Welcome to Chapter 3 of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this special solo episode, host Grant Gavin continues his special series unpacking each chapter of his book, Thoughtonomy. This week, Grant explores Chapter 3, "The Pebble in Your Shoe," diving deep into the hidden beliefs and subconscious patterns that quietly hold us back from our goals.

Grant unpacks the powerful metaphor of the pebble in your shoe, a small, persistent discomfort representing self-doubt, fears, and limiting beliefs we often ignore on our personal journeys. Drawing inspiration from the famous quote, "It's not the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the pebble in your shoe," Grant shares how self-awareness and conscious reflection are the true keys to personal transformation. He encourages listeners to pause, identify these hidden “pebbles,” and make the courageous decision to address them so they can finally break free from self-imposed limitations.

With stories from his own life and coaching practice, Grant reminds us that every limiting belief is a decision, one we have the power to change at any moment. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “It’s just the way I am,” this episode will challenge you to reconsider, and inspire you to make new choices aligned with the life you want to live.

Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback or standing at the start of a daunting new chapter, this episode will empower you to recognize what’s truly holding you back and take decisive action towards your dreams. ⏱ Timestamped Overview

01:01 – Introducing Chapter Three: The Pebble in Your Shoe. 01:56 – The Mountain and the Pebble Metaphor Explained. 03:08 – Living with the Pebble: Unaddressed Pain. 04:14 – Removing the Pebble: Self-Awareness and Universality. 05:25 – Identifying Your Pebble. 06:39 – The Power of Choice and Limiting Beliefs. 07:49 – Personal Experience with Limiting Beliefs. 09:04 – Conditioning and Ongoing Self-Questioning. 10:06 – Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser.

💬 Quote of the Episode

“I honestly believe that all of us are imperfectly perfect.” – Grant Gavin 👣 Relevant Links

Thoughtonomy Book: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ 🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy

Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Welcome to this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this wide-ranging conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with former Springbok and Sharks stalwart AJ Venter to unpack the messy middle between professional sport and real life. AJ speaks candidly about the hard transition out of rugby, losing most of his savings in the post-2008 property crash, rebuilding a career in business, and why courage and clarity in leadership matter; on the field, in the boardroom, and in South Africa right now.

AJ Venter is a former professional rugby player who represented the Springboks and played over 200 matches provincially, most notably for the Sharks and Free State. After retiring, AJ navigated a difficult reinvention, ultimately becoming a shareholder in a UK-based workforce solutions company, Van Wenlock, where he focuses on enterprise client development in the technology and financial sectors. Passionate about resilience, accountability, and community, AJ is also vocal on social platforms about leadership and citizenship in South Africa.

The episode highlights on insights for career opportunities, personal growth, and the power of honest conversation. ⏱ Timestamped Overview 00:21 – Who is AJ? Rugby past, more than just rugby. 00:41 – Teams he played for; the one he didn’t: the Bulls. 01:26 – That last-minute 2004 Super Rugby game vs Bulls. 02:15 – Grant and AJ first meet real estate chapter. 03:04 – Only a small % of athletes transition easily; why. 04:09 – Training era shift: from part-time to fully professional. 05:13 – Mid-week learning on off-days wasn’t enough. 05:34 – Retires in 2009 amid the 2008 credit crunch. 06:46 – “Lost almost all my money”; still finding his feet. 07:36 – Brand reality: only a few stars carry it long after. 08:36 – Out of sight, out of mind: brand fades fast. 09:24 – TV extends relevance; inactivity shrinks it. 10:39 – Losing is part of sport MJ example; still a legend. 12:04 – Lessons: dig deep; learn from leaders; near-2004 turnaround. 13:05 – The emotional low; startup stress after rugby. 14:21 – Outside perspectives reframe problems. 15:30 – Starting anyway when it feels like rock bottom. 16:30 – Broadening out: South Africa needs more citizen action. 17:28 – Risks of speaking up; still necessary. 18:58 – His open letter on X; mixed reception. 19:13 – Real risk in SA: safety and family considerations. 20:56 – “Time to be brave in the truth.” 22:40 – 30 years on: acknowledge past, build together now. 25:45 – Shared love of SA; potential and resilience. 27:20 – KZN policing scandal reference; slow change coming. 29:07 – He delivers; leadership requires strength. 30:26 – “Jelly” communication vs a single clear message. 32:07 – All groups suffer when leaders serve self. 34:05 – Shared goal: uplift the poorest; enable dreams. 35:55 – Camaraderie to golf for AJ; why he loves it. 36:39 – His role: open enterprise accounts. 37:52 – Tech contracting market is softer; construction shortages. 39:20 – Loves the work; building across the pond. 39:54 – Book launch story; audiobook timing and energy. 40:49 – Social media opinions can be brutal; still stand up. 💬 Quote of the Episode

“Until you do it… it is just talk.” – Matt Peterson 👣 Relevant Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-venter-3a99a428/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajventerSpringbok/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajventer7/ 🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy

Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/ Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.

Welcome to this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this wide-ranging conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with Gordon Reid, a Durban-based financial advisor, endurance enthusiast, and community fundraiser. From five surgeries at 40 to finishing Comrades and running 100 km through a game reserve, Gordon shares how a midlife reset turned into a mission: build health, set goals, and use endurance challenges to raise money and momentum for causes that matter. This episode explores personal values, authentic branding, and why accountability and action trump motivation.

Gordon Reed is a Durbanite, husband and father of two, and a Discovery financial advisor. Known for rallying support around charities, from CHOC’s “Cows” to conservation initiatives with SANParks Honorary Rangers and Project Rhino, Gordon calls himself an “average guy doing extreme challenges.” His approach blends community, accountability, and practical goal setting, whether he’s training for Comrades, leading in BNI, or advising families on life and health cover.

Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone looking for a reset, this episode is a reminder that health is wealth, goals need to be written down, and authenticity is the strongest personal brand. ⏱ Timestamped Overview

00:40 – Intro: Gordon’s background, family, and financial advising. 02:11 – First philanthropy: joining CHOC’s “Cows” after surgeries. 03:23 – Conservation focus: Comrades for Rangers, Rhino Peak Challenge. 04:34 – Midlife reset: fitness journey and “average guy” challenges. 06:29 – Confidence through extreme events and consistent training. 07:52 – Family fuel: daughters on the route and bracelet motivation. 10:23 – Reframing exercise as a privilege, not an obligation. 11:34 – Comrades community, public accountability, inspiration. 13:37 – Everyone has a story: lessons from top performers. 15:16 – Starting hard, momentum builds results over time. 16:39 – Values as a compass for decisions and reducing anxiety. 19:46 – Self-worth, authenticity, and credibility online/offline. 21:47 – Growth mindset: 1% better daily, stretching in business. 22:23 – Career pivot at 47: new studies, life, and health cover. 23:40 – Valuing money: safety, opportunity, and lifestyle goals. 24:27 – Philanthropy: pick a cause, give time, track impact. 25:38 – Supporting tier-2/3 charities and focused giving. 26:50 – Saying no and joining the Run for Rangers story. 28:33 – Recognition: Comrades medal, Advisor of the Year award. 30:18 – Writing down goals and committing to action. 31:32 – Five-year lookback: sliding doors and best decisions. 33:17 – Connecting the dots and seizing opportunities. 35:18 – Health is wealth: stress, loss, and urgency of action. 36:34 – Putting yourself first to serve others better. 💬 Quote of the Episode

“Health is the New Wealth.” – Gordon Reid 👣 Relevant Links

LinkedIn: Gordon Reid - Discovery Financial Advisor, Vitality Integration Specialist and Commercial Insurance Broker | LinkedIn Facebook: Gords Reid | Facebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckygordy_/ Gordon Reid FGro Website: Gordon Reid | FGro

Run for Rangers Website: Home Page - Run For Rangers Endangered Wildlife Trust Website: EWT Home - Endangered Wildlife Trust CHOC / The Cows Charity Website: The Cows - The Cows Jesse Itzler (All Day Running) Website: All Day Running Co. – AllDayRunningCo 🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy

Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/ Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode on social media.