Page 12 - SA Chamber UK MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - March 2024

After more than a decade out the water I have been thrilled to be back in the water and
amazed by how little the culture and intensity of surfing had changed. I correlated this to

my business, which has changed dramatically over the same period. Pricing, customers,
expectations, focus, digitisation, concerns for the planet have changed, we are more mindful
and inclusive, we have new purposes for business. I reflect that maybe business is learning

what nature already knew?

Being back at the beach has made me feel fully alive again, and now, fills a void created by
repetitive business and the long term impacts of Covid, and is again a priority in my life. Again,
I look for “why”. Business is more of a team sport, surfing is more a solitary sport but it does

give space for the brain to compute life’s complexities as you outwit the challenges to stay alive.

There may be a date of official retirement, but many of us intend to be engaged in business
well into our 70s and 80s. This outlook reminds me of the phenomenal mental and physical
focus of my surfboard shaper of the last 30 years, Spider Murphy. He is 78 years old, surfs

every day, and is quite sure he will still be surfing at 90.

Life sends us challenges and our resilience has grown to continue to engage, live longer and
get the most out of life and business. I hope this trend for those now reaching and exceeding
60 plays out for the younger generation just starting their journey – and can probably surf

better with the support of innovation.

Surfing is a healthy sport in many ways, and certainly maintains fitness levels. It also has a
subtle effect on our mental and spiritual faculties, and while we are having fun, we are also
building norms and an inclusive culture based on ethics and sustainability principles.

In business in the past four years, we have learned the negative impacts of the damage

Covid caused to people and business. What we have learnt is the welfare of our internal
stakeholder is critical – we need to ensure our staff retain a good work life balance and
encourage activity that improves their mental capacity, balance and positive thinking. Come
join me in the waves.

There is a much wisdom we can draw into our busy business worlds and personal lives from
surfing principles …. how to survive, and enjoy, every time …. which I have tried to share in the
article “Surfing’s Wisdom in Business and Life”.

https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/post/david-white-surfing-s-wisdom-in-business-and-life

Wishing everyone great rides on the waves of life. Remembering one of surfing’s great legacies
and encouraging motivators, “When in doubt, paddle out”.

T: +27 (0)31 767 0625
E: david@drg.co.za

W: www.drg.co.za

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024