In this episode of "The Story of Business" podcast, host Brett Lindsay delves into the fascinating business journey of Roland Innes. With a narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Roland shares his unique story - from his unexpected start as a waiter in a Cape Town restaurant during a recession, to becoming a visionary leader in the business world. The episode offers profound insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, the evolving nature of business, and the necessity of adapting to customer needs and market demands. Roland's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovative thinking, and the willingness to learn and grow through every stage of a business career. Listeners will find Roland's candid reflections on the early challenges he faced particularly inspiring. Roland discusses the importance of investing in one's business over personal consumption, highlighting the tough choices entrepreneurs often face. He emphasizes the value of discovering and nurturing one's natural abilities and the significance of having a 'spark' – an internal drive fueled often by others, which is central to one's foundation in business. A key focus of the episode is leadership. Roland shares his thoughts on what makes an effective leader, noting the crucial role of authentic energy, emotion, and purpose in inspiring teams. He also touches on the delicate balance of maintaining a personal touch in leadership while ensuring the brand's purpose remains at the forefront. So give this episode a listen for a deep dive into the life and lessons of Roland Innes, a true embodiment of leadership and innovation in the business world.