Thoughtonomy

Lucky Gordy on Life and Health

Welcome to this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this wide-ranging conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with Gordon Reid, a Durban-based financial advisor, endurance enthusiast, and community fundraiser. From five surgeries at 40 to finishing Comrades and running 100 km through a game reserve, Gordon shares how a midlife reset turned into a mission: build health, set goals, and use endurance challenges to raise money and momentum for causes that matter. This episode explores personal values, authentic branding, and why accountability and action trump motivation. 
Gordon Reed is a Durbanite, husband and father of two, and a Discovery financial advisor. Known for rallying support around charities, from CHOC’s “Cows” to conservation initiatives with SANParks Honorary Rangers and Project Rhino, Gordon calls himself an “average guy doing extreme challenges.” His approach blends community, accountability, and practical goal setting, whether he’s training for Comrades, leading in BNI, or advising families on life and health cover. 
Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone looking for a reset, this episode is a reminder that health is wealth, goals need to be written down, and authenticity is the strongest personal brand.  ⏱ Timestamped Overview 
00:40 – Intro: Gordon’s background, family, and financial advising. 02:11 – First philanthropy: joining CHOC’s “Cows” after surgeries. 03:23 – Conservation focus: Comrades for Rangers, Rhino Peak Challenge. 04:34 – Midlife reset: fitness journey and “average guy” challenges. 06:29 – Confidence through extreme events and consistent training. 07:52 – Family fuel: daughters on the route and bracelet motivation. 10:23 – Reframing exercise as a privilege, not an obligation. 11:34 – Comrades community, public accountability, inspiration. 13:37 – Everyone has a story: lessons from top performers. 15:16 – Starting hard, momentum builds results over time. 16:39 – Values as a compass for decisions and reducing anxiety. 19:46 – Self-worth, authenticity, and credibility online/offline. 21:47 – Growth mindset: 1% better daily, stretching in business. 22:23 – Career pivot at 47: new studies, life, and health cover. 23:40 – Valuing money: safety, opportunity, and lifestyle goals. 24:27 – Philanthropy: pick a cause, give time, track impact. 25:38 – Supporting tier-2/3 charities and focused giving. 26:50 – Saying no and joining the Run for Rangers story. 28:33 – Recognition: Comrades medal, Advisor of the Year award. 30:18 – Writing down goals and committing to action. 31:32 – Five-year lookback: sliding doors and best decisions. 33:17 – Connecting the dots and seizing opportunities. 35:18 – Health is wealth: stress, loss, and urgency of action. 36:34 – Putting yourself first to serve others better. 💬 Quote of the Episode 
“Health is the New Wealth.” – Gordon Reid   👣 Relevant Links 
LinkedIn: Gordon Reid - Discovery Financial Advisor, Vitality Integration Specialist and Commercial Insurance Broker | LinkedIn Facebook: Gords Reid | Facebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckygordy_/  Gordon Reid FGro Website: Gordon Reid | FGro 
Run for Rangers Website: Home Page - Run For Rangers Endangered Wildlife Trust Website: EWT Home - Endangered Wildlife Trust CHOC / The Cows Charity Website: The Cows - The Cows Jesse Itzler (All Day Running) Website: All Day Running Co. – AllDayRunningCo    🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy 
Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/  Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book     🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media. 

Lessons from Retailability’s CEO

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this insightful conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with Norman Drieselmann, CEO of Retailability, to unpack one of South Africa’s biggest retail turnaround stories. Norman shares his journey from a young, chartered accountant to a retail leader who spearheaded the acquisition and revival of Edgars, saving thousands of jobs and building one of the country’s largest unlisted fashion retailers. 
This episode dives into leadership, resilience, scaling businesses, servant leadership, and the bold decisions that shaped Norman’s career and legacy. Whether you’re a young professional, small business owner, or corporate leader, Norman’s story offers practical wisdom on navigating uncertainty, building strong teams, and finding opportunity where others see risk. 
Norman Drieselmann is the CEO of Retailability, a diversified retail group operating across five African countries with brands including Edgars, Legit, Swagger, Style, and Boardmans. With over 7,500 staff and more than 600 stores, Norman has built Retailability into one of the largest unlisted fashion retailers in South Africa. Known for his strategic vision and servant-leadership style, he played a pivotal role in acquiring and turning around Edgars post-COVID, a move that preserved thousands of jobs in the retail sector.   ⏱ Timestamped Overview 
00:45 – Introducing Norman Drieselmann: family man, community leader, and CEO of Retailability 03:30 – Retailability explained: 600+ stores, 7,500 staff, and multi-country operations 05:30 – Norman’s shift from chemical engineering to chartered accounting to retail 08:30 – Early career lessons: from Mr Price to Edcon, Massmart, and beyond 11:00 – The Edgars crisis: liquidation fears, jobs at risk, and the opportunity Norman saw 14:20 – Buying Edgars during lockdown: risk, strategy, and “the big five” changes 20:00 – Culture, cost, and customer focus: how Edgars was turned around 24:00 – Riots, floods, and rebuilding: resilience under pressure 28:00 – Leadership lessons: nervous in every board meeting, but prepared and hungry 32:00 – Freedom within a framework: how Norman empowers leaders to scale 36:00 – Leadership style: listening, guiding, and knowing when to step  39:00 – Recognition: Circle of Valour Award at Northwood Boys High 40:00 – What’s next: new formats like Kelso and cellular retail 41:30 – Competing with Shein & Temu: level playing fields and local advantage 43:30 – Advice for young professionals: effort, sacrifice, and seizing every opportunity 45:50 – Advice for small business owners: scalability, systems, and exit readiness 48:20 – Closing thoughts and where to follow Norman online   💬 Quote of the Episode “Worry adds no value. Believe in the plan, focus on the actions, and get it done.” – Norman Drieselmann    👣 Relevant Links LinkedIn: Norman Drieselmann - Retailability (Pty) Ltd | LinkedIn Retailability Website: Retailability (PTY) Ltd    🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/  Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book     🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Grant Gavin on Trusting your Superpower

Welcome to Chapter 2 of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this special solo episode, host Grant Gavin kicks off a new series diving into each chapter of his book, Thoughtonomy. Continuing on with Chapter 2, "Trust your Superpower," Grant reflects on his lifelong passion for coaching, the self-doubt he faced along the way, and how imposter syndrome often clouds our true potential. With practical reflections on mindset, resources, and networks, this episode is a powerful reminder that you already have everything you need to succeed. 
Grant Gavin is the author of Thoughtonomy, a speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience in leadership, real estate, and personal development, Grant’s mission is to help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and unlock their potential by harnessing their passion, powerful minds, and the networks they already have. 
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or young professional, this episode will encourage you to reframe your self-doubt and start trusting your unique superpower.   ⏱ Timestamped Overview 
00:30 – Writing a book vs living the lessons: the reminder we all need. 01:08 – Grant’s passion for coaching and early stories from high school and university. 02:18 – Facing fear and self-doubt while coaching outside his comfort zone. 03:07 – Charles Cooley’s quote on self-perception and imposter syndrome. 04:46 – The three resources everyone already has: mind, resources, and network. 06:44 – Why people hesitate to use their networks and how to change that perspective. 08:28 – Finding your passion and realigning beliefs to live your purpose. 09:15 – How to get your copy of Thoughtonomy locally and internationally.    💬 Quote of the Episode 
“I am not who I think I am. I am not who you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” – Charles Cooley   👣 Relevant Links 
Thoughtonomy Book: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy 
Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book     🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Grant Gavin on Perceiving is Believing

Welcome to Chapter 1 of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this special solo episode, host Grant Gavin kicks off a new series diving into each chapter of his book, Thoughtonomy. Starting with Chapter 1, "Perceiving is Believing," Grant unpacks the concept behind the book’s title, the crucial difference between your conscious and unconscious mind, and why so many people struggle to act even when they know exactly what they should be doing. Grant Gavin is the author of Thoughtonomy, an entrepreneur, and the host of the Thoughtonomy Podcast. With a background in real estate leadership and coaching, Grant has spent years studying the link between human behavior, mindset, and performance. His mission is to inspire people to reclaim their independence of thought and take intentional control of their lives. This conversation explores the deep roots of our beliefs, the role of past conditioning in shaping our behavior, and how to start questioning whether your thoughts are truly your own. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you have untapped potential, this episode will challenge you to rethink the invisible forces that guide your choices. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:12 – Introduction to the new chapter-by-chapter series of Thoughtonomy 00:15 – What Thoughtonomy really means (thoughts + autonomy, not economy) 01:16 – The right to think independently and govern your own life 02:07 – How unconscious beliefs influence frustration and feeling stuck 03:06 – Why talented people still struggle to follow a clear success blueprint 04:39 – The two parts of your brain: conscious goal-setter vs unconscious goal-getter 05:58 – How early-life conditioning shapes your beliefs and behaviour 06:57 – Are your thoughts truly your own, and are they serving you? 07:57 – Why your behaviour is a product of past conditioning and emotions 08:30 – Chapter 1’s big question: Are you seeing reality or your past experiences? 💬 Quote of the Episode "Your behavior does not define you; it’s defined by your past conditioning and emotions.” – Grant Gavin 👣 Relevant Links Thoughtonomy Book: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ 🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Stefan Botha: Property Rainmaker

Stefan Botha, the founder of Rainmaker Marketing, one of South Africa’s leading property development marketing agencies. In this honest, insightful conversation, Stefan shares the story of Rainmaker’s early challenges, how a stint as a game ranger shaped his leadership style, and what it took to build a niche business through grit, relationships, and long-term thinking. If you’ve ever started a business (or thought about it), this episode offers a grounded perspective on the emotional, financial, and leadership journey of entrepreneurship — from imposter syndrome to payroll stress and beyond. Stefan Botha is the Managing Director of Rainmaker Marketing, a Durban-based agency that specializes in bringing property developments to market through research-driven marketing strategy and execution. With 13+ years leading Rainmaker, Stefan has worked across KZN and South Africa on some of the country’s most ambitious residential and mixed-use precincts. Prior to his career in marketing, Stefan worked as a game ranger, a role that unexpectedly taught him the people skills and presence he would later rely on as a business leader. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:50 – Stefan reflects on the naivety that helped him start Rainmaker 00:52 – Grant and Stefan’s 30-year friendship from Northwood School 02:41 – From directionless student to rediscovering real estate roots 05:01 – How two years as a game ranger shaped Stefan’s people-first approach 07:10 – Why building strong relationships matters more than ever 10:04 – The messy early days of Rainmaker Marketing 11:53 – Hiring challenges and vision-building with no track record 13:24 – Imposter syndrome, conviction, and pushing through doubt 15:32 – A near-collapse: struggling to make payroll 16:40 – A turning point: doubling down on a niche in property 18:12 – Explaining Rainmaker’s unique gap in the property marketing space 21:11 – Learning from others: Stefan’s take on growth, mentorship, and scaling 24:40 – KZN’s property rise: the truth behind the North Coast boom 29:42 – Reframing KZN’s narrative: what the data and developments show 31:32 – Advice for young entrepreneurs: slow growth, mentorship, and real relationships 37:25 – The loneliness of entrepreneurship & the importance of community 39:01 – From technician to team leader: learning to let go 41:30 – Final reflections on leadership, growth, and self-awareness 💬 Quote of the Episode “It takes a village to build a business. You don't do it alone and you can't.” – Stefan Botha 👣 Relevant Links LinkedIn:   / stefan-botha-83b5303   Rainmaker Facebook:   / rainmakermarketing   Rainmaker Instagram:   / rainmaker_marketing   Rainmaker Website: https://rainmakermarketing.co.za/ 🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/ Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ Instagram:   / grant_gavin0   Facebook:   / ggavin   LinkedIn:   / grant-gavin-9a120a4   YouTube:    / @thoughtonomy_book   🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Big Coach T: Punching with Purpose

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Grant Gavin sits down with Coach Trevor “Big T” Wolmarans, the founder of Knuckle Game Boxing Academy. From the underground music scene to elite-level boxing coaching, Trevor shares his journey of transformation, discipline, and legacy-building through the lens of family, community, and personal values. This episode explores what it really means to fight, not just in the ring, but in life. Trevor Wolmarans, also known as Coach Big T, is the founder of Knuckle Game Boxing Academy in Durban. A former hardcore band frontman and tattoo studio employee, Trevor pivoted his life toward coaching and community building through boxing. With over 15 years of experience, Trevor has trained champions, built a loyal gym family, and is now mentoring his own son, a rising boxing talent, while creating impactful white-collar boxing events across KwaZulu-Natal. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, coach, or young adult seeking direction, this conversation reminds us that respect, discipline, and self-awareness are tools to thrive in a tough world.   ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:50 – Introduction of Trevor Wolmarans and is move from Johannesburg to Durban and early gym days. 02:10 – His untold experiences as a lead singer in bands and tattooing experiences. 04:50 – Breaking stereotypes around fight gyms; building community and values through boxing.  08:10 – Opinions on society and teaching your children a discipline like fighting. 11:45 – Social media strategy and how posting clients built the brand organically.  14:00 – Boxing events as business and community building; white-collar boxing success.  17:30 – Parenting lessons: discipline, no sulking, and earning your way.  21:45 – Training his son: the emotional complexity of being both dad and coach.  28:50 – Final reflections and Trevor’s two life lessons for the next generation.    💬 Quote of the Episode “You walk into our gym and you leave with a family.” – Trevor Wolmarans     👣 Relevant Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knucklegame_boxing_academy/    🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/  Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book     🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media. 

Finding Balance in Business and Beyond

In this episode of Thoughtonomy, host Grant Gavin is joined by Fiona McCarthy—an entrepreneur, leadership facilitator, and mother—who brings raw honesty to the conversation around balance, burnout, and being human in business. Fiona opens up about the emotional toll of running a business while raising a family, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and how she learned to ask for help after years of doing it all. Through powerful insights on identity, purpose, and trusting the process, Fiona reminds us that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. 👉 Tune in for a conversation that’s both grounding and inspiring, filled with wisdom for anyone navigating leadership, motherhood, or simply being seen. 🔗 Listen now: [Insert Link] #Leadership #Vulnerability #Balance #ThoughtonomyPodcast  Show Notes 📌 Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction to Fiona and her multi-faceted world [03:50] Why running a business as a mother can be both fulfilling and isolating [08:45] Identity, worth, and the struggle of wearing too many hats [15:30] Vulnerability in leadership and asking for help [21:40] Building trust and support in business partnerships [27:15] The illusion of balance and what alignment really looks like [34:00] Final words: Give yourself permission to slow down 🎙️ Guest Bio Fiona McCarthy is a leadership consultant, speaker, and founder of a dynamic family-run business. With a background in coaching and people development, Fiona’s work centers on creating space for leaders—especially women—to lead with authenticity, self-trust, and clarity. 🔗 Fiona McCarthy: https://www.instagram.com/fiona.g.mccarthy/  https://app.radioplayzn.co.za/   📩 Connect with Us: Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book  🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media. #Entrepreneurship #Motherhood #LeadershipJourney #ThoughtonomyPodcast  

Your Thoughts Shape Your Life

In this episode of Thoughtonomy, Grant Gavin sits down with powerhouse speaker, coach, and author Burgette Yarlett. Together, they explore the deep roots of self-worth, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to back yourself in a world full of noise and self-doubt. Burgette shares her personal journey of overcoming rejection, the mental reprogramming that helped her see herself clearly, and how she uses storytelling to inspire others. From the courage to own your voice to the discipline required to align with your calling, this conversation will light a fire under anyone ready to take ownership of their narrative. 👉 Tune in to discover how to build an unshakable belief in yourself—even when fear is loud and doubt is real. 🔗 Listen now: [Insert Link] #SelfBelief #Confidence #OvercomingDoubt #ThoughtonomyPodcast  Show Notes 📌 Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction to Burgette and her story of resilience [05:15] Imposter syndrome and overcoming rejection [10:50] Building self-belief and choosing discipline [16:30] How the stories we tell shape our confidence and direction [23:00] Practicing ownership over your life and choices [30:45] Shifting from self-doubt to self-affirmation [38:10] Final words: You are already enough 🎙️ Guest Bio Burgette Yarlett is a South African speaker, leadership coach, and author who equips individuals to lead powerfully by rewriting their inner dialogue. With a background in public speaking and coaching, she helps professionals unlock self-belief, build resilience, and walk confidently in their calling. 🔗 Burgette Yarlett: https://www.instagram.com/burgette.yarlett/  https://www.beyondvisiblebelief.com/more-about-me  https://www.linkedin.com/in/burgette-yarlett-29380958/   📩 Connect with Us: Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book  🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media. #SelfWorth #Leadership #Confidence #ThoughtonomyPodcast  

Decoding Body Language

On this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast, host Grant Gavin welcomes Dave Allen, a distinguished South African police reservist and body language expert. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and public speaking, Dave talks about his diverse career trajectory that has led him to train elite units, such as the FBI, in the United States. Throughout the conversation, Dave shares insights from his work on leadership training and decoding body language, offering practical advice on how to make strong first impressions and understand the subconscious signals people give off. He delves into topics like the importance of respect and manners, the subtle cues of body language in business and negotiations, and the significance of teaching effective communication skills. Dave also discusses his new book, "Decoding Body Language," and provides tips for parents on understanding their children's unspoken messages. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with actionable tips and compelling stories from Dave’s extensive career.Find out more about the Thoughtonomy book at - Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ Grant Website: https://grantgavin.com/about-grant/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thought_onomy/ Grant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNh3exoKIcgVwxo4jWhIf4CHdtmbiJhn Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/30PLt1Jci2tC0oTreCbhqAApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/thoughtonomy/id1758997637🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

The Heart Behind Coffee Lab

In this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast, Grant Gavin delves into an inspiring journey with our guest, Sbu. Sbu is a charismatic barista who has overcome challenging circumstances to build an award-winning coffee business, Coffee Lab, in South Africa. Grant sits down with Sbu to explore his remarkable life story, from growing up in difficult conditions in Zimbabwe to becoming a prominent figure in the coffee industry. Sbu shares how he harnessed the power of positivity, resistance, and self-awareness to navigate a path from survival to stability and, ultimately, success. Discover the profound impact of mentorship, the importance of culture, and how Sbu is paying it forward by mentoring others through his Coffee Academy. This episode promises valuable insights into resilience, personal growth, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. 👉 Tune in as we uncover lessons in leadership, energy, and living from within in this transformative episode.📌 Episode Highlights: 00:00 Coffee Shop Connection in Office03:24 "Sbu's Inspirational Life Story"07:27 Fighting for My Place10:02 Meeting People at A'Zambezi Lodge15:15 "Finding Shelter and Responsibility"19:12 Struggling with Inner Turmoil24:13 Empathetic Leadership Approach28:23 Lessons in Life and Culture31:54 Coffee Consultant's Uplifting Journey36:25 Giving Back Through Experience39:28 "Live from Within"Find out more about the Thoughtonomy book at - Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ Grant Website: https://grantgavin.com/about-grant/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thought_onomy/ Grant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNh3exoKIcgVwxo4jWhIf4CHdtmbiJhn Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/30PLt1Jci2tC0oTreCbhqAApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/thoughtonomy/id1758997637