Hi, I’m Bency Goldman.
I was born into a Hasidic American-Russian family as the last of 11 children, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the age of 18 I left home and country to pursue a very different life from the one prescribed to me. Without an education or network, I hustled my way into different jobs and industries, finally settling on tech startups, before starting my own company. My internal narrative was "Get rich and then your life begins" (and of course, all your problems will go away). Unsurprisingly, this plan never worked. After being totally burned out, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and on the verge of destroying my life - I knew I had to make a radical change.
Being a bit of an extremist, my personal transformation journey included every aspect of life (mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical). It was gruelling and at times gruesome. But I healed. I became the person I truly deep down wanted to be, and living the life I wanted to live. I was fortunate to be able to have access to many fantastic health and wellness professionals and resources, however through the process, what I learned is that all the answers are within, and the inner work is what needs to be done to get through to the other side. There is no escaping it.
Through this process, I also found my passion for coaching. After breaking down my old habits and beliefs and creating a new person, I couldn't help but share the secrets to a well-balanced life filled with meaning and purpose.
There is a notion that we have to suffer immensely in order to create greatness. That we have to sacrifice it all. I tried that way, and I can tell you - it does not work sustainably. I thought I'd delay personal wellness and development till after I exit my company, I will pursue my creative passions after I get rich. When in reality, the health of your company is directly related to your health and mental clarity. If your energy is sapped, if your joy and vitality are nowhere to be found - how should your company or project be full of energy and gain traction?
We all know life's too short to be spending your time on the wrong things, with the wrong people, or without optimal health and wellness, but few take the time and effort to prioritize it. We are consumed by the 'matrix' of the modern world, and the external pressure for constant productivity.
Coaching was the thing that truly moved the needle for me when it came to my personal development and transformation. And trust me, I tried it all. My coaches helped me to develop true self-belief and confidence, change my internal dialogue, embrace my weirdness and uniqueness fully, identify the strengths in my 'weaknesses', and start living the life I dreamed of way sooner than I ever thought possible.
In the age-old journey of life - the most epic journey of all is the one toward self-actualization. To discover what it is you were brought here to do and be. This is the sh*t that gets me going. Nothing fires me up more than when I see people's lives transform, and I consider it a great honour to be a part of that process.
Why Coaching?
“Being a deep and introspective person, I have always been a truth-seeker. Ironically growing up I was exposed to the many mystical teachings within Judaism, yet over the past few years I have spent tens of thousands of dollars travelling and searching for various wisdoms and philosophies to explain the great mysteries of life. I have attempted various therapies, and modes of living - yet once again, coaching seems to be the most effective process for uncovering and awakening our individual purpose and clarity. It always seems to help me to get to the next level of whatever stage of life I am in. I do not doubt that the self-inspired insights that emerge during coaching calls originate from the depths of our souls.”
My Other Work
Luxury Wellness Safaris
Blending my passion for wellness, transformation and African wildlife - I created Africovery as a vehicle for two main purposes; 1. Get people from all over the world to experience the healing magic and tranquillity of Africa, and 2. Contribute to the fight against Rhino-poaching. It also allows me to help curate epic safari retreats with world-leading coaches and brands.
Product Innovation
Leaning on my 10+ years of experience in tech, product design and startups - I help organizations to build their innovation strategies from a creative, yet data-driven approach. With a core focus on product development, and a secondary focus on strategic initiatives that align with new business growth.
“The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart”