Candid Conversations with Charles Hsuan from Flying Kite

Hosted by Charles Hsuan

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Jun 2025

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If you're listening to the Candid Conversations podcast, it means you're ready to take a big step forward in your business. We bring industry experts onto our show to share valuable information with you. We believe business owners are the true investors in our economy, and that's why we're here. https://flyingkite.co.za/

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June 23, 202536 min

#89 From Bank Vaults to Prison Gates: Brad Sadler’s Redemption Story

At the height of his corporate banking career, Brad Sadler had it all—title, influence, and respect. But with each decision, the lines blurred… until the day they didn’t. In 1994, Brad was arrested for fraud, accused of defrauding a bank of R70 million. Denial, shame, and a four-year court case followed. And then—prison.In this raw and redemptive episode, Brad sits down with Charles to share what truly happened: how small compromises led to a complete downfall, what life inside a South African prison was like, and how he rebuilt not just his life—but his purpose.You’ll hear about the “guard dogs” he ignored—policies and procedures designed to protect, but gradually silenced by success and pressure. You’ll also hear how humour, faith, and handwritten letters helped him survive behind bars—and how he maintained his marriage and sanity during a sentence that nearly broke him.Brad doesn’t sugarcoat prison. He shares stories of danger, courage, kindness in unexpected places, and lessons from unlikely teachers—like an inmate named “2 Rand” and a trickster called “Shortcut.” Each story reveals hard truths about value, shortcuts, and the cost of ignoring the small barks before the big bite.Now a pastor at GraceHill Family Church, Brad helps others avoid the path he once took. He also works to transform lives—whether through education in prison or powerful conversations like this one.If you’ve ever faced pressure to bend the rules, or wondered if someone can truly rebuild after failure—this episode is for you.

June 17, 202532 min

#87 Robin Nathaniel- From Rap to TEDx: How Robin Turned Rejection Into a Redemptive Talk That Changed Lives

What does freestyling in a rap battle have in common with delivering a TEDx talk? More than you think.In this powerful episode, Charles sits down with Robin to explore how the rhythm of hip-hop helped him find his voice on the world’s most respected stages. But this isn’t just a story about performance. It’s about purpose, perseverance, and personal transformation.Robin shares how chasing his dream of joining Wu-Tang Clan in the ’80s shaped his confidence as a speaker decades later. You’ll learn how a chance encounter at an art festival led to his first TEDx opportunity — and how helping others go viral eventually opened the door for his voice to be heard.But not everything went as planned...Tune in to find out what happened. 🎧 Listen now and discover what rap, resilience, and redemptive storytelling can teach you about finding — and landing — your voice.🔗 Learn more about Robin at landthetalk.com

May 5, 2025Episode 8640 min

#86 From Surfboards to Strategy- Keith Fairhurst Journey to Profitable Purpose

Meet Keith Fairhurst. He wasn’t born into business. In fact, he grew up in a family shaped by war and frugality—his parents from the working-class streets of Liverpool during WWII, later starting fresh in South Africa in the 1950s.Back then, the dream was simple: Get a stable job, stick with it for 40 years, and retire with a pension. But Keith’s dream? It started with a surfboard.At 13, Keith wanted to ride the waves—not just metaphorically, but literally. So, he found a way to fund it. Leatherwork was booming, so he learned the craft, made belts and bags by hand, and sold them at school. His first lesson? You can turn your curiosity into cash.That experiment led to a bigger idea: test small, learn fast, and never wait for permission.From leather belts to national marketing roles, to building and selling companies—Keith’s path is anything but linear. He’s lived the scrappy start-up grind and the corporate climb. But through it all, one insight stayed true: Selling isn’t just a skill—it’s the heartbeat of every great business.Today, Keith helps founders who are great at what they do but struggle to sell what they’re worth. This episode unpacks the truth behind the 94% of businesses that fail to sell—and what you can do to make sure you're not one of them.

April 8, 2025Episode 8527 min

#85 What every franchise owner should know but often doesn’t with Laurette Pienaar

In this episode, Charles welcomes franchise finance expert Laurette Pienaar from Finco Select to the mic to break down what every franchise owner should know but often doesn’t.If you're thinking about becoming a franchisee—or already own one or more stores—this episode will save you time, stress, and money. Laurette, explains why franchising has evolved and why the old one-store model no longer cuts it.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why 70%+ of franchisees now own multiple storesWhat banks really need to see to approve financeWhy understanding industry jargon can save your businessThe one question franchisees should ask before joining a brandHow packaging finance deals properly can unlock growthYou’ll also hear how Laurette's company helps franchisors, franchisees, and banks speak the same language—literally. From end-to-end support, cash flow advice, and even training for banks, this is the episode that reveals how funding a franchise actually works.Listen now if you’re ready to build a saleable, scalable franchise business.

March 28, 2025Episode 8427 min

#84 Candid Conversations: Prina Shah, Work isn’t just about a paycheck—it shapes lives, families, and communities

Prina Shah believes work isn’t just about money—it’s about impact. She shares how her father’s experience as a migrant worker influenced her HR career and later, her book, Make Work Meaningful. In this episode, she and Charles explore the power of leadership, trust, and patience in culture-building. Plus, Prina reveals how she turned her book into a tool for business growth.

January 27, 2025Episode 8334 min

#83 Candid Conversations: John Watson Faith, Gifts, and Serving Others

“I’ve yet to meet anyone who can hit a golf ball further than me,” claims John Watson. Well, I say, challenge him to a longest-drive competition! From growing up as a pastor’s kid, working retail jobs, handing out flyers, and waitering to fund his chartered accountant degree, John never imagined he’d become self-employed or host The Right Place Podcast and Clara Business Network. What changed? In this episode, we talk about common financial mistakes business owners make, how fatherhood impacts families, and why networking is more valuable than you think. A quick shoutout to Chris Fenning and Rudolf Rautenbach for reconnecting us after more than 20 years.

December 2, 2024Episode 8237 min

#82 Candid Conversations: Kimlynn Temple | Turning Frustration into Purpose: The Tipped Story

Ever been stuck without cash to tip? Kimlynn Temple turned that frustration into Tipped—a cashless tipping platform that’s lifting incomes for service workers by 40%. In this episode, Kimlynn opens up about her journey as a faith-driven entrepreneur. Tipt isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating dignity and financial inclusion, especially for underserved communities. We’ll talk about the hurdles she’s faced, from moments of doubt to constant product innovation, and how her focus on purpose has guided her through it all. Get ready for an uplifting chat on leadership, innovation, and the power of staying true to your mission. Kimlynn’s insights will leave you inspired to think bigger about making a difference.

November 27, 2024Episode 8120 min

#81 Wait, I am in sales?? Charles Hsuan 5fm Weekend Breakfast | CAREER CRAZY | Story selling sales coach

Choosing a career like sales coaching wasn't even on the school's radar when I picked my subjects.It's not something you can study at university either. But here's the twist: my Commercial Law lecture unknowingly planted a seed in me.That little nudge set me on a path I never saw coming. It just shows that sometimes the most unexpected moments shape our future the most.

November 6, 2024Episode 8029 min

#80 Candid Conversations: Jordaan Jacobs | The power of intentional habits

On today’s Candid Conversations, Charles Hsuan and Jordaan Jacobs discuss what it truly takes to make a business thrive—beyond the bottom line. Jordaan opens up about his career transition, the systems thinking that guides his approach to problem-solving, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. They talk about the power of intentional habits, strategic partnerships, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. Tune in to hear how Jordaan is helping companies grow sustainably and how he’s shifting his focus from personal success to empowering others for lasting change.

August 16, 202431 min

#79 Candid conversations: GG Alcock KasiNomics |The Trillion Rand market you didn’t know existed

Imagine growing up in a Zulu community while being white—your views and experiences would be unique compared to those around you. Over time, you realize these unique insights can be valuable, and you start a business called "Minanawe Marketing" (which means "You and Me"). Along the way, you also educate others about the Township economy (KasiNomic) and give back to the community that raised you. This is the journey GG Alcock shared with me. He's the author of 'Born White Zulu Bred,' 'KasiNomic Revolution,' 'KasiNomics,' and 'Third World Child.' Join us as GG challenges myths about KasiNomics, explains what it means to be an 'Economic activist,' and shares how he shifted Capitec's CEO Gerrie Fourie’s way of thinking. Enjoying the conversation? Be sure to rate, comment, and subscribe.