President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent Investment Conference was noteworthy not for the R290-billion in investments unveiled, many of which having already been in the pipeline, but for the atmosphere of renewed hope that surrounded the gathering. The event brimmed to overflowing with high-level executives, many of whom lead companies on the losing end of South Africa’s ‘lost years’, when poor governance, corruption and policy uncertainty reigned supreme. The sentiment expressed by most of these individuals as they departed the Sandton Convention Centre was one of optimism and confidence. And confidence, like a strong pot of coffee in the morning, is just what many a businessperson needs to get energised again.