South African Business Matters presents “Entrepreneurship Matters,” a segment where we highlight South Africa’s innovative leaders who thrive on the challenges of business. In this interview, Johan van Greune, CEO of BooYaa Golf, shares insights on his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he has faced, and the strategies that keep him motivated.
South African Business Matters: Johan, you’ve led several businesses across a range of industries. What has driven you to pursue such diverse entrepreneurial ventures?
Johan van Greune: My entrepreneurial journey stems from a deep-seated passion for identifying opportunities and transforming them into successful ventures. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of founding and leading businesses across sports management, energy, and mining. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of innovative thinking and strategic leadership.
Even today, the thrill of building something from the ground up and seeing it flourish continues to drive me. There’s nothing quite like taking an idea and turning it into reality. However, it’s important to note that the entrepreneurial path is rarely smooth. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you face them that defines the journey.
South African Business Matters: What strategies do you use to stay motivated when faced with those inevitable challenges?
Johan: Staying motivated during tough times requires discipline and a clear focus on the facts. One strategy I rely on is breaking down my goals into daily tasks. This approach helps me maintain momentum and stay on track. When you’re faced with big challenges, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Tackling things one step at a time makes those obstacles more manageable.
For me, perseverance is key. Setbacks will happen—there’s no escaping that. But how you handle them is what determines your success. Personally, I’ve always been driven to push through obstacles and find solutions. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and ultimately grow stronger.
South African Business Matters: It sounds like resilience plays a big role in your approach to business. How do you inspire this same mindset in your team?
Johan: As a leader, I believe that motivating and inspiring my team is crucial to the success of any venture. I’ve found that fostering a positive and inclusive environment goes a long way in keeping the team motivated.
For example, every Monday, we have a team meeting that’s not just about business. It’s a time for us to check in on each other personally, celebrate birthdays, and share our challenges and successes. One of my favorite motivational tools is an excerpt from a well-known movie where the coach talks about the importance of fighting for every inch. That scene really resonates with me, and it serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, fighting side by side for the success of our venture.
South African Business Matters: It’s clear that building strong team morale is important to you. How do you maintain that energy and enthusiasm within your team over the long term?
Johan: Celebrating achievements is a crucial element of maintaining high morale within the team. Recognizing and rewarding hard work is essential for keeping motivation high. Whether it’s publicly acknowledging contributions, offering praise, or providing incentives, I make sure that everyone’s efforts are valued.
Of course, this goes beyond the big milestones. It’s equally important to celebrate the small victories and the personal growth of my team members. Often, these smaller successes are the true indicators of our progress as a team and as a business. When we can recognize these wins, it keeps everyone engaged and motivated to continue pushing forward.
South African Business Matters: Your approach seems to go beyond financial success. What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship?
Johan: You’re right—entrepreneurship isn’t just about achieving financial success. It’s about the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, the joy of building something meaningful, and the fulfillment that comes from leading a team toward a common goal.
One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the growth that comes after overcoming challenges. Not just the growth of the business, but also the personal and professional growth of the people around me. It’s fulfilling to know that, as a team, we’re constantly evolving and learning from every step of the journey.
South African Business Matters: Let’s talk about BooYaa Golf. What inspired you to create this brand, and what makes it stand out in the golf apparel industry?
Johan: BooYaa Golf was founded out of a passion for the game and a desire to bring something fresh to the golf community. I co-founded BooYaa with Ruan Lotz, and together, we wanted to offer golfers stylish and functional gear that enhances their experience both on and off the course.
The name “BooYaa” was inspired by the thrill of golf’s great moments—the joy you feel when you sink a putt or hit a perfect drive. We’re dedicated to innovation and quality, and we’re challenging the status quo in the golf apparel market. Our goal is to create a brand that’s not only functional but also fun and relatable for golfers of all levels.
South African Business Matters: Johan, thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s been inspiring to hear about your approach to entrepreneurship and your vision for BooYaa Golf. We look forward to seeing what’s next for you and your team!
