From humble beginnings to shaping leaders and impacting nations, Dr. David Molapo’s journey is fueled by a deep commitment to creating value, driving change, and making a meaningful impact. As the founder of the I Can Leadership Institute Africa and CEO of I CAN 4IR, David has revolutionized executive leadership development in Africa. As the first Black pioneer in the South African leadership space, his transformative influence and dedication to excellence have established him as a key figure in the business world. A gifted speaker, David inspires corporate, government, and community leaders through his experiences, actions, and powerful speeches.
Let’s explore his incredible journey and how he is leading the charge in leadership development and economic empowerment.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Born in KwaThema, a township southwest of Springs, South Africa, David grew up in challenging circumstances. Financial hardships made opportunities scarce, and at just 13 years old, he was arrested for political activism. However, a simple verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:13, ignited a transformation in his life, opening his mind to a world of possibilities. “I began to visualize, verbalize, and materialize my dreams and future. Today, those dreams have become a reality,” David reflects.
Determined to break the cycle of struggle, he saw education as the key to his freedom. Excelling academically, he embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Before leaving South Africa, he worked as a Maths and Science teacher and actively promoted Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). His dedication earned him a scholarship through the United Nations Educational Programme for South Africans, allowing him to study in the USA.
Returning home, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s vision, David came back armed with a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master’s degree in Leadership, a Doctorate in Leadership focusing on Comparative Religion, and a Ph.D. in Leadership & Management. Despite his qualifications, he struggled to find employment, leading him to visit schools, empowering young people with skills in marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Through this journey, he discovered the power of motivational speaking and its ability to unlock potential in people.
The Birth of I CAN 4IR: Pioneering Leadership Development
As the first Black director of Dimension Data Holdings, David engaged with CEOs and top executives worldwide. He quickly recognized a significant leadership gap across corporations, governments, and communities. Determined to address this void, he established I CAN 4IR in 2018-a leadership consulting firm dedicated to inspirational speaking, coaching, and mentorship.
Guided by values of personal empowerment, innovation, integrity, and quality service, I CAN 4IR has successfully completed over 2,000 projects, positively impacting more than 9,500 individuals. “Our commitment to excellence in leadership development is reflected in the lives we’ve touched and the success stories we’ve created,” says David. This year, his team is hosting the 24th ICAN Global Leadership Summit in South Africa, further solidifying their impact.
Comprehensive Leadership Development Services
I CAN 4IR specializes in leadership consulting, offering coaching and workshops to enhance business performance, individual growth, and team success. Whether improving leadership styles, communication strategies, decision-making, or team management, the company tailors solutions to meet each client’s unique needs.
Additionally, I CAN 4IR designs workshops and mentoring programs that align with clients’ learning goals. These sessions emphasize self-awareness, positive mindset shifts, and practical applications to foster long-term growth and success.
A Personalized Approach to Leadership Training
David believes that leadership starts with building strong relationships. His approach includes:
Listening carefully to understand client challenges.
Engaging all stakeholders to co-develop solutions.
Implementing tailored strategies with measurable outcomes.
Ensuring ownership so that clients sustain progress beyond the coaching process.
This hands-on, customized approach ensures lasting impact and meaningful leadership transformation.
Adapting to a Changing Business Landscape
David highlights that many leaders struggle to break away from traditional leadership models. With the rapid evolution of the business world, leaders must proactively review and adapt their strategies. This is where I CAN 4IR plays a crucial role-coaching emerging and established leaders to embrace change, adopt servant leadership principles, and integrate ethical decision-making into their leadership framework.
By instilling accountability and trust, I CAN 4IR helps leaders navigate challenges while fostering inclusive, forward-thinking organizational cultures.
Empowering Leaders in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
David firmly believes that South Africa’s education system has failed its youth due to a lack of quality training, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated methodologies. He advocates for digital technologies as a means to empower young people and entrepreneurs, providing access to information, job opportunities, and business resources.
“Young leaders today are naturally tech-savvy and understand the digital world better than previous generations. We must equip them with the right skills to leverage this advantage,” he emphasizes.
Through coaching and mentorship, I CAN 4IR guides organizations in upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling employees. The company also provides practical solutions to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation in the digital age.
For entrepreneurs, embracing technology as a core business strategy is essential. David advises startups to integrate digital tools from the beginning and seek professional guidance to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing marketplace.
Measuring Success and Driving Impact
Tracking progress is a key component of I CAN 4IR’s leadership development programs. Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and independent evaluations, David ensures that initiatives produce measurable results. Engagement rates, feedback sessions, and surveys help assess the effectiveness of their programs.
For change management initiatives, financial literacy programs, and corporate training, the company maintains a transparent and results-driven approach, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
Staying Ahead: The Future of I CAN 4IR
David remains committed to personal growth and leadership excellence. His leadership development framework emphasizes:
Self-acceptance – Understanding strengths and areas for improvement.
Self-management – Developing emotional intelligence and resilience.
Self-development – Continuously learning and adapting to new challenges.
By equipping his team with cutting-edge tools and strategies, he ensures they remain at the forefront of leadership innovation. He also leverages global networks to advance diversity, inclusion, and gender balance in leadership roles.
Exciting future initiatives include the development of ICAN 5IR and AI Curriculum, which will impact early childhood education, leadership training, and corporate mentorship programs worldwide.
Lessons in Leadership: Insights from David Molapo
Throughout his career, David has embraced valuable leadership lessons, including:
Listening more and speaking less.
Accepting and learning from feedback.
Prioritizing team well-being.
Staying adaptable and flexible.
Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
He draws inspiration from unsung heroes working behind the scenes to build nations and finds fulfillment in empowering others to reach their potential.
A Vision for the Future
David’s long-term goal is to foster intergenerational leadership and nurture emerging leaders. He aims to identify, develop, and deploy 500,000 dynamic leaders across 50 countries, making an impact in government, business, and non-profit sectors.
Diversity, inclusion, and empowerment remain at the core of his mission, as he continues to shape a future where leaders are equipped to drive meaningful change.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
David encourages future leaders to:
Live in the present and maximize today.
Keep pride and arrogance in check.
Take calculated risks early.
Manage time wisely.
Seek mentors, coaches, and advisors.
Give back to their communities.
With these principles, he believes aspiring leaders can create a lasting impact and build a future defined by excellence, resilience, and purpose.
David Molapo’s leadership journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and a commitment to making a difference. Through I CAN 4IR, he continues to inspire, equip, and transform leaders, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.