We’re closing out Season 2 with something special - ourfirst-ever external guest on Across the Opti-Verse. In this episode, Dean sits down with Steve Miller from MathWorks in the United States, a seasoned engineer, storyteller, and design thinker with decades of experience inmodelling, simulation, and problem-solving across industries. Together, we unpack the permutations of design: howbackground shapes engineering identity, how software and engineers work together rather than in isolation, how careers evolve from solving isolated problems to owning the full pipeline, and how storytelling and customer understanding become essential tools in the modern engineering landscape.Steve’s journey is rich, honest, and deeply insightful -from his early days as an engineer who accidentally found himself driving cars for a living, to becoming a technical communicator and problem-hunter at a global scale. We wrap up the episode (and the season!) with Michelle,reflecting on what Season 2 meant for us and sharing our excitement for what Season 3 will bring. A powerful, inspiring close to a great season. Thank you foryour support and see you in 2026!

In this episode of Across the Opti-Verse, we sit down with Victor Dippenaar, a Chemical Engineer whose career is defined by continuous evolution. Victor shares his journey from completing his first Master’s into working full-time, to making the bold leap into a second Master’s in Data Science - supported by Opti-Num and inspired by conversations that connected academic ambition with industry opportunity.We explore what it really takes to balance demanding studies with client delivery, how Victor’s research in Computer Vision is shaping the projects he works on today, and how he’s taking the lead in Opti-Num’s growing Computer Vision sub-division. This is what Across the Opti-Verse is about, always learning and always growing. Thank you, Victor!Catch us for a very special guest on the next episode to close off Season 2 of Across the Opti-Verse!

From engineering graduate to data scientist, businessintelligence specialist, and PropTech innovator - Tsepo Phohleli’s story is one of constant evolution. In this episode of Across the Opti-Verse, we explore themindset behind growth - how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to adapt can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Tsepo shares the pivotal moments that shapedhis career, from his early engineering days to his work in data science and forecasting. It’s a story about using the tools you have, learning as yougo, and designing your own path forward - because in Tsepo’s world, growth isn’t given, it’s built. We also touch on his recent webinar on forecasting fornatural disasters using the DIGNAD model, and how preparation and perspectivecan change the way we face what’s next.🎥 Watch Tsepo’s most recent webinar here.

What if the campaign you’ve been planning for months couldbe ready in just eight minutes?In this episode, we sit down with Ilan Malkin, developer ofAd Alchemy, a real-time AI tool built to supercharge marketing workflows. We explore how the platform keeps human creativity at the center, while usingenriched data to deliver insights and results faster than ever.From collaborative workflows to breakthrough client results,discover why Ad Alchemy could change the way marketing teams think about time, creativity, and impact.Tune in now to hear how campaigns are moving from weeks to minutes, and reach out to [email protected] tostart your Ad-Alchemy journey.

This month on Across the Opti-Verse we sit down with ourin-house Data Science expert, Dr. Oluwatobi Afolabi - a walking encyclopedia of AI. With passion and clarity, he takes us back to the origins of AI, unpacks its power across industries, and reminds us that using AI responsibly is aboutknowing your data and recognising that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t exist. If you’ve ever wondered how AI is transforming healthcare, finance, and beyond, this episode is your crash course in the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Charis Harley -who’s navigated both the classroom and the boardroom - to debunk the common myths holding AI back on campus and in industry. We dig into why “everything starts with a conversation,” revisit her keynote for the South African Council of Automation, explore the Virtual Internship concept as a springboard for students to tackle real-world problems, and lay out the urgent need to build a collaborative community today. If you’re passionate about closing the divide between research and practice, now is the time to join us. To discuss this further, reach out to Michelle at [email protected] or Prof. Harley at [email protected]. We want to start the conversations!Please note: this episode is presented in audio-onlyformat.

Season 2 of Across the Opti-Verse is here – and we’rekicking things off with fresh energy.Dean returns to the series, this time stepping in as guesthost for a conversation with engineer and simulation specialist Nur’ain Areff.Together, they explore how simulation is shaping the futureof electrification, unpack Nur’ain’s path into digital twins and real-time energy modelling, and reflect on why South Africa’s grid needs more intelligent, simulation-led strategies.You’ll also get an inside look at Nur’ain’s recent webinar, where she shares a practical, real-world approach to modelling and optimisation in renewables and how AI is fastbecoming part of that toolkit.Season 2. New Season. New Energy. Same Opti-Verse depth.

We can hardly believe it—Season 1 of Across the Opti-Verse has officially come to a close! 🎉 This bonus clip is a heartfelt thank-you from Adri, Michelle, Dean, and the entire Opti-Num Solutions team to everyone who tuned in and supported us on this journey. When we started, we had no idea how to produce a podcast—just a passion for storytelling and a deep desire to share the incredible work happening at Opti-Num. It’s been an amazing experience showcasing our unique company culture and introducing you to just a few of the talented individuals who make it all possible. Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more excitement for Across the Opti-Verse! Adri will be joined by a new co-host as Dean steps away from the mic. Here’s a parting message from Dean: "Creating Across the Opti-Verse was a true passion project, and seeing it come to life with the support of Opti-Num has been a dream come true. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity, and I’m excited to become a fan of the show, cheering on the team and celebrating the wonderful things Opti-Num will achieve in the future!" Thank you for an unforgettable season—we can’t wait to see you in 2025!

In The Spark that Started it All, Adri sits down with Opti-Num’s CEO, Grant Grobbelaar, for a deep dive into the company’s origins. From humble beginnings at Wits University to becoming an innovative software consultancy, Grant shares the journey of Opti-Num’s growth and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss how selling software evolved into supporting Southern African innovation across multiple industries, and what it takes to go from a small office to a team of 60+ employees. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation and join us in early December for the season 1 roundup!

In this episode of Across the Opti-Verse, we dive into the impact of computational thinking in tertiary education. Adri goes from co-host to guest to share insights on going beyond just software tools, like MATLAB and Python, to empower educators, researchers, and innovators. We explore how Opti-Num helps bridge software and strategy, building a foundation for impactful teaching, effective research, and real-world innovation. Don’t miss this exploration of how computational thinking can be the spark for meaningful change.