Global Student Consulting in South Africa: Linchpin-PM's Impact with Stellenbosch & Ohio University
Building Real-World Impact Through Global Student Consulting
If you ever needed proof that collaboration breeds innovation, look no further than our recent partnerships with Stellenbosch Business School and Stellenbosch University. Through two transformative initiatives—the In-Company Consulting Programme with EM Lyon and the Global Consulting Program (GCP) hosted in partnership with Ohio University—Linchpin-PM had the incredible opportunity to guide, mentor, and collaborate with a new generation of business leaders from across the globe.
And trust us, the impact was anything but academic.
Over several months, students stepped beyond textbooks and into boardrooms, tackling real-world challenges alongside our team. From strategising digital transformation frameworks to reimagining go-to-market approaches, the synergy between students and business consultants was not only energising but profoundly impactful for everyone involved.
When Theory Meets Practice: In-Company Consulting with EM Lyon Students
From mid-April to June 2025, Stellenbosch Business School welcomed graduate students from EM Lyon Business School as part of an immersive academic programme that included five core modules, corporate visits, and entrepreneurial field engagements. The highlight? A hands-on consulting project with local companies.
Linchpin-PM was honoured to participate as one of the entrepreneurial partners.
Our role extended beyond simple case sharing; we invited the students into the core of what we do: help South African SMMEs scale through repeatable sales systems, digital enablement, and agile business strategy. Students were split into smaller consulting groups, each tasked with developing real, actionable insights.
What we saw wasn’t just a class exercise; it was co-creation at its finest. Over several weeks, the students unpacked:
How small businesses in South Africa navigate public and private sector complexity
The structural hurdles SMMEs face, from process inefficiencies to talent constraints
The critical role of digital transformation in scaling responsibly
By the end of the programme, each student group presented a full consulting report and presentation, sparking strategic thinking, fresh ideas, and a powerful exchange of perspectives.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Ohio University’s Global Consulting Program (GCP)
A few weeks later, Stellenbosch University played host to 15 students from Ohio University, here as part of the Global Consulting Program (GCP). This international exchange brought the students into direct contact with South African entrepreneurs, offering them a rare opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to practical, in-country business challenges.
Once again, Linchpin-PM stepped in as a business partner and mentor, providing a cohort of 5 students access to real-world scenarios facing small businesses in a dynamic, emerging market.
And the engagement went far deeper than business models or SWOT analysis.
We explored:
How South Africa’s SMMEs contribute R2.3 trillion to GDP, employing nearly 13.4 million people
The operational product redevelopment with operational and marketing deployment
The need to evolve from survival to sustainability with modern marketing, agile systems, and strategic sales direction
The feedback from the students was overwhelming. In their own words, this experience “inspired us to explore careers in consulting with even more excitement and confidence, especially in work that involves collaboration and creative problem-solving across cultures.”
That’s the ripple effect we aim for.
Why We Do What We Do
At Linchpin-PM, we believe the real work of business transformation happens on the ground, through structured strategy, iterative design, and a deep understanding of context. Our mission is simple, but deeply intentional:
“By bridging the gap between business strategy, digital innovation, and revenue leadership, we help SMMEs and mid-market companies build the foundations for long-term profitability, sustainability, and competitive advantage.“
We’re not consultants who parachute in with theory. We’re the ones rolling up our sleeves, embedding into teams, building dashboards, simplifying processes, and helping business owners reclaim their time while growing their bottom line.
These student partnerships weren’t just another project. They were proof that collaboration across borders and generations is key to building regenerative, resilient businesses.
Why Academic Partnerships Matter
Working with Stellenbosch Business School and Stellenbosch University isn’t just a tick on our calendar; it’s an essential part of who we are. Linchpin-PM is the embodiment of a regenerative, purpose-driven approach to business transformation.
Academic collaborations allow us to:
Keep our thinking sharp and globally informed
Contribute meaningfully to the next generation of business leaders
Embed a spirit of contribution, mentorship, and shared growth into our model
Play a role in equipping students with tools they’ll use, not just memorise
Want to Work With Us?
Are you a university or a Business Owner looking to build something bigger, bolder, and more sustainable?
Let’s connect. Book your Linchpin Session™ today.
