PODCAST: The tyranny of mediocrity

The consequences of the widening war in the Middle East are hard to predict, but one thing is very clear: we are surrounded by the tyranny of mediocrity, locally and internationally.
April 28, 2026
1 min read

To unravel, as much as we can, a chaotic world at the moment, merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen draw on the services of Special Guest Iraj Abedian, economist and thinker extraordinaire for this episode of ListenUP!

The consequences of the widening war in the Middle East are hard to predict, but one thing is very clear: we are surrounded by the tyranny of mediocrity, locally and internationally.

And in South Africa’s case, AI is clearly not helping much – although it might just be helping itself! Why, you ask? ListenUP!

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Mark Barnes

Mark Barnes is a South African businessman, investment banker and entrepreneur. He held senior roles at various institutions including Standard Bank, Capital Alliance and Brait. He is also known as the cofounder of the Purple Group, owner of EasyEquities.

Tim Cohen

Tim Cohen is a long-time business journalist, commentator and columnist. He is currently senior editor for Currency. He was previously the editor of Business Day and the Financial Mail, and editor at large for the Daily Maverick.

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