Craig Featherby’s Post

One But Many - a ray of hope amidst all the devastation. In Africa’s vast landscapes, where wildlife and communities share the land, a growing conflict threatens the balance between man and nature. The Human-Wildlife Conflict has become a pressing challenge with far-reaching consequences for both people and endangered species. That’s why One But Many, the soon-to-be-released documentary, is a film you won’t want to miss. This powerful documentary sheds light on the real-life struggles of African farmers, conservationists, and wildlife, exploring the increasingly urgent clash between human needs and the survival of species like elephants, lions, and rhinos. The film offers a rare, on-the-ground look at the devastating impact this conflict has on both people and animals. But One But Many is, at the root level, not a documentary about loss - it’s a story of hope. The film showcases inspiring individuals and organisations who are pioneering innovative solutions to reduce conflict and foster coexistence. From community-driven initiatives to cutting-edge conservation strategies, these efforts prove that finding a sustainable balance is possible. This documentary is essential viewing because it tackles a challenge that affects us all. The survival of Africa’s wildlife is about protecting the ecosystems that support life on this planet. One But Many is a powerful call to action, reminding us that the fate of people and wildlife are intertwined - and that together, we can work toward solutions that benefit both. If you care about the future of Africa’s wildlife, the communities living alongside them, and the health of our global environment, make sure to watch One But Many. The more voices joining the conversation, the better. #OneButMany #HumanWildlifeConflict #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Sustainability #Africa #MustWatchDocumentary #Coexistence

Why investing in customer experience (CX) is so challenging - yet so crucial: It’s widely accepted that investing in customer experience (CX) yields significant returns, yet few companies truly excel at it. The reason? Execution is hard. A survey by Worldwide Business Research shows that the biggest obstacle to a successful CX strategy is implementation. But why is this so challenging? CX investments require time, money, and effort to improve every interaction a customer has with your brand. This involves enhancing customer service by training staff and improving support channels, streamlining user interfaces to be more intuitive, personalising customer interactions, and refining products based on feedback. The goal is to create seamless, memorable experiences that drive satisfaction and loyalty. The returns are clear: satisfied customers are more likely to stay loyal, refer others, and reduce churn, all of which contribute to revenue growth. So, if the benefits are obvious, what’s holding companies back? One key issue is organisational silos. Different departments - marketing, sales, customer service, and IT - often have their own goals and metrics, making it difficult to align around a unified CX strategy. Another challenge is the lack of clear ownership over CX. Without a designated leader or team to steer the initiative, CX efforts can become disjointed and lose momentum. There’s also resistance to change. Many employees are accustomed to established processes and may resist new CX tools or approaches. Speaking of technology, integrating new CX platforms can disrupt existing systems and require technical expertise, making the transition more complex. Additionally, measuring the ROI of CX can be difficult. It’s not always easy to link specific improvements to financial outcomes, making it harder to justify the investment. Lastly, evolving customer expectations mean that what pleases customers today may not work tomorrow, requiring constant adaptation. Only when you have addressed these concerns will you be able to move forward. While challenging, executing a strong CX strategy is worth the effort. Companies that prioritise customer experience stand out from competitors, build stronger relationships, and drive long-term growth. CX is a long-term commitment. It requires collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt, but the results can be transformative for your business. What challenges have you faced when implementing CX initiatives? #CustomerExperience #CXStrategy #BusinessGrowth #ClientSatisfaction

What happened to the present? A few weeks ago, we travelled to the Underberg for a long weekend to celebrate an 80th birthday with the family. What was meant to be a lovely gathering took an unexpected turn - we got snowed in. The heavy snow forced us all to stay indoors, which was fine, until the power went off for two days. At first, it was almost amusing to see everyone rushing around, desperately trying to get a signal or charging phones off laptops until the batteries ran dry. But it didn’t take long before people realised the game was lost. No power, no connection, no distractions. What struck me most was what happened when the power finally came back on. Whatever people had been doing at that moment - talking, playing games, simply enjoying each other’s company - was dropped. The focus shifted immediately to finding a working plug and praying the WiFi would return. The family, who had been brought together by the circumstances, suddenly returned to their individual screens, almost as if the moment we’d all shared had never happened. This experience reminded me of the importance of appreciating the present. Sometimes, being forced into isolation - whether by snow or something else - can be a gift. Without distractions, you start to notice what’s right in front of you: the conversations, the laughter, the people that matter most. It’s easy to get swept up in constant notifications, emails, and social media. But moments like that weekend in Underberg remind me how valuable it is to unplug, even if it’s unplanned. We don’t need to wait for a power outage to appreciate the here and now. Sometimes, it’s worth turning everything off and just being present. Take a moment today to disconnect, and you might be surprised by what you see. #BePresent #AppreciateTheMoment #FamilyTime #DisconnectToReconnect #Mindfulness

An incredible team, doing incredible things.....well done guys....well done for giving back.

10 Lessons in 10 Years: This week marked a decade of doing business at Carrick Wealth, and we couldn’t be prouder of the journey we’ve shared with our clients, partners, and team members. From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in wealth management, the past 10 years have been a masterclass in growth, resilience, and learning. Here are 10 lessons we’ve learned along the way: 1. Client-Centricity is Key: At the heart of our business is an unwavering commitment to our clients. Understanding their goals and delivering tailored solutions have been central to our success. 2. Trust Takes Time: Building long-term relationships with clients doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, transparency, and a consistent track record of delivering results. Trust is the foundation of everything we do, and it’s been critical to building loyalty. 3. Innovation is Non-Negotiable: Staying ahead means embracing change. We’ve adopted new technologies and innovative strategies to provide cutting-edge solutions that keep us at the forefront of the industry. 4. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: A company is only as strong as its people. Over the years, we’ve learned that investing in our team creates a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence. 5. Adaptability is a Superpower: The world changes quickly, and so do market conditions and regulations. Being adaptable has allowed us to remain resilient through challenges, helping us pivot when necessary and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. 6. Integrity Always Wins: In an industry where reputation is everything, doing the right thing is the right thing to do. Integrity has been our guiding principle, helping us build credibility and loyalty with clients and partners, and ensuring long-term success. 7. Diversification is the Future: In wealth management, diversification ensures both security and opportunity. We’ve not only helped clients diversify their portfolios but have also expanded our own service offerings to better meet their evolving needs. 8. Continuous Learning is Critical: To remain at the top of our game, we must never stop learning. Whether it’s market trends, new technologies, or client expectations, we’re committed to staying informed and continuously evolving. 9. Community Matters: Giving back has been a core part of who we are. We believe in making a difference, and supporting causes close to our hearts has added purpose to our journey, strengthening the bonds with those around us. 10. The Best is Yet to Come: As we look back on the past decade, we are proud of what we’ve achieved but even more excited for the future. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring! Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to the next decade of empowering people and growing wealth. Improvise, Adapt, Overcome! #10YearAnniversary #BusinessLessons #WealthManagement #ClientFirst

Celebrating 10 Years of Carrick Wealth! Today, on the 8th of October, 2024, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: Carrick Wealth’s 10th anniversary. Being here today, reflecting on the past decade, I am filled with pride and gratitude for what we have built together. What started as a bold vision in 2014 has transformed into a thriving organisation that is making a real impact in the lives of our clients across Africa and beyond. From the very beginning, our mission has been clear - to provide certainty for our clients in an uncertain world. Over the past 10 years, we have stayed true to that mission, and today, we celebrate not only our success but the values, dedication and teamwork that have brought us here. Carrick's journey has been fuelled by resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to excellence, all of which are reflected in the incredible team we have today. Of course, no journey is undertaken alone. First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Di. Your unwavering belief in me and in this company has been my anchor throughout this journey. To our exceptional EXCO team - Mike Fannin, Bryan Austen, Rashay Makan, Anthony Palmer and Samantha Bowen ACSI - your leadership, vision, and determination have been instrumental in shaping Carrick Wealth’s growth. Each of you has played a vital role in our success, and for that, I am deeply grateful. As we celebrate 10 incredible years, we also look forward with excitement and optimism. Our expansion across Africa is just the beginning of new opportunities, and with technology driving innovation, we are poised to lead the industry in new and exciting ways. The future is bright, and we are just getting started. At this point I would also just like to mention that Carrick might seem like a financial services company, but it is so much more than that - it’s a community. A community built on trust, inclusivity, and a shared purpose. The conversations, connections and culture we’ve built together are what make Carrick special. I’m reminded of Jim Collins’ words in “Good to Great”, where he talks about “getting the right people on the bus.” I truly believe we have not only the right people on this journey but that each of you is in the right seat, steering us towards even greater success. Here’s to the next 10 years and beyond. As we continue to grow and evolve, let’s remember that nothing is impossible unless we believe it to be. Improvise, adapt, overcome - this is the Carrick way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. The best is yet to come. #Carrick10Years #Anniversary #Leadership #Growth #Innovation #Teamwork #CarrickWealth #FutureForward

If you love success stories - I present you with SABMiller’s remarkable journey: From R30bn to R1.4tn in 20 Years! Reflecting on SABMiller’s incredible growth trajectory, it’s hard not to be impressed by their transformation from a regional player in South Africa to a global brewing giant. From 2010 until their acquisition by AB InBev in 2016, SABMiller’s share price skyrocketed, as illustrated in the graph. This meteoric rise was the result of deliberate, strategic decisions that catapulted the company’s value from R30 billion to a staggering R1.4 trillion in just two decades. How did they do it? One of the key drivers of SABMiller’s success was their ambitious global expansion into emerging markets. By tapping into fast-growing regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, they unlocked massive potential and significantly expanded their market share. Their focus on operational efficiency and cost management also played a crucial role. SABMiller streamlined its supply chain and cut costs aggressively, ensuring that profitability and sustainability went hand-in-hand. Another cornerstone of their success was brand diversification and premiumisation. By expanding into premium segments, they catered to a diverse range of consumer tastes globally, positioning themselves as a leader in every category. This speaks volumes about the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of your customers. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships further fuelled their growth. Major moves like acquiring Foster’s and entering a joint venture with Molson Coors were pivotal in boosting SABMiller’s market presence and solidifying its global dominance. These bold moves remind us that, in business, timing and partnerships are everything. Lastly, SABMiller excelled by leveraging local expertise. They tailored their products and marketing strategies to resonate deeply with local markets, ensuring that their offerings felt authentic and relevant. SABMiller’s story is one of vision, strategic thinking, and relentless execution. If you’re looking to unlock similar growth for your business, now is the time to act. Whether through expansion, operational efficiency, or strategic partnerships, the path to success is built on intentional decisions. Let’s talk strategy and unlock your business’s full potential. #BusinessGrowth #Strategy #Leadership #GlobalExpansion #OperationalExcellence #CarrickWealth #SABMillerSuccess #UnlockYourPotential

I’ve read “Excellence Wins” by Horst Schulze five times now, and it remains one of my top five favourite books. Every time I revisit it, I’m reminded of the power of exceptional service and leadership, principles that Schulze embodies as the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton and a renowned leader in the hospitality industry. His insights on creating lasting value and delivering excellence are relevant for anyone striving to improve their business and relationships with clients. One of the key messages from Schulze is the critical importance of customer satisfaction. He reminds us that true loyalty and trust are built when we go beyond what’s necessary to create a memorable and lasting impression. It’s a philosophy that applies across industries - are we truly putting our clients at the centre of everything we do? He also highlights the power of paying attention to detail. In the hospitality world, success is often found in the smallest moments: the cleanliness of a room, the way a staff member remembers a guest’s name, or the extra care in a meal’s presentation. These details add up to an experience that feels crafted and thoughtful. For those of us running businesses, this attention to detail can be translated into how we manage our client relationships - are we attentive enough to the small but significant things that can elevate the client experience? Another key principle is the idea of empowering employees. Schulze argues that employees are the backbone of the customer experience, and it’s essential to give them the freedom to take ownership of their interactions with customers. Empowering staff to make decisions and resolve issues on the spot, rather than deferring to higher-ups, creates a smoother and more satisfying experience for customers. It’s a lesson worth implementing in any business - are your employees empowered to act in the best interest of your clients, without hesitation? Consistency of service is another cornerstone of Schulze’s teachings. He stresses that maintaining high standards consistently is essential for long-term success. Whether it’s the first customer interaction or the hundredth, the service level should never waver. This requires building systems that ensure the same quality of service, regardless of the situation. Finally, Schulze speaks to creating value through service, going beyond simple transactions. Every customer interaction is an opportunity to build a deeper relationship, creating lasting value for both the client and the business. “Excellence Wins” is a powerful reminder of the foundations of great service and leadership. It challenges us to ask: are we truly prioritising customer satisfaction? Are we attentive to the details that matter? And are we empowering our teams to deliver excellence? Think about it. #ExcellenceWins #CustomerExperience #ClientSatisfaction #ServiceExcellence