Page 9 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

GRANT ADLAM

rant Adlam, founder, publisher, and CEO inquiry revealed a gap in provincial marketing, CREATIVITY AND DRIVE
of KZN Top Business, has been at the prompting him to take matters into his own hands.
forefront of independent publishing “I realised there was an opportunity to create Inspiration, for Grant, is as intrinsic as it is varied.
Gfor over 25 years. His journey, deeply a publication and an online platform for KZN, “I’ve always been a self-motivated person,” he
intertwined with his South African roots, is one something no one else was doing,” he explains. This reflects, though he credits his father for nurturing
of commitment to promoting business growth in vision led him to develop a marketing initiative for his creativity and drive. Grant is also deeply
KwaZulu-Natal. the province that has endured for decades. inspired by the success of those around him,
especially the leaders he interviews. “Listening
Grant’s path began in Pietermaritzburg, the ‘city of Grant attributes the success of KZN Top Business to successful people day in and day out — it’s an
choice’, as it’s called these days,” he says with a smile. to his passion for highlighting the achievements incredible job,” he says.
He says he grew up supporting the local Maritzburg of others. “Why do I do this? It’s because I love to
Football Club, a team he still follows despite its stimulate people and business. I love seeing people Grant’s leadership approach revolves around
modest track record. The son of a journalist who do better with themselves,” he says. By showcasing fostering an environment of enthusiasm and shared
worked at The Witness and later The Star for nearly local success stories, the publication has become purpose. “Our team is motivated by what we do,” he
half a century, Grant’s early exposure to journalism a platform for recognising the achievements of explains. “When someone calls up and says, ‘This
set the stage for his career. “Journalism and the KwaZulu-Natal’s business community. “Sometimes, happened because of what you did,’ I share that
print were just in the blood,” he remarks. people don’t realise how successful they are until with everyone, and it motivates us all.”
someone points it out, and that’s our job as a
After school, Grant faced uncertainty about his publishing firm,” Grant shares. His goal is to market When it comes to advice, Grant admits he’s relied
career path, however during the compulsory army KZN not only within the province but to South more on his instincts than external guidance. “I’ve
years, he discovered his talent for drawing. He Africa and the world. always been self-driven, so I tend to give myself
initially envisioned a future as a commercial artist, advice,” he says with a chuckle, adding that the
drawn by the appeal of creating art for a living. LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY feedback he receives from the community often
“Easy money,” he thought, “just sit and draw.” A serves as a guiding light. “People always say, ‘Just
chance encounter with a salesman who boasted of Reflecting on his proudest accomplishment, Grant keep doing what you’re doing,’ and that’s what I
his income sparked a career shift. Grant approached points to the longevity and impact of KZN Top go on.”
his manager, declaring, “I want to do what he does.” Business. “We’ve survived everything and are still
A brief stint in The Star’s advertising department going strong after a quarter of a century,” he says Looking to the future, Grant’s vision for KwaZulu-
opened up the potential of a different path. “I spent with pride. The publication, born out of his vision Natal is rooted in optimism and continuity. “There’s
about two weeks doing copy, creating features, and in the late 1990s, has continued to evolve by a silver lining, a ray of light,” he observes, referring
it gave me incredible insight,” he recalls. Shortly leveraging technology to keep up with changing to recent shifts in the political landscape. His vision
thereafter, he stepped into a sales role, finding his times. “We were ahead of the curve then, and we’re is to nurture this momentum, strengthening the
calling in advertising. still ahead now,” he remarks. province’s reputation as a promising destination
for investment and innovation. “We’ve got places
INSPIRED TO INNOVATE The Covid-19 pandemic, like for many others, posed to go, so let’s keep that flame going,” he urges.
one of Grant’s greatest challenges. “It was damn
Working in sales inspired Grant to innovate within hard,” he says candidly. Many publishers struggled The motto that Grant and his team live by is
the field. “Instead of just selling space,” he says, to survive, but Grant and his team not only simple but reflective of his purpose: “Success
“I started creating features, entire publications endured but thrived. “Most publishers didn’t come breeds success.” His life’s work is a testament to
within The Star.” His success in this role led him to through, but we came through with flying colours,” this principle, as he continues to build on the
venture into independent publishing, which he he explains. By shifting to online formats and achievements of his company, community, and
has pursued ever since. This evolution brought him embracing virtual eventing, Grant transformed the province. “People ask when I’m going to retire,” he
to KwaZulu-Natal, where a serendipitous phone annual KZN Top Business Awards into a dynamic, says with a grin. “Never. I love what I do too much.”
call from a friend in London set the stage for what filmed event that reached wider audiences. “It’s Through his work at KZN Top Business, Grant
would become KZN Top Business. Aware of Grant’s like we flipped it around and made it a show,” he Adlam is not only documenting the progress of
familiarity with the region, the friend sought his explains. “We saw Covid as an opportunity to KwaZulu-Natal’s business landscape but actively
advice on local investment opportunities. Grant’s evolve, and it paid off.” contributing to its growth and success.

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