Bizzin Podcast

Two brothers. Five restaurants. Zero plan to ever work together. In this episode, Chef Ben and Chef Jeremy Gibbs share the real story behind Wildroute Restaurant Group — from washing dishes as teenagers on a farm-town tea garden, to brutal Michelin-style kitchens overseas, to betting everything on a restaurant scene in George that "everyone comes to with millions and leaves with none." They talk c...

Adrian Mankapan once slept under a tree in a graveyard. Today he travels to over 200 towns across South Africa as a financial educator, teaching people in small communities how to trade the global financial markets. This is one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on the Bizzin Podcast. Adrian opens up about his journey from drug addiction and court cases to becoming a leading voice i...

How do you go from serving tables in Wilderness to closing record-breaking real estate deals in George? In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast , Des-lie sits down with Armand du Plessis to uncover the "heart behind the hustle" in the Garden Route property market. Armand shares his raw "Chapter One"—the humbling transition from studying town planning to working as a waiter, and the bold, "do it scar...

Leadership is more than just making big decisions—it's about how you treat people when the pressure is on. In Episode 44, Des-lie van Wyk and James Beswick (Root Coffee) dive deep into the emotional intelligence required to lead a thriving business in 2026. James shares his "Stay Rooted" philosophy, explaining why admitting when you're wrong is a leader's greatest strength and how treating staff a...

Is a business partnership right for you? In this episode of the Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie van Wyk sits down with James Beswick, co-owner of Root Coffee, to discuss why a business partnership is often compared to a marriage. From financial transparency and moral alignment to the practical benefits of partnering with an accountant, we explore how to find a partner that complements your skill set rathe...

Step into the extraordinary journey of James, who fearlessly transitioned from the familiar world of teaching to build a thriving coffee empire! In this captivating episode, discover how a long-held dream, coupled with the unexpected challenges of the pandemic, became the catalyst for creating not just a successful business, but a force for positive change. This video is an essential watch for asp...

James reveals his remarkable transition from classroom to coffee empire in this captivating episode. Learn how a long-held dream and pandemic challenges led to building a successful business focused on more than just profits. This video unpacks: ✓ Navigating a major career pivot during COVID ✓ Overcoming financial constraints and 80-hour work weeks ✓ Organic growth strategies that led to multiple...

David May shares his leadership wisdom in this value-packed final episode. Discover why effective leadership begins with leading yourself, and how empowering others creates exponential growth and sustainable impact. This video unpacks: ✓ John Maxwell's principle that "everything rises and falls on leadership" ✓ Why personal growth must precede organisational leadership ✓ The critical importance of...

David May shares his nonprofit fundraising wisdom in this value-packed interview. Discover why seeking people's hearts rather than just their wallets leads to sustainable support, and how clear vision combined with direct communication creates lasting donor relationships. This video unpacks: ✓ The fire-starting analogy for nonprofit beginnings ✓ Why clarity in communication matters to business don...

In this powerful interview, David shares how Empower is revolutionising the non-profit sector by creating a "human capital return" on investments. Learn about their unique approach that builds authentic community connections while empowering local champions to create sustainable change. David explains how discovering your purpose can transform not just your life but entire communities. Topics cove...

What happens when you quit your job with no plan, simply because you felt it was time? In this powerful episode of the Bizzin Podcast, David May shares his personal faith journey—from realizing he couldn't rely on his parents' religion to discovering true Christian leadership. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and business, offering a moving Christian testimony about trusting Go...

Leadership begins with clarity — knowing what truly matters and ordering your life accordingly. In this final episode of The Bizzin Podcast with Christiaan Blignaut, Des-lie and Christiaan dive into the topic of priorities — what they are, what they should be, and how to navigate them with intention. They explore what it means to be fully present in every space you occupy, whether in business, fam...

Real change doesn’t start on a stage — it starts in the heart of a man. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Christiaan Blignaut dive into the story and heart behind Zeal Men’s Ministry. What began as a small group of men meeting weekly and doing something adventurous grew into a touch rugby league in Blanco, an NPC, and a movement focused on one of the greatest challenges of our tim...

Growth doesn’t come from standing still — it comes from courage, responsibility, and vision. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie continues the conversation with Christiaan Blignaut, Partner at the George Animal Clinic and Founder of Zeal Men’s Ministry, to unpack what innovation really looks like in a traditional industry like veterinary science. They discuss how the way you make your c...

Some foundations are laid long before we recognise them — and some callings run deeper than career. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie speaks with Christiaan Blignaut, Partner at the George Animal Clinic and Founder of Zeal Men’s Ministry, about a life shaped by mission, identity, and generational purpose. Raised in a missionary household with four brothers, Christiaan’s upbringing was...

In a world changing faster than ever, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s protection. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Andrea explore his journey into the world of 3D design — a business he built by teaching himself the skills from scratch and turning it into a thriving, creative, and impactful venture. They dive into the role of AI and technology in small businesses today, and why...

Cricket may be the sport — but development, joy, and legacy are the mission. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Andrea unpack the heart behind Smash. They explore how Smash brings kids, parents, and schools together around a simple idea: cricket should be fun. Andrea explains how creating an environment that feels like a play date with friends allows something far deeper to happen...

The same mindset that scores 300+ runs is the mindset that builds a successful business. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Andrea dive into the mental game behind high performance — on the cricket field and in entrepreneurship. Andrea breaks down what it takes to achieve something extraordinary: doing what you’ve done a thousand times, staying disciplined, focusing only on the nex...

Great careers are built on discipline. Great lives are built on priorities. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie sits down with Andrea, former professional cricketer turned entrepreneur, whose journey is shaped by sport, family, humility, and resilience. Growing up in a household where excellence was normal — Andrea learned early that success requires sacrifice, and that nothing in sport...

Your brand can get you noticed — but your character is what earns trust. In this final episode of The Bizzin Podcast with Elandri, founder of Socially Shaped, Des-lie dives into fast yes/no questions that spark a deep conversation about branding, leadership, and integrity. They explore how your personal and business brand can be linked, but don’t have to be — what matters most is that both are cle...

Social media is powerful — but it’s not the whole strategy. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Elandri, founder of Socially Shaped, talk about how to use social media with purpose — as part of a bigger marketing plan, not the only one. They unpack the strengths of different platforms, what kind of content works best where, and how to connect with your audience in a way that drives...

Every brand tells a story — but only a few make people feel something. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie and Elandri, founder of Socially Shaped, dive into the art of brand storytelling and why true connection starts with emotion. They unpack what it means to solve an obvious problem in a unique way, and how action begins when someone feels something real first. Together, they explore...

Sometimes your purpose finds you in the moments you feel unseen. In this heartfelt episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie talks with Elandri, founder of Socially Shaped, about her personal journey — the experiences that shaped who she is today and how she built a digital marketing company rooted in purpose and people. Naturally a cheerleader for others, Elandri shares how a defining moment in her...

Behind every successful business is more than good strategy — it’s built on understanding the law that protects it. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie continues the conversation with Rainier Bruyns, Commercial and Fiduciary Attorney at Roos Inc., as they unpack the world of commercial law — what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes every business decision. From understanding the le...

Discipline, justice, and purpose — the foundations of a life built on principle. In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie speaks with Rainier Bruyns, a Commercial and Fiduciary Attorney at Roos Inc., whose story is a testament to perseverance and calling. Rainier paid his own way through law school, working while studying, and discovered along the way that what began as a path toward politic...