Born to Build

In this episode of Born to Build , Richard Bolland shares the journey of building Studio Bo from a freelance operation into one of South Africa's leading animation and game development studios. He reflects on discovering his passion for animation at just 13 years old, navigating the leap into entrepreneurship, building a values-driven creative culture, and why kindness—not relentless growth—ha...

n this Born to Build episode, Jonny Harris shares his journey from civil engineering in the UK to building innovative sanitation solutions in Africa. He unpacks the founding of Isidima, the lessons learned from launching a consultancy with a purpose, and the five-year journey of developing Arumloo — an ultra-low flush toilet inspired by the Arum Lily. Jonny also explains how nature-based engineeri...

In this episode of Born to Build, Weyers Marais, co-founder of Helt, shares the story behind building a South African energy tech company focused on ultra-rugged portable power systems and the bigger vision driving it all. From early Frankenstein-style prototypes and engineering setbacks to building proprietary battery systems and learning how to earn trust in the market, Weyers gives a rare behin...

In this Born to Build episode, Anton Cuyler shares how a calling led him from the UK to Vrygrond — and how a simple youth initiative grew into the Sozo Foundation, transforming young lives through education, skills, and opportunity. We unpack the realities of building in a deeply challenged community, the moment that nearly made him walk away, and why Sozo believes youth aren’t the problem — but t...

In this episode of Born to Build, Adrian Hope-Bailie shares his journey from early web development and global fintech roles to building Fynbos, a platform helping South Africans take control of their savings and investments. He unpacks the pivot from a global digital wallet to a locally focused investment platform, and the realisation that most people don’t need complexity, they need clarity and c...

In this insightful interview, sales strategist Mel Martin shares her journey from shy introvert to sales expert, her innovative AI-powered sales training program, and practical tips for entrepreneurs to boost their sales. Discover how to build confidence, generate leads, and leverage human skills over tools for long-term success. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Sales and Personal Journey (02:32)...

Meg Faure didn’t set out to build a tech startup — she set out to help parents. But when she saw the scale of confusion and overwhelm facing modern families, she knew her work needed to go beyond the consulting room. In this episode, Meg shares how she transitioned from occupational therapist to founder of Parent Sense, building a parenting app rooted in science, empathy, and trust. We talk rapid...

In this conversation, Sam and Peter Turner discuss the innovative approach of Beeline, a company that leverages AI to transform corporate training for frontline workers. Peter highlights the shortcomings of traditional training methods and explains how Beeline's platform can streamline the instructional design process. They explore the use of WhatsApp as a delivery channel for training, emphas...

Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-...

Vincent Mosebe shares how a devastating shack fire in 2020 became the spark behind Mosebe Enterprise — a mission-driven startup creating affordable, sustainable power solutions for underserved communities. He opens up about overcoming limiting beliefs, building products through real community listening, and why leadership means developing people before technology. Vincent also reveals his ambitiou...

Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧 No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front...

In this Born to Build episode, Buhle Lindwa shares how her journalism roots shaped her storytelling-first approach to digital marketing, the leap of faith that launched Lindwa Communications, and the lessons learned in the messy first year of business. She opens up about working alongside her sister, helping clients grow with purpose, launching LC Academy, and how faith sustains her through burnou...

What if your child’s shoes were quietly shaping their posture, balance, and long-term development? In this episode, Sam sits down with Nicole van Besouw , co-founder of Common Tread , the South African barefoot shoe brand born in a small home workshop and built with heart, craftsmanship, and purpose. Nicole shares how her occupational therapy background, her husband’s engineering mind, and their f...

Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-...

Logo reveal!!! 🎨 Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧 No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Thin...

What happens when a founder decides to run his business on EOS and actually sticks with it? Phillip Mcelu, founder of MCE Solutions , takes us inside the systems, people, and mindset behind building a tech business that works with precision. A grounded, practical look at what it means to lead with clarity and scale with discipline. Chapters: (00:00) Intro — From the Ground Up (01:03) Early Spark:...

Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧 No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front...

In this conversation, Sam interviews Ashley Skippers, the founder and CEO of GovERP, a platform aimed at modernising government operations in South Africa. Ashley shares his journey from a technical background in banking to founding GovERP, driven by frustrations with existing government processes. He discusses the challenges of building a business in the public sector, the importance of subject m...

Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧 No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front...

Malcolm Gray, co-founder of Libryo, joins Born to Build to unpack the real story behind raising capital and growing a mission-driven startup. He shares what it took to win over investors, the emotional highs and lows of the journey, and the leadership principles that guided Libryo from idea to acquisition. A must-listen for founders navigating growth, grit and purpose. Chapters (00:00) Introductio...

The big reveal! In this episode I reveal what it is that is under construction... Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧 No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working,...

In this conversation, Sam chats with Garth Watson, co-founder of Libryo, about the company's culture, foundational principles, and the journey of building a successful remote-first business. They discuss the importance of intentional culture, the role of fun, the concept of 'margin calls', and the significance of hiring the right people. Garth shares insights on how God and community p...

In this conversation, Sam reflects on the metaphor of building a cathedral to illustrate the importance of long-term vision in business and community development. He emphasizes the need for businesses, particularly in Africa, to create jobs and uplift communities, while also sharing his personal conviction to build ventures that align with his faith. The discussion highlights the transformative po...

From start-up highs to near collapse and back again. Peter Flynn, co-founder of Libryo, joins Sam to share the unfiltered story of building a company through vision, chaos, and courage. .. from its humble beginnings to a global acquisition. Real lessons in leadership, resilience, and what it means to keep building, no matter what. This is part 1 of 3 where we look at the Libryo story from differen...

Welcome to the first episode of "Under Construction". Here I talk about the start of my entrepreneurial journey... how I'm documenting everything through this vlog. I reflect on my past jobs, what pushed me to start my own thing, and why I believe small and medium-sized businesses are so key to tackling unemployment in Africa. I try to keep everything as raw and unedited as possible...