From Burnout to Belonging: Conversations with South Africa’s Leading Speakers

From scientists planning missions to the Moon to comedians unpacking depression and mental health, the conversations happening on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” are offering South Africans something many people... The post From Burnout to Belonging: Conversations with South Africa’s Leading Speakers appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 26, 2026 - 05:43

From Burnout to Belonging: Conversations with South Africa’s Leading Speakers

From scientists planning missions to the Moon to comedians unpacking depression and mental health, the conversations happening on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” are offering South Africans something many people desperately need right now… perspective.

South Africa (26 May 2026) – There’s something I hear almost every single week after delivering a keynote. Often. Usually, it happens just as I step off stage… someone will come up to me.

“I didn’t realise how much I needed that.”

And almost every time, the conversation that follows has very little to do with me standing on a stage. Actually, it has absolutely nothing to do with me. But something I have said has lit a spark.

We are all feeling it… even if we are not openly speaking about it. Pressure, constant pressure, stress, exhaustion and uncertainty. We are all running on fumes. Leaders trying to hold morale together while carrying their own worries. Parents balancing impossible schedules. Employees showing up every day, while wondering if they still have anything left in the tank.

South Africans are tired. Actually, Afrikaans is such a descriptive language… you could say we are collectively “moeg” or perhaps, more fitting, “gatvol”.

“Gatvol” that comes from years of economic pressure, bad headlines, load shedding (do we even remember those days?), financial stress, global instability, rising costs, shrinking patience, another unprecedented thing and the constant stress and expectation to keep performing at full capacity no matter what is happening around us.

And yet, despite all of that, I’ve noticed something incredibly hopeful through my work with Good Things Guy, my podcast and the keynote talks I do across South Africa… companies are starting to understand that culture cannot survive on pressure alone.

People need hope.

Not fake positivity or toxic optimism or motivational posters slapped onto office walls while employees drown under unrealistic expectations. Real hope. Human hope. Stories that remind people why their work matters, why their teams matter and why they matter. I’m referring to corporate here, but this goes for everyone… we need stories of hope to remind us that we matter.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at conferences, schools, leadership events (I even did a TEDx) and corporate gatherings across South Africa. And alongside that, my podcast, “Good Things with Brent Lindeque”, has introduced me to some of the most extraordinary thinkers, leaders, speakers and change-makers imaginable. Many of them are helping shape global conversations around burnout, leadership, emotional well-being and human performance.

The interesting thing is that although their backgrounds differ wildly, from scientists to comedians to mental health advocates, so many of them keep arriving at the same truth: The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we experience life.

I’ve been podcasting for 12 years now, but only moved to video in the last 2 years. And so, I wanted to highlight some of the video interviews I’ve had (in the last 2 years) to give you some perspective. Some inspiration. Some hope. I’ve selected 12 conversations, you know… for 12 years but there are 55 episodes (of video), if you want to revisit some of the most incredible conversations. Let’s go!!!

I’ve had conversations with a woman helping lead Africa’s first mission to the Moon. A leadership expert helping companies navigate burnout and human-centred culture. One of South Africa’s funniest comedians opening up about depression and healing through laughter. Adventurers, athletes, business leaders, storytellers and ordinary humans who have survived extraordinary things.

Barry Hilton reminded me that humour is often how people survive hard seasons. Dr Adriana Marais completely shifted the way I think about possibility, innovation and the future of humanity. And Joe Fleming shared how simply walking next to somebody and having honest conversations can sometimes save lives.

Mandy Wiener took us behind the curtain of the conversations shaping South Africa’s political future, while Kelvin van Baalen reminded everyone listening that scars do not get the final say over your life. Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp spoke beautifully about using your voice to uplift others and why storytelling still matters so deeply in South Africa.

I chatted to Joey Evans about impossible dreams, surviving devastating setbacks and somehow still finding the courage to keep moving forward. Anja van Beek unpacked burnout, emotional exhaustion and why sustainable leadership has become one of the most important conversations happening in workplaces right now. And Robbie Brozin reminded me that purpose-driven leadership and actively investing in communities can still change cities, companies and lives.

Huntley Smith spoke about balance and building a life that works as a whole. Themba Robin reminded us that laughter might still be one of the most powerful ways to bring South Africans together. And Tebogo Mabye shared insights rooted in growth, mindset and navigating pressure with purpose.

None of these conversations ignored hardship. Not one of them pretended life was easy. But every single one reminded me, and hopefully everyone listening too, that there is still so much good, hope and possibility around us… even when life feels heavy.

The stories we consume shape us. The stories we repeat become culture. And the stories we choose to amplify, especially in our homes, workplaces and communities, can either leave people feeling more depleted… or remind them that they still have something left to give.

It’s all about hope.