Dr. Norah Clarke is an accomplished academic, researcher, and entrepreneurship development expert who currently provides consulting services for private and public sector clients in her role as founding partner of Afralead. As a pioneer, Norah thrives on breaking new ground in uncharted territories, driven by a passion for creating social, educational, and economic impact. She excels in establishing and optimising large, networked communities of universities, private sector, and public sector stakeholders, especially when social impact is at stake.
With a Master’s degree in Tertiary and Adult Education (cum laude) and a Doctorate in the Psychology of Education, focused on Resilience, Norah has extensive experience in mobilising people to achieve objectives, developing social ecosystems, and fostering resilience. Her work is underpinned by a deep understanding of psychology, adult learning, and human behaviour, which she leverages to lead large-scale projects and programs that span boundaries and sectors.
 In the spirit of interdisciplinarity, Norah enjoyed the enriching experience of being a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Engineering Education at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She was a founding member of Resolution Circle, UJ’s technology commercialisation company, where she established business units focused on training, hospitality and university-industry collaboration.
Having been responsible for the education and training of five-year-olds throughout the PhD level, Norah thrives when learning becomes empowerment. Norah is often invited to speak on entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and resilience. She has authored academic papers while supervising Master’s and Doctoral studies.
Her academic roots in resilience continue to shape her approach to empowering individuals and organisations. As the founding national Director of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, she played a transformative role in creating an integrated platform for entrepreneurship across South Africa's 26 public universities. From within this national platform, she conceptualised and launched the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP).
A natural entrepreneurial pioneer, Norah has co-founded several impact initiatives and businesses, including an independent primary school and a technology business incubator. Her academic roots in resilience continue to shape her approach to empowering individuals and organisations, Norah’s work as the founding national Director of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme was transformative, creating an integrated platform for entrepreneurship across South Africa's 26 public universities. It is from within this national platform that she conceptualised and launched the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), based on
A woman of faith, Norah advocates for fairness and respect for both human and animal life. She believes in the transformative power of women's economic participation, particularly in addressing issues related to gender-based violence. Norah envisions an Africa that is economically empowered and globally respected, where women can thrive as leaders and agents of change.Â
Talita Clarke, a founding partner of Afralead, is a dynamic professional recognised for her expertise in the experience economy, with significant international experience in luxury markets. Her career spans diverse industries, including tourism, hospitality, and upmarket retail, where she honed her sales and marketing expertise in high-end sectors. Recognised for her ability to exceed targets and drive brand growth, Talita excels in creating exceptional customer experiences that foster loyalty and repeat business.
Holding a BCom in Marketing Management (Magna Cum Laude) and a Western Cape Cultural Tour Guide certification, Talita exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning. Her diverse career includes key roles for clients including renowned lodges, luxury hotels, cruise lines, and air charter companies, where she developed a deep understanding of the tourism and hospitality landscapes. Her experiences in these prestigious environments shaped her ability to secure customer engagement and create unique and memorable experiences for her clients.
At Afralead, Talita channels her passion into crafting immersive experiences that create economic opportunities through training and events supporting entrepreneurship, employability, and professionalism. Her focus on economic empowerment through entrepreneurial action aligns seamlessly with her mother, Norah's, strategic vision, making their partnership a powerful force for social change.
With her optimistic mindset, strong work ethic, and unwavering ambition, Talita is determined to make a positive impact, inspiring others to reach their full potential. Her commitment to excellence and client service positions her as a vital contributor to AfraLead's mission of economic empowerment and social impact in Africa.Â