As a passionate advocate for family businesses, my professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to blending family values with business success. My background in Business Management, Accounting, and Taxation from the University of Pretoria, coupled with an MBA in International Strategic Management from the University of Salford, UK (to be completed in September 2024), has equipped me with a diverse skill set. Currently, I lead Care Net Consultants, a premier provider of Occupational Health Services, and serve as a Strategic Partner at The Glass Castle Business Hub.
My experience within our family-owned business has been instrumental in teaching me the delicate balance between maintaining family bonds and driving business growth. Specialising in Complex Business Structures, I focus on formulating trusts, developing family constitutions, succession planning, managing estate duty, drafting wills, and leadership mentoring. Through both successes and setbacks, I’ve grown into a leader adept in critical thinking, lifelong learning, and solving real-world challenges. My mission is to help your business flourish while honouring the legacy and values that matter most to your family.
Currently, I am embarking on an academic adventure to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). My research will centre on the development of the “Financial Ikigai Model,” an innovative financial framework designed to revolutionise the sector by shifting towards a customer-centric approach. This model aims to integrate family-owned SMEs into the corporate landscape through participation schemes, fostering a shared value model that benefits all stakeholders, particularly addressing previously disadvantaged groups and gender inequalities.
This transformative model represents more than just an academic pursuit; it is a vision to reshape how businesses operate and create value. By cultivating a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, I aim to empower family-owned businesses to thrive alongside larger corporations, ensuring sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Outside of my professional life, I find immense joy in cooking. Whether experimenting with intricate molecular gastronomy dishes or perfecting recipes in my smoker, cooking brings me unparalleled satisfaction. As the primary cook in our home, I delight in preparing delicious and nutritious meals for my wife, two daughters, and our two dogs. Cooking is a creative process that combines science and art, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences.
Another passion of mine is building, designing, and styling homes or Airbnb properties. I revel in the creative process of transforming spaces from initial design to final styling touches. This passion extends beyond the kitchen, allowing me to create beautiful and functional environments that reflect the personality and needs of those who inhabit them.
My daily routine is integral to my sense of balance and focus. I start each day at 4 am with journaling, a practice that helps me reflect on my thoughts, set goals, and prepare for the day ahead. Journaling provides clarity and purpose, while reading at least 100 pages each night expands my knowledge and offers new perspectives. Although I enjoy books on philosophy, psychology, business strategy, and autobiographies, I watch fewer than one movie a month, preferring to spend my time more engagingly. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests and family time is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
One essential financial tip I’d like to share is to adopt a long-term perspective in all aspects of life, not just in financial markets. This approach resonates with the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which emphasises finding joy and purpose in daily life, and aligns with the principles of success outlined by Robin Sharma in “The 5 AM Club” and “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy.” Success is not solely about accumulating wealth; it is about creating value, finding fulfillment, and achieving happiness.
My advice is twofold:
- Shift your mindset from a “ME ME ME” mentality to a Shared Value Creation approach. By creating value for everyone around you, whether in business, personal relationships, or community interactions, you’ll find a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment beyond financial success.
- Take a lesson from “Atomic Habits” and break down your goals into manageable, bite-sized actions. Focusing on small, consistent steps will build momentum towards your long-term vision. Whether investing, growing your business, or nurturing your family, approach everything with a long-term outlook. Remember, true success requires dedication and hard work.
Investing for the long run—whether in financial portfolios, business ventures, or personal relationships—ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling life. This patient, deliberate approach will help you achieve lasting success and happiness.
As the Director of Care Net Consultants, I spearhead Project 2030, our strategic initiative to revolutionize occupational health services. We’re introducing Care Net Switch, a groundbreaking model that enables companies to seamlessly transfer medicals from one organization to another or even switch to a different provider, as long as the employee is exposed to the same risks. This flexibility will enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
In addition, we’re launching Care Net Connect, a network of container clinics strategically placed in every industrial zone across South Africa. This shared value creation initiative strengthens our customer-centric approach and empowers our nurses to become equity partners. Our goal is to create a more connected, responsive occupational health ecosystem that addresses the costs associated with medical surveillance programs.
Looking ahead, over the next five years, Care Net will adapt, adopt, and evolve our traditional models, integrating AI tools to ensure precision and deliver significant cost savings for our clients. This forward-thinking approach underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in occupational health.
Qualifications:
- University of Salford – TBC: September 2024 MBA, International Business Management
- CTIA – 2020 Diploma, Culinary Arts | Chef Training
- University of the Western Cape – 2020 Certificate, Digital Marketing
- GIBS Business School – 2008 Post Graduate Degree, Taxation
- University of Pretoria – 2006 Bachelors of Commerce, Accounting and business Management
- High School Hugenote – 2002 Matriculated,Financial Management