Carla Lewis

I lead strategic growth, digital transformation, innovation, and marketing at Lewis Transformers + Switchgear—a second-generation family-owned transformer manufacturer serving Southern Africa’s energy infrastructure sector. With a focus on scaling operations, entering new markets, and improving operational efficiency, I drive innovation through AI implementation, data-driven strategy, and cross-functional leadership. 🔍 From Risk to Reinvention This role began with a discovery: during a due diligence process, I uncovered fraud — a challenge all too common among SMEs in South Africa. This moment of crisis became a catalyst for transformation, strengthening my resolve to implement strong governance, transparent systems, and future-proof operational frameworks. 🚀 Strategic Focus Areas Operational Scaling – Deploying workflows, SOPs, and scalable business models. Market Penetration – Expanding into high-value utility and industrial segments aligned with company's core engineering strengths. Brand & Marketing Overhaul – Executing a rebranding and content-led marketing strategy. Innovation Leadership – Institutionalizing R&D processes and preserving critical engineering knowledge. Organizational Enablement – Building collaborative platforms and data systems for company-wide synergy. 🤖 In-House AI Solutions Developed 🧠 Labor Law Bot GPT-powered assistant that handles HR inquiries, labor compliance tasks, and case prep—improving turnaround time and legal accuracy. ⚡ Transformer Technical Bot AI tool co-developed with engineers to diagnose design flaws, enhance efficiency, and preserve heritage knowledge in a searchable database. 🔧 SOP Bot Vision-based AI that generates accurate, step-by-step repair SOPs using fault classification and visual diagnostics—standardizing procedures and improving QA. 📊 KPI Bot Performance evaluation system using the Paterson and MEICB frameworks to drive objective, fair, and scalable HR assessments across industrial teams.

Over 20 years in media and communications have equipped me with a global perspective and deep industry knowledge, helping me to follow my passion—driving sustainable growth through ESG-focused communication strategies. I use AI tools and journalism expertise to craft impactful narratives for businesses dedicated to positive social change in Southern Africa. *AI Engineering and Prompt Architect for Positive Impact* I create AI solutions for ESG programmes and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, designed to reduce risks such as copyright issues, harmful manipulation, and cultural insensitivity. I engineer prompts for Large Language models that optimise AI outputs, ensuring factual accuracy and positive social impact." *AI Content Strategy Advisor and Trainer* I train diverse teams—from students to executives—to harness AI ethically and effectively. Benefits include increased productivity, job security, ethical AI integration, and instilling confidence to navigate potential pitfalls and effectively use this ever-evolving technology. We cover critical thinking, fact-checking tools, and AI policy development for smarter work and transparent AI use during the workshops. *Skilled Writer and Editorial Lead: White Papers, Grant Proposals, Road Maps, CSR and ESG Communication Strategy* I translate intricate ESG and social impact concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Partnering with industry experts, researchers, and acclaimed writers, I develop strategic proposals for impactful projects and excel in crafting communication campaigns aligned with global trends and frameworks. *Executive Thought Leadership Communication Strategist* As a multi-award-winning columnist and experienced interviewer of thought leaders, politicians, and CEOs, I guide C-suite executives and companies in boosting visibility and maintaining a positive media presence. My services include ghostwriting, content strategy, social media reputation management, and media training.

As a member of Beeld Newspapers' senior editorial staff, I held various roles. I earned prestigious recognition with wins and nominations at the Media24 Legends Awards and the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, including two Best Columnist/Editorial awards. My responsibilities included managing content generation, production, and selection. I was the content editor of Beeld's Saturday edition, and later, my responsibilities expanded to the role of a feature editor for the Lifestyle section. I collaborated with Beeld and Netwerk24's journalists, rewriters, news editors, designers, and a team of freelancers to shape compelling story concepts and features. Additionally, I served as an ad hoc news content editor for the weekly edition and op-ed editor for Beeld's Voices and Opinion section, writing in-depth features on climate change, conservation, global politics, and media analysis. I also crafted columns addressing diversity, gender violence, and politics and conducted profile interviews of influential South Africans, including ministers, CEOs, and politicians.

As lifestyle editor and journalist, I was responsible for conceptualising and researching lifestyle and travel stories and themes that would be best suited to 'Beeld' and 'Rapport's' readers. I also planned paid editorial and native content projects with advertising agencies and clients to identify possible streams of revenue than can be generated through lifestyle content. I attended production meetings with all relevant departments and stakeholders involved.

I helped establish and edit Travel Update, a free South African quarterly travel magazine for the discerning traveller. My role as editor included providing my readers access to useful travel information, content specials, competitions, promotions and product knowledge from leading travel suppliers.

I wrote travel, lifestyle as well as art and entertainment stories for a variety of well-known publications and was contributing health editor at Carpe Diem Media. I ran an Afrikaans travel blog called Die Reismier, which focused on travelling, food and lifestyle. I conceptualised content strategies for communication consultation companies and agencies.

During my time at Media24 I held the following positions: Editor: Campus and student supplement for Beeld newspaper: 2006-2008. Lifestyle writer for Media24 Afrikaans newspaper titles: 2008-2010. Lifestyle features editor, Beeld newspaper: 2010-2011. Travel and special features writer for Media24 newspapers 2011-2013.

Journalist at Wapad, Journalist at Kampus-Beeld

This course is a writing workshop that shows you how to combine the techniques of fiction with the rigour of journalistic reporting to produce feature stories for the media. Various genres of non-fiction, including reportage, the personal essay, travel writing, humour, the interview and the profile, are examined, and fictional and literary devices that can be used to create excellent stories are identified. Participants are engaged in continual writing, feedback and discussion on work in progress.