Portable Power and Purpose-Driven Building - Weyers Marais, Helt

Portable Power and Purpose-Driven Building - Weyers Marais, Helt

In this episode of Born to Build, Weyers Marais, co-founder of Helt, shares the story behind building a South African energy tech company focused on ultra-rugged portable power systems and the bigger vision driving it all. From early Frankenstein-style prototypes and engineering setbacks to building proprietary battery systems and learning how to earn trust in the market, Weyers gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build hard-tech products from the ground up. It’s a thoughtful conversation about engineering, purpose-driven business, long-term thinking, and why building both the product and the business matters if you want to create real impact. Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & The Mission Behind Helt(00:49) The Fossil Fuel Problem That Sparked Helt(03:26) From Electric Tuk-Tuks to Portable Power(06:05) The Earliest Prototypes & Building an MVP(08:52) Manual Prototyping, CNC Machines & Iteration(14:00) The Hardest Engineering Challenges(19:27) Making Decisions Through Data & Uncertainty(24:03) Building the Business Around the Product(25:49) Brand, Storytelling & Preparing for Launch(29:03) The Meaning Behind the Name “Helt”(31:19) Building Trust vs Building the Product(34:03) Lessons Learned & The Lean Startup Mindset(35:52) Advice for Engineers & Technical Founders(38:28) Rapid Fire Questions & Final Reflections Check them out: https://helt.co.za [https://helt.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.

Youth Aren’t the Problem, They’re the Solution - Anton Cuyler, Sozo

In this Born to Build episode, Anton Cuyler shares how a calling led him from the UK to Vrygrond — and how a simple youth initiative grew into the Sozo Foundation, transforming young lives through education, skills, and opportunity. We unpack the realities of building in a deeply challenged community, the moment that nearly made him walk away, and why Sozo believes youth aren’t the problem — but the solution. It’s a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and building something that truly changes lives. Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Anton’s Calling(01:24) Leaving the UK & Stepping Into the Unknown(05:57) Arriving in Vrygrond & Finding Purpose(14:19) From Youth Club to Sozo Foundation(17:46) Why Life Skills Matter as Much as Technical Skills(24:17) A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything(31:05) Becoming Part of the Community(34:38) Youth as the Solution to Unemployment(35:54) Building Access & Breaking Down Barriers(41:01) Dignity, Ownership & Transformation(45:53) Measuring Success: Jobs, Growth & Sustainability(50:30) From Empathy to Action — What We Can Do Check them out: https://sozo.org.za [https://sozo.org.za?utm_source=chatgpt.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.

They Pivoted Their Startup… and 10X’d Growth - Adrian Hope-Bailie, Fynbos

In this episode of Born to Build, Adrian Hope-Bailie shares his journey from early web development and global fintech roles to building Fynbos, a platform helping South Africans take control of their savings and investments. He unpacks the pivot from a global digital wallet to a locally focused investment platform, and the realisation that most people don’t need complexity, they need clarity and confidence. We dive into the psychology of money, why so many people struggle to take action even when they know what to do, and how Fynbos is simplifying personal finance through guidance, automation, and trust. It’s a practical and honest conversation about building in a complex industry, staying long-term focused, and creating products that genuinely help people. Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Adrian’s Background(01:30) Early Entrepreneurship & Building sarugby.com(06:00) Entering the World of Payments & Fintech(10:00) From Digital Wallet to Fynbos Money(15:05) The Pivot to Savings & Investment Accounts(18:30) Exploring Ideas That Didn’t Work(21:45) The Real Problem: Confidence with Money(24:30) From Guidance to Execution(26:30) Building for the South African Market(31:30) The Future of Personal Finance & AI(36:10) Building Trust in Fintech(39:30) Growth Through Referrals & Customer Delight(42:30) Lessons from Building a Company(46:00) Work, Life & Founder Balance(47:10) Rapid Fire Questions Check them out: https://fynbos.money [https://fynbos.money/] 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.

Why “People Buy From People” Still Wins in Sales - Mel Martin, Sales Intel

In this insightful interview, sales strategist Mel Martin shares her journey from shy introvert to sales expert, her innovative AI-powered sales training program, and practical tips for entrepreneurs to boost their sales. Discover how to build confidence, generate leads, and leverage human skills over tools for long-term success. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Sales and Personal Journey (02:32) Transitioning from Sales to Coaching (05:19) The SPRINT Program Explained (08:26) Key Sales Strategies for Entrepreneurs (11:02) Building Confidence in Sales (13:49) Human Skills vs. Tools in Sales (15:14) Starting a Business: Sales Strategies (17:36) The Role of AI in Sales (20:18) Simplifying Sales with AI (23:18) Celebrating Wins and Building Habits (26:13) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Find them here: https://salesintel.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.

Making (Parent) Sense - Meg Faure, Parent Sense

Meg Faure didn’t set out to build a tech startup — she set out to help parents. But when she saw the scale of confusion and overwhelm facing modern families, she knew her work needed to go beyond the consulting room. In this episode, Meg shares how she transitioned from occupational therapist to founder of Parent Sense, building a parenting app rooted in science, empathy, and trust. We talk rapid product development during COVID, fundraising as a female founder, the tension between clinical integrity and commercial growth, and why purpose — and team — carry you through the hard seasons. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Parent Sense and Meg Faure's Journey (01:09) Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Tech (05:05) Building the First Version of Parent Sense (10:38) Balancing Technology with Human Touch (13:25) Navigating Business Decisions in Early Childhood Development (17:19) The Challenges of Fundraising and Leadership (24:58) Finding Purpose and Support in Tough Times (28:13) The Vision for Future Generations (30:24) Impact of COVID on Child Development (32:51) Lessons Learned and Surprises in the Journey Check them out: https://parentsense.app/ 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.