Career Horizons by ETD Consulting

In the final episode of Season 2, Bennett and Jordyn close out the year with a powerful reflection on gratitude — not just as a feel-good emotion, but as a transformative tool for career growth and wellbeing.Joined by voice note contributions from listeners, previous guests, and industry professionals, this episode explores how gratitude shapes resilience, leadership, motivation, and personal development.Whether 2025 was your year of breakthrough, rebuilding, or steady progress, this conversation invites you to pause, look back, and honour the journey.✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode1. The neuroscience behind gratitudeHow expressing thankfulness activates the brain's reward systemWhy gratitude increases dopamine & serotoninLink between gratitude and reduced cortisol, better sleep, improved overall wellbeing2. How gratitude impacts your careerA mindset shift from perfection → progressHow appreciation shapes better teams and workplace cultureEvidence from Harvard, UC Berkeley & HBR on productivity, performance, and moraleWhy grateful people are more motivated, hopeful, and resilient3. Listeners share their storiesThroughout the episode, you'll hear 30–60 second voice notes responding to prompts like:"What are you grateful for in your career this year?""Who had the biggest impact on your professional journey?""What challenge shaped your growth?""What message of gratitude would you share with your team or community?"These authentic, heartfelt reflections help paint a beautiful picture of what gratitude looks like in real careers across South Africa and beyond.🎧 Featuring Voice Notes From:Wesley PillayEden Toohey-OgleMario OgleChad WhitbyMyisha FredericksNina TooheyNicolette Van WykShana💡 Key Quotes From the Episode"Gratitude shifts our focus from what's missing to what's meaningful." — Bennett"When we pause long enough to look back with thankfulness, we start to see how even the tough moments shaped who we're becoming." — Jordyn"Gratitude isn't just a mindset — it's a wellness tool." — Jordyn"Workplaces where gratitude is practiced don't just operate — they flourish." — Bennett🧠 Research MentionedUC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center — studies on gratitude & mental healthHarvard Health — links between gratitude and physical wellbeingHarvard Business Review — appreciation increases productivity by 50%🌻 Episode Prompts (Used for Listener Voice Notes)Use these to journal, reflect, or share your own story:What are you grateful for in your career this year?Who has been a meaningful part of your professional journey?What lesson or challenge helped shape your growth?If you could express gratitude to your workplace or community, what would you say?

💡 Episode SummaryIn this episode, we dive into one of the biggest shifts shaping the future of work — Artificial Intelligence. AI isn't just for tech experts or Silicon Valley startups. It's a tool that's already transforming how ordinary people solve real problems, build businesses, and serve communities.Our guest, Chad Whitby, shares how curiosity turned into innovation when he used AI to create Plug — a platform that connects hospitality professionals with real job opportunities. From using ChatGPT to prototype ideas, to launching a functional product without the "perfect app," Chad shows that with the right mindset, AI can help you work smarter, not harder.🔍 In This EpisodeHow AI moved from hype to hands-on help for new entrepreneursChad's journey from idea to launch with minimal resourcesWhy simplicity beats perfection when building your first productPractical ways to use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to accelerate your business ideaEncouragement for aspiring founders who feel intimidated by technologyWhat's next for Plug — and the future of AI in the hospitality industry🧠 Key TakeawaysAI doesn't replace creativity — it enhances it.You don't need a coding degree to build something impactful.Start small. Learn fast. Launch anyway.The future belongs to those who experiment.✨ Memorable Quote"AI doesn't replace heart — it amplifies it." — Chad Whitby🔗 Connect with the GuestChad Whitby👉 LinkedIn | Dawn Design Co. | Plug Platform🎧 Listen & SubscribeDon't miss an episode of Career Horizons, where we explore the real stories and strategies shaping modern careers.Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.📢 Brought to you byETD Consulting — empowering young professionals and entrepreneurs to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

🎙️ Career Horizons Season 2, Episode 4 Topic: Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace Host: Bennett Van Wyk Guests: Nina Toohey & Myisha FredericksEmotional Intelligence (EI) — it's not on your CV, but it can determine how far you go in your career.In this episode of Career Horizons, host Bennett Van Wyk sits down with Nina Toohey, a trauma and relationship therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health and corporate wellness, and Myisha Fredericks, a career development specialist and mental health advocate. Together, they unpack what Emotional Intelligence really means, why it matters in the modern workplace, and how it can transform the way we lead, communicate, and grow.💡 From breaking down the five key components of EI — self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills — to sharing real-life stories and practical strategies for developing emotional maturity, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive both personally and professionally.Whether you're a student stepping into your first job, a manager navigating team dynamics, or a professional aiming to lead with empathy, this conversation will help you pause, reflect, and grow.🎧 Tune in to learn how mastering your emotions can unlock your potential at work.👉 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. #ETDConsulting #CareerHorizons #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkWellness #CareerGrowth

🎙️ Career Horizons Season 2 | Episode 3Start Before You're Ready: Turning School Hustles into Real BusinessesHave you ever sold snacks between classes, offered tutoring for extra cash, or used your creative skills to make a bit of pocket money? What if those small "side hustles" could actually be the foundation of a real business?In this episode of Career Horizons, host Bennett Van Wyk sits down with Wesley Pillay — Senior Project Manager and Business Coach at ORTSA, writer, presenter, and motivational speaker — to explore how young people can transform their school hustles into sustainable businesses.Wesley shares his own journey of spotting opportunities early, starting small, and realizing that the conventional employee path wasn't for him. With practical advice, inspiring stories, and a passion for helping entrepreneurs grow, Wesley breaks down:✨ Why starting before you're "ready" is often the best move ✨ Three reasons people start businesses (and how to know which one applies to you) ✨ Practical steps to turn a side hustle into a sustainable venture ✨ A powerful story of how small beginnings can grow into something big ✨ Encouragement for anyone who feels they "don't have what it takes"Whether you're a student, young professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting for the perfect plan and instead take action with what's already in your hands.

In this energising episode of Career Horizons, host Bennett Van Wyk sits down with creative power couple Eden Toohey-Ogle and Mario Ogle to explore how to transform your passion into a profitable, purpose-filled business.Whether you're a student with a side hustle, a creative trying to find your niche, or someone navigating how to turn your talent into a sustainable income stream — this conversation is packed with real stories, mindset shifts, and practical tools to help you take the next step.Together, we unpack:How to move from hobby to hustleFinding your creative lane and nicheThe mindset needed to monetise what you loveWhat to do when passion meets burnoutPractical starting points for launching your creative businessMeet the Guests:🎨 Eden Toohey-Ogle is a strategist and creative producer who has worked with brands like adidas Originals, Spotify, and STIHL. Her work is rooted in cultural intelligence, creative clarity, and deep respect for people and purpose. Eden is passionate about connecting the dots — from insight to idea, and from idea to action.🎤 Mario Ogle is a creative director with a strong pulse on youth and internet culture. With over a decade of experience, and a background as a recording artist, Mario builds culturally relevant campaigns that are both artistically authentic and commercially sound.Key Takeaways:You don't have to wait to be "ready" — start small and grow from where you are.Passion becomes profitable when you learn to treat it like a business.Finding your lane is a journey of self-awareness, experimentation, and community feedback.Burnout is real — staying inspired requires healthy boundaries and consistent rest.Monetising your gift doesn't mean selling out — it means showing up with clarity and courage.Resources & Links: 👉 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: @etdconsulting 📲 WhatsApp us: 084 564 1688 📩 Email: [email protected]Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to help others discover Career Horizons. Your creativity is worth investing in — and your next step might be closer than you think.🎧 Until next time — stay passionate, stay strategic, and keep moving toward your horizon.