Transform Differently

Socium10X was never about just consulting but making transformation REAL. 

Now, that mission is scaling.

Socium10X is now part of Transform Differently, a venture built to take everything that worked and drive impact at an even greater scale. Alongside Paul Cobban, Nicola Tyler, and Steve Robson, we’re cutting through the noise and making sure businesses stop wasting time on change that doesn’t stick.

We don’t do change the usual way.

➡️ Where others sell transformation, we make sure results happen.
➡️ Where others drown in strategy decks, the focus stays on what moves the needle.
➡️ Where others complicate, the goal is always simple: people, results, and action.

My role? Helping leaders stop wasting time on change that looks good on paper but fails in reality.

Transformation keeps businesses alive.

Most leaders believe more consultants, more processes, and more engagement programs will fix the problem. That approach makes everything harder than necessary.

At Transform Differently, everything that slows businesses down gets stripped away, including pointless reports, unnecessary approvals, and outdated thinking. The focus stays on what makes real change work: people who own what they build.

What Makes Us Different?

➔  No fake engagement programs. Surveys do not create buy-in. People commit when work leads to something real.

➔  No empty leadership slogans. Mission statements do not drive action. Leaders who back their words with real change do.

➔  No wasted talent. Too many businesses lose great people by killing creativity and slowing down decisions. The goal is to build workplaces that move fast and make sense.

Nothing changes until leaders stop getting in their own way.

If your organisation needs real, lasting change, not another report, let’s talk.

https://transformdifferently.com/

Founder

The Lekker Network

The Lekker Network is a community for South Africans (Saffas) to connect, share opportunities, and do business together on a global scale. As a founding member, I’ve been involved in shaping an environment that promotes collaboration and growth. Our mission is to create meaningful pathways for South Africans, wherever they are in the world.

Founding Member

TheChangeCo

As the Founder & Transformation Specialist at TheChangeCo, I am committed to meeting customers' needs and delivering real, measurable objectives and results.   Our philosophy is that technology is only part of the solution; real success comes from the people who drive these solutions forward. 

Notable transformations include:

Leadership Development | HFW | 2024-2025
Leadership development providing expert guidance and tailored strategies to help individuals and teams  enhance their leadership skills, improve team performance, and achieve their goals effectively.

Transformation | People’s Partnership, ITV, HSBC, Deloitte | 2016-2022
Led digital transformation initiatives, creating agile methods, optimising platforms, and achieving cost efficiencies.

Strategy, TOM, and Cost Efficiencies | Liberty Insurance | 2015
Created a 3-year roadmap, delivered 30%+ cost savings, and led a contact centre outsourcing, saving £6M annually.

Strategy, Change, IT, and Operations | Harrods Bank | 2013-2014
Delivered a regulatory plan and re-issued the banking licence. Negotiated a £20M+ digital platform outsource. Developed a TOM to reform IT and operations, launching new products.

Business Strategy and Growth | Aldermore | 2012-2013
Defined and executed the 3-year strategic roadmap, achieving 30%+ ROI.

Internet Banking Transformation | Lloyds TSB | 2007-2008
Enabled online customer interactions, anticipating a £100M revenue increase over five years.

Infrastructure and Technology Transformation | Barclays | 2005-2006
Transitioned 5,000 staff to the new Global Head Office, including an infrastructure refresh as part of a £100M programme.

These experiences allowed me to transform businesses, empower teams, harness technology, and put customers first in delivering sustainable results.

My passion for transforming organisations by empowering teams, simplifying processes, and leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences is at the core of my work at TheChangeCo.

Founder and Transformation Specialist

Socium10X

We're not your usual consultancy.

➡️ Where others land and expand, we help you simplify to amplify.

➡️ Where others focus on everything, we focus only on what adds exponential value.

➡️ Where others might fix symptoms with technology, we create lasting ones.

My role? Encouraging dreamers to see their biggest goals as achievable. I streamline challenges so clients can maximise their potential. Through our 10X philosophy, we remove self-imposed limits on ambition.

Within organisations, I promptly streamline the obstacles hindering 10X progress—talent gaps, innovation paralysis, and outdated tech constraints. This process optimises operations to maximise the team's potential.

Our services are holistic, integrated, bespoke to your needs, and delivered by global experts.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲
Our solutions are tailored to your people and designed to meet them where they're at. We do this by making use of the latest neuroscience and behavioural psychology strategies to coach and empower them, tapping into the 10X potential within each person to ignite transformation from the inside out.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 & 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆
We look to understand your bold vision, and we aren't afraid to make it even bolder, providing unparalleled focus and simplicity in achieving your objectives.

𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Simplicity is the cornerstone of 10X thinking. We refine your systems and processes to amplify efficiency, focusing on the critical 20% that will drive remarkable results for you.

𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
We make change fast, fun, and purposeful, harnessing the power of innovation to create cutting-edge products, services, and solutions that captivate your customers and fuel your business growth.

𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
We use technology as a catalyst for growth, not just a solution to problems. We'll help you prepare for the future with capabilities in AI, data, RPA, and more.

Founder & CEO, Transformation Specialist and Coach

Partners in Change Consulting Limited

As Digital Delivery Director, I applied my expertise in strategy, digital solutions, technology, and agile methodologies to support clients through digital transformations.

Partners in Change Consulting Limited strongly believes that successful and sustainable change demands a partnership approach from everyone involved at every stage. They pride themselves on being remarkably flexible, allowing clients to buy exactly what they want, how they want it, without paying for full-time consultants unless needed.

The company is calm, caring, and collaborative, taking the stress and heavy lifting out of change programmes. With their in-house team and a network of over 900 change experts, Partners in Change Consulting Limited can build the team needed to deliver brilliant change at prices often 25% or more below their "big consulting" competitors.

With over 25 years of experience in transforming companies across banking, insurance, investment management, legal, utilities, media & entertainment, and professional services, I was well-equipped to guide organisations through their change initiatives.

My strong track record in leading start-ups & turnarounds, driving business and technology transformations, and holding executive accountability for Strategy, Change, IT, and Operations positioned me as a valuable asset to Partners in Change Consulting Limited and its clients.

As a trusted advisor to senior executives and a skilled leader who had managed large teams and budgets, I brought a customer-centric approach to my role. I focused on delivering digital solutions that enhanced customer experiences and drove business growth.

Digital Delivery Director

Accenture

As a Senior Manager at Accenture in the early 2000s, I played an important role in the company's Financial Services eCommerce practice, which was based in London. 

My primary responsibilities were client delivery, business development for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions, and driving change initiatives.

Accenture is a global professional services company that provides a wide range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital technology, and operations. With a workforce of over 700,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture is at the forefront of creating 360° value for its stakeholders.

I led a Chordiant CRM implementation for the Bank of Ireland, targeting a £50M revenue boost in 3 years. I also led a Chordiant CRM implementation for Lloyds TSB, improving customer process efficiency and reducing their annual operating expenses by an estimated £15 million.

I was nominated for the Accenture Partnership for the 2001/2002 global promotion cycle.

I had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, collaborating and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative solutions. The exposure to clients, projects, and methodologies honed my skills in strategic thinking, client management, and leading high-performing teams.

My experience at Accenture was transformative, shaping my approach to problem-solving, client engagement, and delivering value-driven solutions. The knowledge and skills I acquired during this time are a solid foundation, enabling me to move forward confidently and quickly in the ever-evolving business and technology domains.

Senior Manager

ea Change Group

As a Senior Associate at ea Change Group in the late 1990s, I played a key role in growing the company's eBusiness practice and consulting on numerous engagements across the financial services industry. 

ea Change Group was founded in 1998 to address issues surrounding euro integration but subsequently expanded into providing project and program management services. I reported directly to the CEO and was responsible for expanding the eBusiness practice.

ea Change Group is a people-conscious and socially responsible resourcing company that prioritises long-term partnerships with clients, ensures the well-being of candidates, and trains the next generation of consultants. The company's values resonated deeply with me, as they believed in making a positive difference in people's lives.

I worked closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and collaboratively develop tailored solutions. The company's consultants are subject matter experts, allowing for flexibility in service delivery.

One of my key achievements was contributing to the successful changeover to the Euro for Deutsche Bank in 1999. Additionally, I developed a business case for a dot-com venture that sought an investment of £25 million, with an estimated incremental revenue of £100 million over five years.

My experience at ea Change Group was deeply enriching and aligned with my values. The knowledge and skills I acquired have served as a solid foundation for my professional growth.

Senior Associate

J.P. Morgan

Global ERP and Process re-engineering specialist

Project Manager

Andersen Consulting

Developer, Integration and ERP specialist

Senior Consultant

I've spent 30 years helping people and organisations turn "impossible" into real, measurable success. 

Not through long-winded strategies but through unlocking the potential that's already there.

Now, I'm taking it further.

I co-founded Transform Differently to change the way organisations grow, adapt, and succeed. Too many businesses overcomplicate change, adding more layers, more consultants, and more processes that slow everything down. That doesn't work.

Real transformation happens when leaders remove barriers, give people ownership, and focus on results that matter. That's what I do. 

I coach, consult, and challenge leaders to make change real, not a corporate slogan or a one-time project, but something people believe in.

What drives me?

✅ Keeping things simple because clarity moves businesses forward faster.
✅ Helping leaders remove obstacles instead of creating more rules.
✅ Building high-performance cultures and teams that don't rely on engagement programs.
✅ Creating transformation that lasts because people drive it, not because a policy says so.

Success comes from people, not processes. If you're ready to build something that works, let's talk.

Craig Gillham

🚀 New in The 90-Day Transformation Roadmap, Part 2: Getting Your Head Straight

The first month of any transformation is where most leaders stumble. It is rarely because they do not know what to do, but because they avoid the uncomfortable truth of facing reality.

This edition is about cutting through the noise, uncovering what is really holding your organisation back, and building the clarity, alignment and courage to lead meaningful change.

👉 Read Part 2: Days 1–30, Getting Your Head Straight.

Delivering Growth, Turnaround & Value Creation | Transformation Leader | £100m+ Change Led Across PE, Founder-Led & Corporate Businesses | Making Change Stick

Part 2: Getting Your Head Straight 👋 Welcome back This is Part 2 of my four-part series, The 90-Day Transformation Roadmap — a practical guide for le

Open article: 🧭 The 90-Day Transformation Roadmap by Craig Gillham • 3 min read

It's that time again, everyone.  Happy Friday 😊

If you work with people (and let’s face it, we all do), this one’s a must-read.

I’m currently deep into Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson and it’s one of those books that makes you laugh, wince, and nod in recognition, often all at the same time.

It’s a brilliant exploration of why we misread each other at work, why some conversations flow and others crash, and how small shifts in understanding can change everything about how we connect.

Erikson uses colour profiles (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) to bring personality dynamics to life and the humour in it is gold. It’s not about labelling people, it’s about learning to listen, adapt, and stop assuming everyone thinks like we do.

What I love most is how it makes you laugh at yourself first. It’s a reminder that real leadership isn’t about managing others, it’s about understanding them.

If you get the chance, pick this one up. It’s fun, sharp, and surprisingly humbling.

💡 Favourite takeaway so far:
“When you realise everyone else isn’t an idiot, you start to lead differently.”  
…and it got me looking in the mirror too 😆

#Leadership #Communication #SelfAwareness #Transformation #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning

We all have self-doubt. The difference is what we do with it.

Kobe reminds us — confidence isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the courage to move with it.

Self-doubt can be a teacher if we let it. 💭🔥

#Leadership #Growth #Mindset #KobeBryant #Resilience

💥 90-Day Transformation Roadmap | Part 4 of 4
Days 61–90: Embedding Change and Handing Over the Keys

If you’ve followed this series with me, you’ll know the first 60 days were all about getting aligned, earning trust, and building momentum.  Now we’re in the final stretch, where it’s time to prove it works.

This stage is where theory meets reality. It’s about execution that sticks, creating feedback loops that keep learning alive, and helping your people take ownership so change outlives the programme.

If you’ve ever wondered why some transformations fade while others fly, this one’s for you.

👉 Read the full piece below and discover what it really takes to make change last.

#Transformation #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Culture #Execution

💥 90-Day Transformation Roadmap | Part 4 of 4 Days 61–90: Embedding Change and Handing Over the Keys The final stretch. You’ve done the alignment. Ma

🔹 Welcome back to The 90-Day Transformation Roadmap

Part 3: Days 31–60: Designing With Reality
“Not in a Conference Room.”

The hardest part of transformation isn’t strategy, it’s honesty.

This next phase is all about designing with reality, not against it.  It’s where you step out of the slide deck and into the business, mapping how work really happens, not how we wish it did.

Over the next 30 days, we’ll focus on:
✅ Finding the truth in your processes, not the theory
✅ Identifying what really drives or delays value
✅ Building networks of people who make change stick

Because transformation doesn’t fail in design.
It fails when the design ignores reality.

Newsletter 3 – Days 31–60: Designing With Reality (Not in a Conference Room) By this stage, the groundwork is complete: reality has been faced, the po

Open article: 🧭 The 90-Day Transformation Roadmap by Craig Gillham • 2 min read

After Monday’s post about Surrounded by Idiots and how we all see (and misread) each other at work… I couldn’t resist sharing this absolute gem.

🎥 https://lnkd.in/e6N4eqhr

If you’ve ever wondered why people do the things they do — and you fancy a good laugh while learning something real about human behaviour — this one’s worth 20 minutes of your day. (skip the advertisement)

It’s funny, sharp, and full of those “yep, that’s me” moments.
Trust me… It’s time well spent. 😄

#Leadership #People #SelfAwareness #Communication #ContinuousLearning

Open video: Know Their COLOR and Influence Anyone [Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson] on youtu.be

Know Their COLOR and Influence Anyone [Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson]

FLANCE Directive Creators

PARTNERING WITH THE BEST

FLANCE Directive Creators is an experienced digital marketing agency and brand consultancy that delivers a multidisciplinary service to companies in South Africa, the African continent and further afield. We are very proud of our global footprint, having worked with many multinational brands across various industries.

We provide an array of services to many of these companies. Our key focus is to give businesses access to services, expertise and knowledge that large organisations utilize to grow their market and brand positioning.

FLANCE Directive Creators is a team of highly experienced and trained individuals, having worked in both the creative and corporate sectors. 

Our digital experience not only spans the design and development of websites but extends to the development and management of various large custom web-based platforms with sophisticated back-end functionality. These platforms become integral operational tools that assist businesses with understanding the operations of their business allows for more informed decision making. Supporting the website backbone of digital communications, FLANCE provides support services such as social media management, digital marketing and full reporting and analysis.

Managing Director

Apart from specialised website design and development solutions, FLANCE can provide custom, innovative internal systems for unique business challenges. We also offer management and maintenance services to ensure peak performance.

Helping companies develop custom systems and digital portals

From Mzansi to the world > We’re bringing Saffas together.

The Lekker Network is a place for Saffas to connect, share opportunities, and do business together. We are our country’s greatest export. Imagine what we could achieve if we all came together. Hint: It’ll be lekker!

Co-Founder

Trigger

Trigger is a US based Global Outsourcing Partner with operations in South Africa and next generation infrastructure that delivers exceptional quality on every engagement. Trigger focuses on two service delivery pillars: extraordinary human talent and key performance, enhancing technology and aims for flexible, long term partnerships with our clients. To learn more about Trigger’s service offerings, feel free to contact me or visit our website www.TriggerPS.com

Co-Founder - TriggerLink

Podium One

Podium One is a collective of creators, marketers, designers, executives, and former professional athletes on a mission to redefine the world of sports. 

We created Podium One to help professional athletes move into the next stage of their careers by leveraging their influence and experience to establish a vast network that gives them access to unique opportunities through LinkedIn.

We have spent more than a decade mastering the art of personal branding so that we can deliver world-class services to our clients. We are passionate about helping former players turn their influence into opportunities by maximising their personal brand on LinkedIn. 

www.Podium1.co

Digital Animal

The Digital Animal blog was created to help, teach and assist small to medium-sized business owners with the ability to run their own digital marketing.  

The blog provides insights, strategies, and how-to guides that SME owners can use.

Digital Marketing can be easy and we simplify the world of digital marketing for business owners. 

The DA site can be used to navigate and create the optimal digital ecosystem your business needs.

Audience & Income

Member

Black Marketing - The Dark Art of Social Media Marketing

With 1,800 LinkedIn Recommendations, 100,000 LinkedIn followers, 4 No.1 international best selling books on LinkedIn, an Official LinkedIn Power Profile and an Official Forbes Member writing about LinkedIn and Personal Branding, Black Marketing Founder and Global CEO, Chris J Reed is LinkedIn's No.1 Global LinkedIn Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and created and leads the World No.1 LinkedIn Marketing Firm.

Chris is also one of the most talked about and infamously known as "The Only CEO With A Mohawk", recognised globally by his Mohawk.

Chris achieved notoriety when he was fired from his first job in Singapore for writing a blog about taxi drivers, appearing on the front page of every newspaper and featured in every media outlet. He used this name recognition to build his personal brand and launch Black Marketing.

Chris's Grandad told him that "it's who you know, not what you know" and he use's LinkedIn to accentuate this, meeting people he meets on line, off line all over the world.

Chris loves Singapore so much that he renounced his UK citizenship and is now a fully fledged and very proud Singaporean citizen.

Chris has 4 Official No.1 International Bestselling Books "Personal Branding Mastery For Entrepreneurs", "LinkedIn Mastery For Entrepreneurs" ,"Social Selling Mastery for Entrepreneurs" and his latest "How To Become a LinkedIn Rock Star".

Black Marketing and Chris have won countless industry awards. They are the No.1 Global LinkedIn Marketing Experts with an unprecedented 1,800 LinkedIn Recommendations for their work.

Senior Account Manager

Social Animal

Based in the heart of Cape Town city, Social Animal provides businesses the ability and platforms to showcase their products and services online. The Digital Marketing world is moving at a frightening speed with new updates and changes taking place daily. We have made Digital Marketing our world and we would love for you to be part of it!  We are committed to our clients and they remain at the heart of our business, while helping them grow a strong online presence. Our team consists of strong innovative thinkers who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and push boundaries.

Social Animal specialises in: Google Adwords (Pay Per Click Advertising), Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Online Marketing services, Inbound Marketing, Social Media Marketing and Management, Content Creation, Website Creation and Optimization.

We achieve what matters the most to YOU: growing audiences, engaging with customers and generating demand. All done while increasing your return on investment

At Social Animal we believe in thinking big, delivering results while having fun in the process. If you are looking for a company that:

Brings the best creative ideas to life, in intriguing and engaging ways
A team that provides relevant, authentic and shareable content for consumers
A strategically sound, result focused, bursting with creativity company- then Social Animal is for you.
The best at innovation are the ones that enhance life in meaningful ways! Allow Social Animal to help Unleash Your Brand!

Owner / Digital Marketing Consultant 

The Media Crowd

The Media Crowd is a team of young and bold media enthusiasts, who love what we do. Our passion for media lies deep within us and is driven by the constant need to create new ideas, creating innovative ways of advertising and fresh methods to spread a message to quench our consumers’ thirst for information and knowledge. 
The Media Crowd boasts versatility as our wide range of abilities allows us to excel on all media platforms, particularly print and digital.

Marketing and Brand Manager

The Callsheet Newspaper

The Callsheet Magazine is seen as the most influential film publication in South Africa. I handled the brand and advertising within the publication. Acquiring new business on a continuous basis and fostering existing relationships. A wonderful experience within a vibrant industry.

Brand Manager

LinkedIn has the power to change your business and life. All you have to do is use it right!

Hi, I’m Renier Lombard – 

One relationship can change everything > Let me show you how to use your LinkedIn Personal Brand to find and attract those relationships.

It’s the superpower many don’t know they have in their arsenal.

I’ve seen the landscape on all platforms change. LinkedIn is no exception. It’s evolved into a powerful tool that many people and companies don’t utilise to its full potential. 

This is understandable as it requires a vast amount of time and energy to visit profiles, create content, invite users to connect, run searches, manage the messages, see who visited your profile, connect with them and much, much more…

With FDC, you don’t have to do any of the above but still reap the rewards.

LinkedIn is a professional landscape with opportunities at your fingertips; all you need is the right team to bring those opportunities to you.

👉  We will build your personal brand, 
👉  Grow your network
👉  Add value for your audience through your content.

With your industry knowledge and our LinkedIn expertise, we'll grow your business from great to the upper-most echelons.

If you'd like to save money and time and still grow your business, LinkedIn's the place to do it.

It is the vehicle to achieve your goals, from talent acquisition to networking, lead generation, investor sourcing and personal brand awareness.

And if you'd like all that the easy way, connect with me, and let's get the conversation rolling.

So get in touch!

📧  Email me at renier@flance.co.za 
🤝   Book a time with me on https://go.oncehub.com/RenierLombard 
💻   To see more, visit https://fdc.agency/linkedin/

Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"

I'm an unemployable person. 

And I say that with pride.

I started my first business when I was 23, not because I had it all figured out, but because I was fired.

Before that, I would never last more than 6 months in a job.

Not because I was lazy or uncommitted, I just questioned too much.
- I’d call out decisions.
- Challenge processes.
- Argue with bosses about “why we do it this way.”

I couldn’t just sit quietly and follow instructions that made no sense to me.

So eventually, the universe made the decision for me, I got fired.
(P.S, never use your company email to moonlight on the side, rookie mistake)

And that firing turned out to be the best career promotion I’ve ever received.

Since then, I’ve become completely unemployable.

I can’t unsee inefficiency, bureaucracy, or wasted potential.

Entrepreneurship rewires you.
It teaches you ownership, urgency, accountability, and resilience.

Once you’ve lived that way, it’s impossible to go back.

So yes, I’d probably make the worst employee ever.

But I’ve also built a life doing what I love, with people who inspire me, solving problems that matter.

To all the “unemployables” out there, Cheers! Welcome to the club.

You’re not broken. You’re just built differently.

Renier Lombard

One relationship can change your business & life > Let me show you how to use your LinkedIn Personal Brand to find and attract those relationships. | Building in public. Follow to watch us build our agency.

South Africa just ranked 4th most athletically talented country in the world.

Surprised? I’m not.

We’ve been turning backyards into boot camps or cricket fields since forever. We “maak ’n plan,” lace up with whatever we’ve got, and then we win with heart.

What I love most about this ranking (from a global survey of 16,960 people across 36 countries) isn’t the number, it’s what it confirms: our raw potential is ridiculous. 

From township courts to school fields to packed stadiums, we produce world-class athletes because grit is baked into our DNA.

Now imagine we channel that same energy into business, at scale.

Connecting South Africans everywhere - from Joburg to Dubai, Cape Town to London, Sydney to San Diego > turning potential into pipeline.

Where intros become opportunities.
And local talent drives global impact.

Because that’s how we punch above our weight.
-One relationship at a time.
-One door opened for a fellow South African.
-One team win that lifts an entire community.

If you’re part of the South African diaspora, or building right here at home, here’s my challenge:

👉 Tag a South African doing something exceptional (in sport or business).👉 And make one meaningful intro this week.

Let’s keep proving that South Africans don’t just compete > we create momentum. 🌍

Ah, good old Rassie. 💛
You deserve it, man. Enjoy the win. The Boks played phenomenally! 

It was one of those nerve-clenching, pace-the-lounge, shout-at-the-TV kind of games… but hey, a win’s a win! 

Well done to the boys. You damn well earned this one. 

Lekker stuff, lads.

The secret to networking.

Take the time to help someone, without the need to gain. 

I’m talking beyond clients and friends, helping wherever there’s an opportunity to do so. 

Modern-day networking often feels transactional, like we’re connecting with people just because of the potential they have to help us in the future.

But by giving first and providing clear value, we shift the mindset from networking for personal gain to networking with the intent to grow together. 

It’s a subtle but incredibly powerful change that cuts through the impersonal and inauthentic, building genuine, long-lasting relationships. 

I see it all the time.. The most successful people are the most generous with their time, their knowledge, and their support.

Whether it’s sharing experiences, offering advice, or even simply cheering on someone’s achievements - these small acts create ripples. 

Which, in turn, build into waves that elevate your network and lift your personal brand in the process.

So, here’s my challenge for you today: Find one way to help someone.

It might seem small, but I guarantee it will leave a mark. 

“People may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

🔥 This is a BIG moment.

Google is now showing The Lekker Network as a listed resource for the South African community in the USA - right alongside established orgs like SACCUSA. 👀

Specifically:
“A network that hosts local events for South Africans in different cities to connect and share experiences.”

That’s organic recognition.

We didn’t pay for this. We didn’t pitch for this.
We built something that’s real, and Google decided it matters.

Why this matters strategically:

Credibility: We are now seen as an authoritative community platform globally.

Discoverability: Anyone searching for South Africans in the U.S. can now discover TLN.

Proof of traction: Validation that what we’re building is being recognised at scale.

From an idea…
-to a survey…
-to a founding member group…
-to becoming a search-indexed diaspora infrastructure brand.

This is how movements start.
>One validated step at a time.

Lekker things are happening, and we’re just getting started. 🌎

Assumptions kill possibilities. 

We’ve all done it, sent a message, waited.. and then assumed the worst.

In my first year of business, I sent a proposal to someone, waited a few days, and didn’t hear back. So, I assumed they weren’t interested.

In my impatience, I even followed up with a message that basically said as much.

 A few days later, I got a reply.

They told me that a member of their team had fallen ill, and that they’d been dealing with a tough situation. My assumption couldn’t have been further from the truth.

But instead of taking offense, they gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me for life:

“Never fill the silence with your own story.”

That hit me hard. Because when we don’t know what’s going on, our minds love to invent reasons, and most of the time, they’re wrong.

Fast forward to today, I get anywhere from 50 to 100 messages a day.

Some people reach out for opportunities, some for help, some just to connect.

And occasionally, someone will follow up with frustration, assuming I’ve ignored them, or that I’m not interested in helping.

The truth? I’m probably just catching a flight, in back-to-back meetings, or trying to stay on top of 100 other things.

We all have moments when life gets busy.

We all drop a few balls.

But here’s the thing: assumptions don’t just kill conversations, they kill opportunities.

Before you assume, pause.
-Ask.
-Wait.
-Give grace.

Because the world isn’t always as it seems, and the stories we tell ourselves can cost us the relationships and opportunities that matter most.

One of the toughest challenges we've facing building The Lekker Network. 

It’s not the vision.
It’s not the belief.
It’s not even the funding (yet 😅). 

It’s bandwidth.

The Lekker Network is only 8 months old, still a startup by every definition.

A tiny team with a huge mission:

To connect extraordinary South Africans around the world.

To turn proximity into opportunity.
To build a global ecosystem > from Cape Town to London, Sydney to San Diego.

Because of that mission, we’re experiencing something I never truly anticipated:

A massive influx of people trying to help, collaborate, advise, introduce, volunteer, build chapters, and share opportunities.

Which is an absolute blessing, honestly, we’re incredibly grateful.
It means people believe.
It means this matters.

But here’s the hard reality:
The world is big.
The opportunity is big.
And the inbox continues to get bigger.

There are thousands of ideas, requests, and messages coming our way, from incredible humans.

And we want to honour every single one.

But we simply can’t get back to everyone in real time.
Not because we don’t care.
Not because we’re ignoring anyone.

But because…

-Some ideas might not be right for right now
-Some opportunities need more time to execute
-Some messages get buried during 12-hour days of meetings and onboarding

We’re building the plane while flying it, and yes, sometimes we drop a spanner in the clouds.

So this message is a small request:

🙏 If we haven’t been able to get back to you, or there is a delay in action, please don’t take it personally.

Please keep the ideas and energy coming.

And please give us grace as we grow.

We are taking every message seriously.
We are creating the systems to handle the volume.
We will get better and faster.

And the fact that this is one of our biggest challenges?

It tells me something important:
South Africans around the world are ready for this.
And we’re just getting started.🌍

Thanks for being part of the journey.
Thanks for the patience.
Thanks for believing.

Building in public isn’t always polished, but it’s real.
And it’s worth it.

Massive thanks and appreciation to Brent Lindeque 🙌.

Thank you so much for having Nic Latouf and The Lekker Network on the Good Things Guy podcast. 

We’re on a mission, and every opportunity like this helps us spread the word, rally the community, and remind South Africans everywhere what’s possible when we work together. 

The Lekker Network is more than just a community, it’s a space that’s creating massive impact, real change, and incredible opportunities for South Africans across the world. And we see that happening every single day.

Thank you Brent, we really appreciate you shining a light on what we’re building.

Link to the podcast episode in the comments - It's a fantastic listen👌

One intro. Two websites. Four days. A whole new chapter.

Like with most good things, it started with someone reaching out. 

The year was 2014, and a Cape Town freelancer I knew messaged me, “Can you help a mate with two urgent sites... like, done in three days?” 

I’d never built a WordPress site in my life, but I said yes. That mate was Eugene Meyer, the founder of FDC.

I quoted R4,000 per site. He paid the invoice that same day. My brain exploded. 

Then came the reality: three nights of no sleep, begging strangers on Fiverr to help me figure out back-ends, and learning on the fly until both sites shipped in four days. 

It was chaos, but that one “yes” turned into a working relationship… then a decision, why not bundle our strengths and build something bigger together? 

We merged, just two solo okes turning into an actual agency, and that’s how I formally joined FDC. 

Here’s the point: you don’t need 10,000 cold DMs to change your trajectory. You need to be the person people trust enough to recommend, and then overdeliver so the door stays open.

Here's what I've learnt that makes you “referable” in South Africa (and anywhere, really):

Reliability beats hype - Say yes with intent, then do exactly what you said you’d do, especially when it’s uncomfortable. 

Speed is a love language - Momentum creates trust. Short deadlines? Make a plan, move. Four days changed my life. 

Generosity compounds - Share credit. Add value before the invoice. Play the long game, because relationships outlive campaigns. 

If you want more “lucky breaks”, become the person people tag without thinking.

Tag someone who opened a door for you, and tell them why it mattered. Then go be that person for someone else.

Be worth the tag.

Proximity is power.

In business. In life. In growth.

Who you spend time around will quietly shape who you become.

Your energy, your ambition, your habits, they all rise or fall to the level of the people you surround yourself with.

If you spend your time with builders, creators, and doers > you start building, creating, and doing.

If you spend your time with complainers and doubters > you’ll slowly start to sound like them too.

-It’s not just about networking.
-It’s about environment design.

Because your circle either pulls you forward or keeps you still.

So ask yourself:
-Where are you finding your tribe?
-Who are you learning from, collaborating with, and growing alongside?
-Are you intentionally building that around yourself, or just letting it happen by default?

Because at the end of the day, proximity isn’t just power.

It’s direction.
It’s momentum.
It’s the difference between staying the same and evolving into who you’re meant to be.

Exciting News!

It’s a great pleasure to officially welcome John Chan as our Head of Chapter for Australia 🙌

John has been part of The Lekker Network since the very beginning, in fact, I think he was member number 30! From day one, he’s been a true ambassador for what this community stands for.

Based in Sydney, John has now stepped up to lead the Australian Chapter, bringing together the thousands of South Africans who call Australia home. 

We’ll be meeting in person at our upcoming Sydney Meetup, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what John will build with this incredible community down under.

John’s vision is bold, to make Australia one of the most active and impactful chapters within The Lekker Network where South Africans connect, collaborate, and create opportunity together.

Welcome aboard, John.

Let’s make magic happen 👊

I just came across this graph, and how wild is this?

It shows the S&P 500 shooting up while total job openings have been steadily dropping since the launch of ChatGPT.

Now, yes, there are a few nuances here. The economy, inflation, and interest rates all play a role, and correlation doesn’t always mean causation. But still... it’s scary and fascinating to look at.

The scary part?

Jobs aren’t being created at the same rate as before. Whether AI is directly responsible or not, the disruption is already visible. The efficiency gap between those who adopt these tools and those who don’t is widening, fast.

The reality is this: the world is changing faster than ever.

You can either learn to use these tools and move with the change, or risk being left behind by it.

The next 10 > 20 years are going to be absolutely wild, and how we adapt now will define who thrives later.

Sydney here we come!

I'll be there from the 13th of November to the 18th of November, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting The Lekker Network's first official meetup on Friday, the 14th of November. 

We’ve aiming for about 100 attendees > so if you’re in or around Sydney, thinking about joining The Lekker Network, and want to meet me and some incredible members, send me a Direct Message! 

I'll send you the registration link to join.

It’s a great opportunity to:
> To learn more about The Lekker Network
> Meet other like-minded South Africans and business owners
> See how the network could support your journey
> And of course, enjoy a glass of South African wine, and beer with good company!

It would be fantastic to put some faces to names and share a great evening together.

Super excited for this trip. See you there!

----

P.S. if you can't make it to the meet up and would like to meet in person, send me a direct message and let's see if we can make a plan to meet up.

taplio

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Craig Gillham

Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"

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The Battle

Craig Gillham

Renier Lombard "The Digital Animal"

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Craig Gillham's LinkedIn Performance

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