digital Transformation and Change Management. He has also helped GIBS leadership think about strategy, which he is particularly strong at, in a unique way to prepare the organization for the future.

Have worked with Abdullah for the past couple years and his insights and facilitation have been great. Really enjoy his techniques used. Has always made a positive impact with his engagements, truly inspirational!

For the past 8 years, the South African Graduate Employers Association has had a close relationship with Abdullah Verachia in guiding our members to consider new and emerging skills, practice and industry trends. We value Abdullah’s contribution in supporting our work and thinking as we navigate the very complex future of building talent for the South African Economy.