In this episode of Through the Fog, Pierre sits down with Guy Ellis, global entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the Lekker Network. With over 60 board, advisory, and founder roles, Guy shares a wealth of insight into entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and the power of helping others. From his roots as a wannabe “Dr. Farmer” to his groundbreaking work at Harvard and across global markets, Guy explores how authentic connection can unlock transformative opportunities. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about patriotism, privilege, purpose, and how South Africans can—and are—changing the world. Links: Guy Ellis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-ellis/ Guy's first book is out soon: The Negotiation Code Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and quick banter 01:00 - Meet Guy Ellis: Global entrepreneur & Harvard instructor 02:25 - The origin of a “Dr. Farmer” dream 04:50 - Helping others and early signs of a mission 06:00 - Defining “Expansion through Connection” 07:30 - Is the self-made man a myth? 09:30 - A pivotal moment: reshaping a business from scratch 13:50 - The origin story of the Lekker Network 17:30 - Building intentional, impactful networks 20:50 - The importance of helping without agenda 23:30 - Living abroad but loving South Africa 27:00 - What it means to be South African 30:00 - Fixing South Africa: Right person, right seat 34:00 - South African talent and the Springboks metaphor 36:00 - Challenges in government and business alignment 39:00 - How small business owners can make change 41:00 - What gives Guy hope for the country 44:00 - South Africans abroad: Not traitors, just dispersed impact 46:00 - The uniquely South African spirit of friendliness and resilience 49:00 - The cultural magic of meeting South Africans abroad 51:30 - Emotional connection and nostalgia for home 54:00 - The role of adversity in creating grit and talent 56:00 - Overcoming scarcity mindsets 58:00 - Celebrating informal connections and spontaneous chats 1:00:00 - Picking South Africa’s “one thing” to rally around 1:02:00 - The challenge of focus in national strategy 1:04:00 - Harnessing the power of South Africans globally 1:07:00 - Reclaiming civic agency: citizens should direct the government 1:10:00 - Breaking free from limiting narratives and perceived disloyalty 1:13:00 - Creating the bridge from now to a brighter future 1:16:00 - Humility vs. self-deprecation among South Africans 1:18:00 - Closing thoughts: freedom, connection, and what comes next

 In this deeply personal and visionary episode, Pierre speaks with Justinus, a passionate entrepreneur and co-founder of WeThinkCode_, about building a more equitable South Africa. They dive into Justinus’s background, his love for rugby, and the transformative power of access to education and opportunity. From developing world-class coders from underserved communities to launching a bold new initiative inspired by South Africa’s Rugby World Cup victories, Justinus shares a blueprint for national renewal rooted in inclusivity and grit. Justinus is a serial entrepreneur, having been co-founder at Private Property Holdings and WeThinkCode_ in South Africa, Entabeni Systems and Umgundi Holdings in Canada. He has been in the Entrepreneurs' Organization for 14 years, and has been part of 5 chapters over that period.Today Justinus and his wife are building a business focussed on optimizing for impact not just value. An avid sports fan and traveller he loves visiting live sports events all over the world with his family and spends many hours next to sport fields supporting his two teenage kids.When you meet him, be sure to ask if he enjoys Nando’s. Links and books: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant 👉 https://exclusivebooks.co.za/products/9780753560051 Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth 👉 https://exclusivebooks.co.za/products/9781785040207 Time to Think by Nancy Kline 👉 https://exclusivebooks.co.za/products/9780706377453 The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander 👉 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/art-possibility-practices-leadership-relationship-and-passion/9780142001103 https://wethinkcode.co.za/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse Timestamps: [00:01:00] Justinus on Lowveld living and escaping Cape Town winters. [00:03:44] Pretoria roots, rugby dreams, and school memories. [00:06:39] The spark for WeThinkCode_: bridging access and building coders. [00:08:01] From 50,000 applicants to 500 students: creating a scalable tech pipeline. [00:09:54] Gender parity and diversity in tech education. [00:10:54] Graduation day: joy, family pride, and life-changing milestones. [00:12:00] A new mission: Project 95 and the dream of five more World Cup wins. [00:15:43] Rugby development lessons from Ireland and South Africa’s Eastern Cape. [00:17:00] Sunday rugby in small towns: discovering forgotten fields and fanatical culture. [00:20:05] The impact of malnutrition on athletic potential. [00:24:24] Why “95” is more than a number—it’s a national memory. [00:26:00] Access vs. outcomes: the quota question and educational inequality. [00:30:50] Screening for grit and agency at WeThinkCode_. [00:33:00] Holding standards high while removing financial barriers. [00:36:44] Why success requires stability over decades—not just talent. [00:39:12] Comparing school funding models in the US and Canada. [00:42:00] Recreating high-performing public schools across the nation. [00:43:29] Why rugby is more than a game: a symbol of belonging and memory. [00:45:51] Settling in Ontario, Canada: skiing, seasons, and new routines. [00:46:58] How skiing became a lifelong passion—and the excuse to move abroad. [00:49:40] Life lessons from the slopes: discomfort, growth, and persistence. [00:52:00] Teaching kids courage, taking calculated risks, and embracing adventure. [00:56:00] The rhythm of family life, travel, and the search for balance. [01:00:00] The link between nostalgia, passion, and purpose. [01:05:00] Building identity through shared rituals and cultural storytelling. [01:10:00] Creating community in diaspora—keeping South Africa close while living abroad. [01:15:00] Future plans: nomadic living, giving back, and staying connected. [01:20:00] Justinus’s vision for legacy, leadership, and long-term impact. [01:25:00] Final reflections: leaning into the discomfort and doing the hard things.

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Pierre sits down with futurist and economist Bronwyn Williams. Together, they dive deep into what it means to live purposefully in a chaotic world, the future of work in an age of AI, and how to retain agency in a society leaning towards automation and comfort. Bronwyn discusses the value of being a professional outsider, the illusion of goals for the hyper-intelligent, and her unconventional approach to decision-making and success. It’s a conversation that challenges norms and offers rich insights into how we think about work, value, and freedom. Timestamps: [00:01:10] – Where are you right now? Bronwyn on the liminal, nomadic millennial state. 00:02:11] – Why goals don’t work for really smart people. [00:04:34] – A day in Bronwyn’s life: reading, writing, and speaking. [00:06:30] – How Bronwyn uses AI to aid in the creative process, not replace it. [00:09:50] – Her mission as a professional observer and outsider. [00:13:29] – From spy dreams to futurist: Bronwyn’s unconventional career path. [00:14:52] – Is studying still worthwhile? Bronwyn breaks it down. [00:18:39] – What gives Bronwyn hope? People who plant trees. [00:19:34] – What makes her angry? The myth of no agency. [00:25:49] – Why we can’t have liberty, equality, and fraternity all at once. [00:32:53] – How Bronwyn makes decisions and navigates life. [00:37:35] – Embracing unemployability and escaping the “soggy middle”. [00:41:55] – The delusion of value in middle-class salary jobs. [00:44:00] – The psychological impact of overpaid roles and perceived entitlement. [00:46:15] – Technological progress and the risk to the squishy middle. [00:48:45] – How Bronwyn defines value and agency in a world of automation. [00:50:20] – Why most people crave direction over freedom. [00:53:00] – The outsider’s role in leadership, foresight, and change. [00:56:15] – The myth of the benign dictator and the desire to escape responsibility. [00:59:00] – What Jesus, Voltaire, and Mary Poppins have in common with futurists. [01:01:30] – Final thoughts on belief, free will, and the agency to shape the future. LINKS More about Pierre: https://thisispierre.co Find Bronwyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwynwilliams/ More about Bronwyn's work: https://fluxtrends.co.za Get her latest book: Survive the AI Apocalypse: https://www.takealot.com/survive-the-ai-apocalypse/PLID98648877

In this episode of Through the Fog, we sit down with Flip van der Merwe, former Springbok rugby player turned French-resident strategist. Flip shares his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in the Kalahari, to playing international rugby, to raising a bilingual family abroad. We explore the interplay between tradition and modernity, the challenges of choosing where to raise children, the search for meaning beyond sport, and how language, faith, and culture weave into identity. 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:27 Navigating Language and Cultural Identity 19:02 Religion and Family Traditions 27:03 Childhood Dreams and Rugby Journey 32:54 Blessings and Curses of Talent 38:36 Education and Career Pathways 45:44 The Impact of Choices on Identity 54:40 Legacy and Masculinity in Modern Society 01:00:52 Legacy and Lessons from the Past 01:07:01 Navigating Difficult Conversations 01:13:05 Finding Joy in Parenthood and Fitness 01:19:34 Future Aspirations and Impact

In this episode of Through the Fog, I sit down with Sarah Rice, an organizational culture strategist and coach who has spent over two decades helping founders and leaders navigate the complex, often contradictory expectations of modern leadership. We explore the hidden pressures on entrepreneurs to become both “priests and parents” to their teams, how culture shapes behavior, and the power of being honest about your motives, even if they’re not pretty. Sarah also shares her personal journey through recovery, the lessons she’s learned about over identification with work, and why embodied leadership matters more than ever. This candid, warm, and occasionally irreverent conversation is a must-listen for anyone steering a business, and themselves, through uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Transitions and Personal Growth 02:57 The Venn Diagram of Identity 05:41 The Role of Business in Community 08:47 Mental Health and Leadership Responsibilities 11:51 The Pressure on Leaders 14:31 Learning from Other Organizational Structures 17:40 The Importance of Values in Business 20:44 Defining Authentic Values 23:33 The Role of Storytelling in Values 26:29 The Complexity of Truth and Oversharing 29:26 The Importance of Community and Relationships 32:20 Lessons from Personal Connections 35:10 Embracing Uncertainty and Surrendering Control 42:42 The Role of Spirituality in the Workplace 49:42 Decision-Making and Intuition 01:00:50 The Power of the 12-Step Program 01:05:14 Navigating Paradox and Duality 01:09:07 Future Aspirations and Coaching Goals Find Sarah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahelizabethrice/ More about me and the show here: https://thisispierre.co/podcast

In this heartfelt and insight-rich conversation, I sat down with my friend and mentor Andrew Smith, co-founder of YuppieChef and now co-creator of Brave Hardy. From the early days of web design to building one of South Africa's most beloved kitchenware brands, Andrew shared his journey of entrepreneurship, vulnerability, resilience, and the art of “staying in the game.” Whether you’re a founder navigating uncertainty or someone in transition, this episode is packed with lessons on strategy, partnership, and purpose. Timestamps for Key Questions & Topics: ● 00:30 – Where is Andrew today in life? ● 03:30 – What did little Andrew want to be? ● 10:05 – What mission is Andrew on now? ● 13:00 – What changes post-exit from YuppieChef? ● 20:00 – How important is luck vs. hard work? ● 26:00 – The origin of YuppieChef and early experiments ● 32:00 – The power of Andrew & Shane’s partnership ● 36:00 – Advice for solo founders ● 39:00 – Making big decisions and trusting instincts Find Andrew on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/agsmith/ Brave Hardy: https://bravehardy.com More about me on https://thisispierre.co #entrepreneurship #founders #strategy

In this deeply inspiring episode of Through the Fog, Pierre speaks with Samantha Skyring, adventurer, visionary, and founder of the globally loved Oryx Desert Salt. From a transformative kayaking journey and losing her island dream, to single motherhood and building a business rooted in purpose, Samantha opens up about the intentionality behind everything she does. Expect powerful stories about resilience, spiritual connection, team empowerment, and the surprising truth about the white crystal we all consume daily. If you've ever wondered how to blend soul with strategy, this is the conversation. [00:00] Pierre's personal salt obsession & intro [01:00] Samantha's early entrepreneurship journey [04:30] Losing the island and gaining conviction [06:30] The accidental beginning of Oryx Desert Salt [08:00] The fire of single motherhood [11:00] The power of working from intuition [13:00] Salt: misunderstood, sacred, essential [16:00] The Whole Foods deal — built on pure intention [18:45] Table salt vs. Oryx salt — the truth [21:00] Energetics, purity, and the spirit of salt [23:00] Packaging with purpose — saving the planet one grinder at a time [26:00] Drumming, dreaming & the power of community projects [32:00] Building a team that dreams [35:00] “No one gave me permission to dream” — changing internal narratives [39:00] Scarcity, IQ, and the science of dreaming big [41:00] Caring for people: when leadership is pastoral [44:00] Creating culture: breathwork, books, and breakthroughs [47:00] Should companies be families? The new business ethic [50:00] Wrap-up reflections 🔗 Learn more about Oryx: https://oryxdesertsalt.com 💌 Feedback or guest ideas? Email Pierre: hi@thisispierre.co Learn more about pierre https://thisispierre.co

In this episode, I reconnect with someone I’ve known and admired for over two decades, the ever-evolving Dion Chang. You might know Dion as a fashion icon, trend analyst, and founder of Flux Trends. But what you probably don’t know is that Dion is now a certified end-of-life companion, yes, a death doula. This conversation left me both grounded and inspired. We talk about identity, reinvention, what it means to say goodbye, and how ritual can anchor us when life is shifting beneath our feet. Dion’s journey from studying in Paris to midlife cliff-diving (his words) to pet funerals and corporate retirement is a testament to living truthfully, even when the path is unmarked. If you’re in the midst of change, or sense it’s coming, this one is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – A 26-Year Friendship & Fashion Flashbacks Dion and I share how we met (in a feathered bolero, no less) and what it means to know someone across so many versions of themselves. 03:15 – What Is a Death Doula, Really? Dion explains his calling to become an end-of-life companion and how this work is about more than mortal death — it's about transitions, beginnings, and endings of all kinds. 07:00 – From Couture to Consulting: The Birth of Flux Trends Leaving fashion behind, building a new identity, and riding the early wave of social change and trend analysis. 12:10 – Shedding Labels & Personal Rebranding How Dion fought the persona of “fashion guy” to become someone new — and why that was so much harder than it sounds. 16:30 – Midlife Metaphors & The Fog We revisit a conversation from 15 years ago that shaped the name of this podcast — including cliffs, clearings, and hacking your way through. 20:50 – Business Needs a Doula Too How Dion is applying his doula training to help companies grieve, transition, and adapt with empathy. 25:40 – Extreme Pet Parenting & Pet Bereavement You won't believe the stats from South Korea and China — or how Dion is pioneering the world of pet doulas (and writing a book about it). 30:05 – Ritual, Loss & Meaning-Making From Buddhist chanting to memory stones, we talk about the power of ritual in human and corporate life — and why we need it now more than ever. 35:20 – Saying No, Growing Up & Purpose After 60 Dion shares how he filters every decision through one question: “What do I want?” And why that gets more vital with age. 39:45 – Resources & Ways to Connect We wrap with gratitude and links to explore Dion’s evolving world. 🔗 Follow Dion: https://fluxtrends.com https://www.dionthedoula.com/ https://instagram.com/@dion_chang https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-chang-a8b5379/ 🎧 Subscribe to Through the Fog and leave us a review if this episode moved you, it helps more fog-walkers find their way.

In this deeply moving and honest conversation, Pierre sits down with artist, teacher, and divorce doula Lira van Staden. Together they explore the intersections of creativity, loss, personal reinvention, and what it truly means to find your voice again after life doesn’t go according to plan. Lira shares her journey from a childhood dream shaped by societal expectations to becoming a celebrated public artist and a compassionate guide for those navigating the pain of divorce. They discuss the cultural narratives around marriage, the subtle early signs that relationships are changing, and how grief can be an essential — and even beautiful — part of starting anew. This episode is a powerful reflection on resilience, authenticity, and the unexpected paths life asks us to walk. Get in touch with Lira: Instagram @divorcedoulafindingaway Whatsapp: 082 524 5375 www.divorcedoulaway.com Time-stamped Topics [00:00] Meet Lira: Artist, mother, and newly minted divorce doula [02:00] Early memories: How community shaped their friendship [05:00] Growing up on a farm and early dreams of motherhood [08:30] Art, identity, and discovering hidden callings [11:30] Megaphone Me: Giving voice to the unheard [16:00] Uncovering subconscious desires through art [20:00] How we sometimes “know” before we consciously know [24:00] Cultural expectations of marriage and the pressure to conform [28:00] What makes relationships last — and what makes them falter [32:00] Grief, guilt, and “gorillas” after separation [36:00] Creating new routines after loss [39:00] Why you should be careful who you sit with after a breakup [42:00] Redefining success, love, and belonging on your own terms Key Takeaways - Grief is not a detour; it is a necessary part of personal transformation - You can lose yourself in the idea of a life before you realize it - True love accepts, rather than tries to change, the other person - New identities are often hidden inside old stories - Trusting your instincts early can save years of pain - Post-divorce life is not survival, it can be a season of creativity and hope

In this thoughtful and deeply resonant conversation, Pierre speaks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Dr. Marc Rogatschnig. Together, they unpack what it means to live meaningfully, navigate midlife transitions with courage, and discover the power of boredom, friendship, and self reflection. Marc opens up about his early desire to become a politician, his detour into law, and how travel became the education that truly shaped him. From there, he explores the challenges of modern life, the dangers of over scheduling, and how to reconnect with your true self. This episode is a slow burning masterclass in intentional living with insights that are especially potent for anyone approaching (or already in) midlife. Time - stamped Topics [00:00] What brings Marc joy [02:00] Who is Marc? Optimism, activism & restlessness [05:30] Idealism, injustice, and the pursuit of universal truths [08:30] Travel, home, and why Namibia still holds his heart [10:00] Childhood dreams politics, then law [14:30] The power of a gap year and real world education [16:00] Why he chose psychology over law [21:00] How do we truly get to know ourselves? [23:30] The forgotten value of boredom in identity formation [25:00] Friendship, risk, and the beauty of being unstructured [28:00] Why travel is a rite of passage [30:00] Midlife reflection, ego shedding, and relationship wisdom [36:00] From rectangles to circles: the AI future and human reconnection [40:00] How not to get stuck in the midlife loop [43:00] What does meaning feel like? Pull Quotes “You can always be true to yourself, but you’ll never make everyone happy.” “Boredom is the birthplace of creativity and self discovery.” “Most people get stuck in midlife because they double down on the old plan.” “The only real upgrade worth making is the one that brings you joy.” “Friendship and wisdom are the true markers of a good life.” “Our lives are run like diaries full, structured, and disconnected from who we really are.” “We don’t find ourselves by adding more we find ourselves by subtracting the noise.” Find Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcrogatschnig/

In this first episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, educator, and friend Rob Paddock. Together, we unravel what it means to live a life of depth, how boxing became a surprising teacher, and why marriage and fatherhood are proper spiritual practices. We touch on everything from men’s work, plant medicine, and the culture of overwork, to parenting, leadership, and the transformative power of committed relationships. Time-stamped Topics [00:00] Welcome & intro to “Through The Fog” [02:00] Introducing Rob Paddock — from GetSmarter to Valencia Institute [04:50] First meeting at an unexpected place — Vision Quests at an accounting conference [06:00] Rob’s life today — fatherhood, remote leadership, and nourishment [08:25] ‘Who is Rob?’ — seeking depth, shadow work, and creative identity [10:50] Lessons from the boxing ring — anger, embodiment, and safe aggression [16:40] Addicted to suffering? The illusion of value through overworking [24:30] Ayahuasca insights: “You do not need to suffer to find peace.” [29:00] Belonging vs. status — the paradox of human motivation [33:30] How marriage becomes the ultimate mirror [36:00] The value of fighting well — nothing is too small to bring into the relational space [40:00] Children as spiritual teachers & the creative force of family [44:00] Tradition as a guide — the forgotten wisdom of lineage [46:00] What does the world ask of us now? Pull Quotes “Life will present us with the people and circumstances to reveal where we’re not yet free.” – Rob Paddock “You can talk about this stuff until you’re blue in the face, but to embody it is a very different experience.” “I realized I had an addiction to suffering. I thought if I wasn’t carrying the heaviest burden, I wasn’t valuable.” “Boxing taught me more about myself than boardrooms ever could.” “Marriage isn’t there to make you happy — it’s there to make you holy.” “We don’t change easily. We change when life backs us into a corner.” “I seek depth. In business, in love, in self.” “Children are spiritual teachers. They show you what real service means.” LINKS Sign up to my daily letter: https://thisispierre.co Rob's links: https://www.valentureinstitute.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-paddock

Coming soon with Rob Paddock, co-founder of Get Smarter, founder Valenture Institute creating low fee online High Schools in Africa.