Vincent Mosebe shares how a devastating shack fire in 2020 became the spark behind Mosebe Enterprise — a mission-driven startup creating affordable, sustainable power solutions for underserved communities. He opens up about overcoming limiting beliefs, building products through real community listening, and why leadership means developing people before technology. Vincent also reveals his ambitious vision for the Mosebe Academy.
It's an honest, deeply inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and building innovation where it's needed most.
Chapters
(00:00) Vincent’s Early Life in Vrygrond
(01:38) The 2020 Shack Fire That Sparked a Mission
(03:26) Founding Mosebe Enterprise & Early Self-Doubt
(05:49) Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Finding Purpose
(06:57) Building Tsepho V1–V3: Innovating Through Community Feedback
(10:51) Real-World Impact in Off-Grid Communities
(12:31) Why Mosebe Uses E-Waste & the Sustainability Vision
(15:43) The Challenge of Scaling a Township-Based Enterprise
(17:58) Leadership Lessons: Purpose Over Ego
(19:24) Hiring Youth & Providing Opportunities
(20:27) Vincent’s Background & Self-Taught Engineering Journey
(22:27) Project Helix: AI, Drones & Life-Saving Innovation
(25:04) Advice for Young Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs
(26:25) Redefining Success Through Impact
(28:05) Vincent’s Bold Vision for Africa’s Innovators
(29:25) Rapid-Fire: Build Fast or Build Right?
(31:41) Closing Reflections & Gratitude
Check them out: https://www.mosebeenterprise.co.za/
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this Born to Build episode, Buhle Lindwa shares how her journalism roots shaped her storytelling-first approach to digital marketing, the leap of faith that launched Lindwa Communications, and the lessons learned in the messy first year of business. She opens up about working alongside her sister, helping clients grow with purpose, launching LC Academy, and how faith sustains her through burnout.
It’s a grounded, inspiring conversation about visibility, courage, and building businesses that uplift others.
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Buhle’s Journalism Roots
(01:58) The Spark Behind Lindwa Communications
(03:48) The Leap of Faith & Early Risks
(06:04) Hard Lessons from Year One
(07:33) Building a Business With Her Sister
(11:22) Client Wins & Meaningful Metrics
(17:21) Why LC Academy Exists
(24:33) Digital Transformation in Africa
(31:15) Burnout, Faith & Sustaining Healthy Leadership
(34:41) Advice to Founders & Final Reflections
Check them out: https://www.lindwacommunications.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
What if your child’s shoes were quietly shaping their posture, balance, and long-term development?
In this episode, Sam sits down with Nicole van Besouw, co-founder of Common Tread, the South African barefoot shoe brand born in a small home workshop and built with heart, craftsmanship, and purpose. Nicole shares how her occupational therapy background, her husband’s engineering mind, and their family’s own needs sparked a brand helping kids move the way nature intended. From early prototypes to scaling production, global demand, and the gritty realities of building a handcrafted product business — this is a story full of soul, grit, and grounded wisdom for any founder building with meaning.
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome & Nicole’s Origin Story
(01:04) How Common Tread Was Born
(02:24) What’s Wrong With Most Kids’ Shoes
(04:36) “Made With Soul” — The Heart Behind the Brand
(07:20) The Science of Barefoot Movement
(11:18) Building Products That Grow With the Customer
(14:38) How OT + Engineering Shaped Their Design
(18:51) Scaling Craftsmanship
(21:39) Early Challenges & Money Struggles
(26:58) Lessons, Growth & Staying in Their Lane
(33:19) A Customer Story That Changed Everything
(35:26) The Future of Common Tread
(37:21) Rapid Fire & Closing
Check them out: https://www.common-tread.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.About Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Logo reveal!!! 🎨
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
What happens when a founder decides to run his business on EOS and actually sticks with it? Phillip Mcelu, founder of MCE Solutions, takes us inside the systems, people, and mindset behind building a tech business that works with precision. A grounded, practical look at what it means to lead with clarity and scale with discipline.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro — From the Ground Up
(01:03) Early Spark: From Cape Town Kid to Computer Builder
(04:13) An Accidental Entrepreneur
(06:51) Early Hurdles: Wearing Every Hat
(12:15) Getting Legit: Tax, Compliance, and Professionalizing
(14:23) Discovering EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
(19:00) Implementing EOS at MCE Solutions
(23:17) Defining the 10-Year Vision
(28:17) Measuring What Matters — The Scorecard
(32:21) Traction in Action — Rocks, Routines & Accountability
(39:54) Boundaries, Focus & Saying No
(43:02) Advice for Builders: From Technician to Entrepreneur
(46:40) Closing Thoughts & Takeaways
https://www.mcesolutions.co.za/
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam interviews Ashley Skippers, the founder and CEO of GovERP, a platform aimed at modernising government operations in South Africa. Ashley shares his journey from a technical background in banking to founding GovERP, driven by frustrations with existing government processes. He discusses the challenges of building a business in the public sector, the importance of subject matter expertise, and the integration of AI into their solutions. Ashley emphasizes the significance of hiring the right people and balancing technical and business roles as a founder.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to GovERP and Ashley Skippers
(01:17) Ashley’s Journey into Government Tech
(03:52) The Spark Behind GovERP
(06:14) Building GovERP: Early Days and Challenges
(08:36) First Customers and Transition to Business Owner
(10:30) Taking the Leap: Resigning from Full time employment
(12:51) Overcoming Initial Challenges
(14:08) Unique Challenges in Public Sector ERP
(16:58) Success Stories from GovERP
(18:55) The Importance of Subject Matter Expertise
(20:35) Team Dynamics and Hiring Practices
(22:23) Balancing Technical and Business Roles
(24:21) Sales and Marketing Lessons Learned
(26:52) Barriers to Scaling ERP in Government
(29:03) Integrating AI into GovERP
(33:16) Building Local AI Solutions
(34:12) Leadership and Vision for GovERP
(37:49) Finding the Right Business Partner
(41:23) Lessons in Leadership
(43:30) Advice for Aspiring Founders
Check them out: https://goverp.co.za
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Malcolm Gray, co-founder of Libryo, joins Born to Build to unpack the real story behind raising capital and growing a mission-driven startup. He shares what it took to win over investors, the emotional highs and lows of the journey, and the leadership principles that guided Libryo from idea to acquisition. A must-listen for founders navigating growth, grit and purpose.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo's Journey
(01:19) The Birth of Libryo and Early Conversations
(02:17) Funding and Capital Raising Strategies
(06:23) Transitioning from Corporate to Startup
(09:17) Investing in Libryo: A Personal Journey
(12:19) Early Funding Rounds and Challenges
(16:42) Pitching and Securing Initial Investments
(20:19) Navigating the Seed Camp Experience
(25:23) The Impact of the £950,000 Seed Round
(27:45) Friends and Family Investments
(30:57) The £1.45 Million Seed Extension Round
(34:29) The Bridge Round and Its Importance
(37:58) Understanding Convertible Notes
(41:13) The Emotional Journey of Exiting Libryo
(46:57) Final Reflections on Capital Raising
Check out: libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
The big reveal! In this episode I reveal what it is that is under construction...
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam chats with Garth Watson, co-founder of Libryo, about the company's culture, foundational principles, and the journey of building a successful remote-first business. They discuss the importance of intentional culture, the role of fun, the concept of 'margin calls', and the significance of hiring the right people. Garth shares insights on how God and community play a role in Libryo's culture, as well as the importance of regular team interactions through stand-ups and events like Big Week.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo and Its Founders
(02:18) The Importance of Culture in Libryo
(05:50) Foundational Principles and Their Development
(09:13) Principle: Have Fun, Make Money, Do Something Good
(13:27) Principle: Margin Call and Life Balance
(21:14) Principle: They Must Be a Dude
(25:54) Principle: Household vs. Family Culture
(28:48) The Concept of a Household in Business
(34:27) The Role of God in Company Culture
(44:50) Building Connections: Weekly Stand-Ups and Big Week
(53:14) Surprising Principles: The Impact of Faith on Business
Check out: libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam reflects on the metaphor of building a cathedral to illustrate the importance of long-term vision in business and community development. He emphasizes the need for businesses, particularly in Africa, to create jobs and uplift communities, while also sharing his personal conviction to build ventures that align with his faith. The discussion highlights the transformative power of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering economic growth and social change.
Link to the article mentioned: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-childrens-children-samuel-cloete-mxodf
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
From start-up highs to near collapse and back again.
Peter Flynn, co-founder of Libryo, joins Sam to share the unfiltered story of building a company through vision, chaos, and courage. .. from its humble beginnings to a global acquisition. Real lessons in leadership, resilience, and what it means to keep building, no matter what.
This is part 1 of 3 where we look at the Libryo story from different angles.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Libryo and Its Founders
(02:36) The Journey from Environmental Law to Libryo
(06:32) The Role of Malcolm Gray in Libryo's Founding
(11:10) Building the Librio Platform: From Idea to Execution
(17:38) Cultural Foundations and Principles of Libryo
(21:19) The Challenges of Leadership and Trust
(27:51) Navigating the COVID Crisis and Its Impact
(37:21) Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
(39:47) The Acquisition by ERM and Its Implications
Check out ERM Libryo: https://libryo.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
Welcome to the first episode of "Under Construction".
Here I talk about the start of my entrepreneurial journey... how I'm documenting everything through this vlog. I reflect on my past jobs, what pushed me to start my own thing, and why I believe small and medium-sized businesses are so key to tackling unemployment in Africa. I try to keep everything as raw and unedited as possible because I want it to be transparent and real... a way to hold myself accountable while figuring out what it actually takes to build a business.
Under Construction is the real, unfiltered story of building a business while it's actually being built. 🚧
No fake 'overnight success' stories here, just raw progress, messy middle moments, and the behind-the-scenes grind of turning an idea into something real. Each episode dives into what's working, what's breaking, and what's being rebuilt (again). Think of it as a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process: honest, scrappy, and always a little under construction.
He's helping Africa move from consuming tech to creating it.
In this conversation, Dr. Kamao Gachigi shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of industrialization for economic development in Africa. He discusses the founding of Gearbox, a makerspace and hardware accelerator in Kenya, and its mission to empower innovators and entrepreneurs. Dr. Gachigi explains the pivot to a for-profit model in partnership with Europlacer, focusing on high-mix, low-volume electronic manufacturing. He also emphasizes the significance of partnerships, values, and the future of manufacturing in Africa, while identifying opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Kamao Gachigi and Gearbox
(01:02) The Journey to Industrialization in Africa
(07:10) Challenges in Everyday Kenyan Life and the Birth of Gearbox
(15:40) Early Days of Gearbox and Types of Innovations
(24:15) Pivoting to a For-Profit Model with Europlacer
(26:31) The Journey of Manufacturing Circuits
(31:11) Partnerships and Collaborations in Manufacturing
(34:26) Metrics and Customer Relationships
(41:07) The Future of Manufacturing in Africa
(42:30) Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs
(46:09) Shifting Perspectives on Entrepreneurship
(47:35) Admiring African Founders and Their Impact
Check them out here: https://www.gearbox-europlacer.com
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam and Brandon Bayman discuss the inception and growth of The Barn, a values-led grocer and eatery in George, South Africa. Brandon shares insights into the challenges of starting a food retail business, the importance of customer experience, and the strategies for sourcing local products. He emphasises the significance of cash flow management, building a positive company culture, and the lessons learned as a founder. The discussion also touches on future growth opportunities and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to The Barn and Its Mission
(01:36) The Journey Begins: Opening The Barn
(06:54) Creating a Unique Customer Experience
(11:03) Managing Cash Flow in the Early Stages
(13:02) A Day in the Life of a Founder
(16:10) Building a Positive Company Culture
(17:06) Sourcing Quality Products
(20:25) Lessons Learned as a Founder
(22:57) Future Growth Opportunities
(25:01) Advice for Aspiring Values-Led Entrepreneurs
(26:26) Investments That Pay Off
(28:14) The Cost of Waste in Food Retail
(30:10) Proud Products and Community Impact
(31:40) Courage in Food Retail
(32:59) Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
Check out the Barn here: https://localbarn.co.za
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this conversation, Sam and Sandras Phiri discuss the transformative approach of Pranary, an AI-focused business school that emphasises practical education over traditional academic methods. Sandras shares his personal journey from computer science to entrepreneurship, highlighting the gaps in conventional business education and the importance of real-world application. They explore the philosophy behind Pranary, the significance of customer feedback, and the role of AI in modern business practices. Sundras also outlines the milestones achieved by Prannery, the AI Business Mastery program, and the future of entrepreneurship in Africa, emphasizing the continent's potential to lead in AI solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pranary and Its Mission
02:53 The Gap in Traditional Business Education
05:57 Entrepreneurship: Nature vs. Nurture
09:15 Pranary's Practical Approach to Learning
12:09 Bridging Global Trends with Local Execution
14:36 Milestones and Growth of Prannery
17:35 AI Business Mastery Program Overview
23:46 Harnessing AI for Everyday Operations
25:54 Practical Deliverables in AI Education
28:16 Elevating Credibility with Pitch Decks
32:10 Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship
35:20 First Steps for Seasoned Entrepreneurs in AI
40:33 Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey
41:55 The Future of Pranary and Business Education
43:47 Bold Predictions for Africa's Business Landscape
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.
In this episode of Born to Build, Sam sits down with Harry Welby-Cooke, the powerhouse behind ActionCOACH South Africa, to reveal why business coaching is the secret weapon of thriving entrepreneurs.
From his leap out of corporate banking to building Africa's most impactful coaching network, Harry shares hard-hitting truths, success stories and practical tips to help founders scale faster, work smarter and reclaim their lives.
🔥 If you’ve ever wondered "Do I need a coach?" - this episode might be your answer.
Chapters:
(00:00) From Corporate Refugee to Business Coach
(03:38) Understanding the Value of Business Coaching
(06:21) Investment vs. Cost: The Coaching Mindset
(09:11) Measurable Improvements in Business
(12:18) Real-Life Success Stories
(16:22) Choosing the Right Coaching Program
(18:31) Breaking Free from Overwhelm
(20:24) The Role of a Coach
(22:26) Identifying Blind Spots
(25:12) The Bottleneck: The Business Owner
(26:31) Self-Assessments and Their Impact
(29:05) Building Sustainable Systems
(32:44) Restoring Control and Wellbeing
(35:47) Next Steps for Founders
(38:27) Advice for New Entrepreneurs
(40:34) Rapid Fire Questions
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.