Key Lessons
1. Legacy. I have always wanted to write as a legacy for the next generation. I didn’t feel ready before, but I am at that stage where my biggest responsibility is to make an impact.

2. Military Motivation. I was directionless during my National Service, drinking and sliding downwards. I went into the military looking for discipline. I loved the military but left after 7 years in protest without a Plan B.

3. Business Wilderness. I went into business by default and spent 15 years experimenting with buying and selling, operating a sawmill, import and export of electricals, wines, air conditioning, construction, and oil business. I failed in a number of them.

4. Business as a Protest. I started UT at age 45 in protest. If I, as a graduate, chartered accountant and retired army officer couldn’t raise funds from banks, what could the ordinary person do? Instead of complaining, I decided to solve the problem.

5. Finding your Business Call. What do you love doing? Do you love people? If you offer what you love doing to the people you love, you cannot fail in business.

6. Point of Uniqueness. Our game changer was our promise to deliver in 48 hours, loans that were typically being processed in 3 months. People feel valued when you respect their time.

7. Unorthodox Recovery Methods. We were holding the life savings of people in trust, and anyone we lent it to had to respect their obligations. I once had to confront an evasive defaulter who came to my own mother’s funeral. Such was the commitment.

8. Ubuntu. We are here to impact other people’s lives and make the world a better place. It was a great feeling to employ people, solve problems and make the world a better place.

9. Betrayed Trust. I believe in systems and institutions, but I believe even more in people. Some people I trusted, both internally and clients, betrayed my trust and hurt the business.

10. Culture. Growing an organization organically allows for continuous infusion of culture. Integrating 200 new people into the business at once created challenges and diluted our culture.

11. Growth & Reinvention. Grow your business but know when to reinvent. Reinvention is strongly recommended when you hit 150 staff. Some churches have shown the way with a great model of franchising.

12. Biggest Tip to Youth. Everyone is made special by the Creator. You must know what you’re put here for. First, acquire some education or learning, then listen to your call, provide a solution you really love, and you’ll be far greater than me.