Yes, dear friend, it's been a while.

Life had other plans.

I could give you the polite list of reasons — new role, new commitments, new hat, new hat, new hat. And they'd all be true. But that's not the story worth telling.

The real story? I stopped trying to fit everything into neat boxes.

The Work That Matters

A few months ago, I was asked to serve as Vice-Chair of the Eastern Cape Region for the Association for Skills Development in South Africa. When I say "yes" to things, I mean it. This isn't a title on a CV. It's a real responsibility to a community of people who care deeply about how we learn and grow.

Here's what surprised me: I'm learning as much as I'm giving. The skills development space in South Africa is full of passionate people doing quiet, meaningful work. Being part of that? It fills something in me.

Three Ways I'm Showing Up

Montego Cares brought me into their charity committee. Through this work, we're touching hundreds of lives — real families, real needs. It's not about looking good. It's about showing up when it matters.

Scouts South Africa is where I grew up. As an Assistant Troop Scouter and committee member (Secretary and PRO), I get to give back to the organisation that shaped who I am. Young people need adults who actually show up, not just show out.

And yes — I'm still the tech guy. Websites. Digital forms. Content. An academy for future leaders. These skills have a home here.

The Plot Twist

I’ll admit it: AI has been one of the best things to happen to my career in recent years. It’s made me more productive, a clearer communicator, and even sparked new levels of creativity. It’s not that I can’t function without AI, but rather that my Copilot makes me better. Heck, my own writing even mimics AI these days. I have learnt more about crafting content from AI than I did from my high school English teacher. Apologies, Mrs. van der Merwe.

But here’s the thing I realised while doomscrolling on the porcelain throne at work: AI has made content as generic as toilet paper. With perfect grammar and neatly structured sentences, anyone can now churn out polished, high-quality content. And like toilet paper, it’s everywhere. So, what’s my point?

You know that you are going places when you make an "Idees vol Vrees" comic!

Thank you, Kobus Galloway

Earlier this year, I was given a meaningful task: to travel to all our outlying depots and ensure that the training equipment was in working order. But more than that, I was there to ignite something deeper, to encourage our employees to take up the challenge of learning, to better their lives through study and personal growth.

It was while reviewing my notes from these visits that I found myself thinking about Beauty.

Beauty is a cleaner at one of our more remote sites. Her command of English is limited, it’s her third language, and she’s a gentle, humble soul, content in her role as a general cleaner. Her formal education is basic, and she doesn’t aspire to climb the corporate ladder. She’s grateful for the opportunities presented to her, but the computers in the learning centre intimidate her. The idea of further study? Absolutely daunting.

“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ’Til your good is better and your better is your best.” – St. Jerome

Wow! I mean like WOW!

Recently, I have experienced rapid growth in my career. Last Friday, I was a guest presenter at the year-end Senior and Middle Management meeting. The high point of my career so far. I was prepared and practised. I had a 20-minute slot, and the rehearsed slide show came to 18 minutes. So maybe I could take a question or two.

For those who don’t follow me, I have recently moved to a new position where I am over-enthusiastic but on paper, underqualified. This presentation was my shot. I was a bundle of nerves and anxiety. And did I mention that I continually need to manage my fear of public speaking?

I walked out of that meeting very disappointed. I forgot sections of my speech. My voice and my mic were continually shaking. No one had any questions. In short, I felt defeated. I packed up my laptop and left as soon as I was done. I wasn’t out the door, and the Teams messages started to come through. I couldn't bear to look at them. I got on my motorcycle and went for a drive to calm myself down.

By the time I returned to the office, I had calmed down, and I had a plan to turn this situation around. Then I started to read the Teams messages. They were wonderful. Some of the best praise that I have received in my life. And they kept coming all through the weekend. Some even said that I inspire some of the most senior managers! I nailed the presentation. It was a humbling moment of self-reflection for me.

In the days that have followed, many more people have congratulated me, and some have asked me to share my success and some tips.