Ajay Sood
Founder and Content Creator for ARLLS, shaping engaging, research-based learning experiences for young leaders. With over 30 years of experience in both leadership publishing and co-founding Beacon Changemakers, a top leadership development programme for young people aged 13 – 25 years, Ajay brings deep expertise and passion to his role. He is dedicated to empowering the next generation with the best skills and opportunities to become ethical, impactful leaders.
Mark Aberdour
As Product Manager at ARLLS, Mark leads the development and delivery of the product and service. As well as ensuring that we are continuously learning and improving in response to market needs and feedback, Mark is focussed on building sustainable partnerships and relationships to expand ARLLS’ reach and impact.
Mark has a Master’s in Software Engineering and over 25 years experience of developing and implementing digital learning systems in private, public and third sector organisations.
Zaheera Rajab
The Leadership Curriculum Manager at ARLLS, leading the operational delivery of programmes – building learner communities, creating networking opportunities, developing workshop materials, and training facilitators. With over 7 years’ experience as an educator and sociolinguistic researcher, she is passionate about equity in classrooms and equipping young people with skills for career success. She holds a Master’s in Education (cum laude) from the University of Cape Town.
Bathyah Nkunda
As Marketing and Programme Executive at ARLLS, Bathyah brings a fresh strategic edge to leadership learning, combining socio-economic insight with a sharp instinct for storytelling and digital engagement. She curates content, conducts research, crafts narratives, and drives programme delivery, ensuring ARLLS stays ahead of the curve. With a passion for youth initiatives, global tech, and economic development, she thrives on reframing challenges into opportunities.
Fifi Formson
The Curriculum and Delivery Coordinator and a Facilitator for ARLLS, Fifi has nearly 20 years’ experience equipping young leaders across Africa. He brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to his work, equipping emerging leaders through coaching, training, and strategy, driven by a passion to craft holistic leadership solutions rooted in character, competence, and cross-cultural depth. Currently also working with Xpand South Africa and completing a Master’s in Adult Education at the University of Cape Town.
Makshuda Manjoo
A Facilitator for ARLLS, Makshuda has 16 years of experience in tertiary education in South Africa and a passion for connecting through learning. She has a background in teaching English and Academic Research Facilitation and believes that written and analytical skills are essential for academic excellence and critical thinking. Through her work with ARLLS, she strives to inspire positivity, empower learners, and continue growing her leadership and communication expertise.