Bizzin Podcast

Des-lie van Wyk

Every entrepreneur has a story — and every story carries a lesson. Bizzin: The Podcast is a space for honest conversations about the real journey of entrepreneurship — the growth, the grit, and the grace it takes to build both the person and the business. Through powerful conversations and personal stories, we explore what happens when entrepreneurs focus on growing themselves first — because that’s where real business growth begins. If you’re passionate about purpose, leadership, and personal development, these are the conversations that remind you why you started — and inspire you to keep going.

  1. Oct 5

    Ep 48 | "Winning a Trophy Lasts 2 Days": Dean Burmester on Family, LIV Golf and Life in George

    One phone call. Two weeks to decide. A family that always came first. In this episode, Dean and Melissa Burmester share the real story behind Dean's move from the PGA Tour (Professional Golfers' Association Tour) to LIV Golf. Eight tournaments into his PGA Tour career, a call from Louis Oosthuizen gave him two weeks to decide, and the choice became a family decision long before it was a golf one. They talk candidly about what nobody tells you about life in professional golf: that the glamour is mostly hotel rooms and early mornings, why Melissa put her own career aside and found her why through running, and how two people stay adaptable when every season looks different. It's also a story about growing up, with two boys, a village of family in George, and a business they are building together. Topics covered: How Dean and Melissa met in Bloemfontein, and why it "shouldn't have worked"The reality of tour life: flying economy, the Challenge Tour and raising toddlers on the roadThe call from Louis Oosthuizen and the decision to join LIV GolfWhy they moved back to George and never looked backGoing into business with familyStaying humble when everyone wants a photoTeaching their boys to work for what they wantWhat success really means after a life in sport Whether you're a golf fan, balancing a demanding career with family life, or building something with the people you love, this conversation delivers. Guests: Dean and Melissa Burmester. Hosted by Des-lie van Wyk, with Jessica. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Bizzin.

  2. Jul 2

    Episode 47 | Building a Restaurant Empire — Chefs Ben & Jeremy Gibbs (Wildroute Restaurant Group)

    Two brothers. Five restaurants. Zero plan to ever work together. In this episode, Chef Ben and Chef Jeremy Gibbs share the real story behind Wildroute Restaurant Group — from washing dishes as teenagers on a farm-town tea garden, to brutal Michelin-style kitchens overseas, to betting everything on a restaurant scene in George that "everyone comes to with millions and leaves with none." They talk candidly about what nobody tells you about owning a restaurant: that it's less about food and more about people management, why winter slow seasons force you to rebuild your business strategy, how they navigate rising ingredient costs (including flying in Wagyu beef), and the hiring lessons learned from years of trying to build loyal teams in a small coastal town. It's also a story about brotherhood — how two people build something lasting together without a business plan, and what it actually means to trust a business partner completely. Topics covered: Starting in restaurants as teenagers and working overseas in professional kitchensThe moment that changed everything: buying into George's hospitality scene Why running a restaurant is fundamentally an HR and mentorship jobManaging chaos, rising costs, and seasonal slowdowns in fine diningBalancing five different restaurant concepts and letting go of control as you growHiring philosophy: promoting from within vs. bringing in outside talentWhat "success" really means after decades in hospitality Whether you're in the restaurant industry, building a business with family, or just want an honest look at entrepreneurship in South Africa's Garden Route, this conversation delivers. Wildroute Restaurant Group: 101 Meade · Cula · Ilali · Butterfly Blu · Portobello - George, South Africa.

  3. May 6

    Ep 46 | From Sleeping in a Graveyard to Teaching About Forex Trading | Adrian Mankapan

    Adrian Mankapan once slept under a tree in a graveyard. Today he travels to over 200 towns across South Africa as a financial educator, teaching people in small communities how to trade the global financial markets. This is one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on the Bizzin Podcast. Adrian opens up about his journey from drug addiction and court cases to becoming a leading voice in financial education across South Africa. We talk about identity, purpose, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the real truth about forex trading that nobody tells you. In this episode you'll hear: • Why your identity must come before your vision — and what happens when you get it backwards • The turning point: Christmas Eve 2016 with nothing left to lose • How strangers funded Adrian's studies and transformation • The out-of-body spiritual experience that gave him clarity on his purpose • What forex trading actually is (vs what social media tells you) • Why people make money trading and then lose it all — the missing piece is personal growth • How to build a trading system: 5-6 steps you follow religiously every day • Creating a trading budget and risk management plan • Why South Africa doesn't have an unemployment problem — it has a skills development problem • Adrian's new forex trading office opening in George, Garden Route • How you can trade Apple stocks, Mercedes-Benz, petrol prices — not just currency pairs • The two salespeople parable: choosing your hard Best quotes from Adrian: "You can have excuses or you can have results. You can't have both." "If you don't know who you are, someone else will tell you who you are." "The chart is a reflection of who you are." "It's hard to make money and it's hard to be without money. Either way it's hard — so choose your hard." Find Adrian Mankapan: Social media: @ConsultAdrian (all platforms) Based in George, Garden Route — available for meetings, Zoom sessions, and free forex trading seminars. --- Subscribe to the Bizzin Podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes drop on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizzinpodcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizzinApp Website: https://bizzin.co.za/ --- Hosted by Des-lie van Wyk Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Bizzin.

  4. Apr 1

    Ep 45 | From Waiting Tables to Real Estate Success: Armand’s Story

    How do you go from serving tables in Wilderness to closing record-breaking real estate deals in George? In this episode of The Bizzin Podcast, Des-lie sits down with Armand du Plessis to uncover the "heart behind the hustle" in the Garden Route property market. Armand shares his raw "Chapter One"—the humbling transition from studying town planning to working as a waiter, and the bold, "do it scared" moment that led to a life-changing coffee with a local entrepreneur. We dive into the current strength of the George property market, the vital role of mentorship under the Denzil Kleu brand, and the mental grit required to survive 10 months without a single sale. This is a masterclass in consistency, handling inevitable rejection, and why true success is about building lasting relationships over quick transactions. Key Highlights: The Local Market: An insider’s look at why the George market remains so strong.The Bold Move: How Armand used a "Ferrari tip" moment to land his first mentor.Handling the "No": Practical advice on surviving the dry seasons of business and sales.Defining Success: Why success in your 30s looks different than the "money trap" of your 20s. Connect with Armand: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sell_with_armandt/ Facebook: Armand Du Plessis Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Bizzin.

  5. Feb 23

    The Grind | Teacher's Epic Pivot to Coffee Entrepreneurship (80-Hour Weeks & Success)

    Step into the extraordinary journey of James, who fearlessly transitioned from the familiar world of teaching to build a thriving coffee empire! In this captivating episode, discover how a long-held dream, coupled with the unexpected challenges of the pandemic, became the catalyst for creating not just a successful business, but a force for positive change. This video is an essential watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone looking to find purpose beyond profit. James unpacks the real-world grit and grace required to build a business from the ground up, sharing invaluable lessons on: ✓ Navigating a Major Career Pivot: Learn how James successfully switched careers during the unprecedented times of COVID-19. ✓ Overcoming Startup Struggles: Get an honest look at tackling financial constraints and the intensity of 80-hour work weeks. ✓ Organic Growth Strategies: Discover the secrets behind expanding a single coffee shop into multiple successful locations without huge initial investment. ✓ Creating Community Impact: Explore James's unique approach to social entrepreneurship through barista training programs for young people. ✓ Balancing Life & Business: Understand the delicate act of managing family life while scaling a rapidly growing enterprise. ✓ Redefining Success: Hear how James measures success not just in financial terms, but through meaningful relationships and lasting impact. If you're seeking inspiration, practical business insights, or a story about turning passion into purpose, this is the video for you! #EntrepreneurJourney #CoffeeBusiness #CareerChange #StartupLife #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SuccessStory #SmallBusiness #Leadership #Impact #COVIDPivot For more entrepreneurial insights, subscribe and hit the notification bell! #CareerTransition #EntrepreneurJourney #CoffeeShopBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusinessGrowth About Bizzin Podcast: Every entrepreneur has a story — and every story carries a lesson. Bizzin: The Podcast is a space for honest conversations about the real journey of entrepreneurship. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, business, leadership, and purpose. 👉 Watch more episodes of the Bizzin Podcast: @BizzinApp #ChristianEntrepreneurship #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney #BizzinPodcast #ChristianTestimony Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Bizzin.

  6. Feb 16

    Teacher Turned Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Building a Coffee Shop Chain

    James reveals his remarkable transition from classroom to coffee empire in this captivating episode. Learn how a long-held dream and pandemic challenges led to building a successful business focused on more than just profits. This video unpacks: ✓ Navigating a major career pivot during COVID ✓ Overcoming financial constraints and 80-hour work weeks ✓ Organic growth strategies that led to multiple locations ✓ Creating opportunities through barista training for young people ✓ The delicate balance between family life and business ownership ✓ Redefining success beyond profits to focus on relationships and impact For more entrepreneurial insights, subscribe and hit the notification bell! #CareerTransition #EntrepreneurJourney #CoffeeShopBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusinessGrowth About Bizzin Podcast: Every entrepreneur has a story — and every story carries a lesson. Bizzin: The Podcast is a space for honest conversations about the real journey of entrepreneurship. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, business, leadership, and purpose. 👉 Watch more episodes of the Bizzin Podcast: @BizzinApp #ChristianEntrepreneurship #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney #BizzinPodcast #ChristianTestimony Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Bizzin.

About

Every entrepreneur has a story — and every story carries a lesson. Bizzin: The Podcast is a space for honest conversations about the real journey of entrepreneurship — the growth, the grit, and the grace it takes to build both the person and the business. Through powerful conversations and personal stories, we explore what happens when entrepreneurs focus on growing themselves first — because that’s where real business growth begins. If you’re passionate about purpose, leadership, and personal development, these are the conversations that remind you why you started — and inspire you to keep going.