From his early days in sales to running multiple ventures across coaching, tourism, property, and direct sales, Grant Sherwood has built a career centred on one powerful idea — that the foundation of every successful business lies in the mindset and identity of its leader.
With over 14 years of experience in people development and leadership coaching, he specialises in helping entrepreneurs achieve strategic growth through self-mastery and alignment. His philosophy is grounded in neuroscience and personal transformation, showing that when business owners develop themselves first, the results inevitably follow.
BizMag chats to Grant Sherwood about his personal journey, how self-development has shaped his success, and why it’s essential for business owners who want to accelerate their growth.
Q: Can you take us back to the beginning? What inspired your journey into business ownership?
When my son was born, I looked at my salary in sales and realised there was no way I could buy a house, a car, and put kids through school with what I was earning. That’s when I knew I had to make a massive jump — and starting my own business was the most probable way.
Initially, my motivation was purely financial, but over time it shifted towards impact. I started in direct sales, selling other companies’ products, which grew my belief that I could run any company. Today, I run multiple businesses, but my main focus is coaching people to unlock high levels of progress in their lives.
Q: What inspired you to become a coach to businesses in South Africa and beyond?
I got into this work full-time because of the transformation I experienced personally. I’ve seen firsthand that success is less about resources and more about removing limiting beliefs and internal friction. My mission is to help people tap into their full potential and turn it into meaningful impact.
I operate globally, using technology to help people everywhere. My clients gain certainty in themselves, their abilities, and their future — making their goals inevitable. Many have tripled their business size in months, created jobs, and positively impacted their communities.
Q: What impact do you see most often in the people you work with?
The biggest shifts I see are in self-image — from feeling limited or like a victim, to embracing unshakable confidence. When this alignment happens between beliefs, goals, and actions, their results start falling into place.
It’s about being in total alignment with who you are, what you want, and what you believe is possible. This creates a state where opportunities naturally come to you, and progress becomes inevitable.
Q: Why is personal development so important for business owners?
It’s vital for anyone who wants to grow quickly and sustainably. We only have one life to maximise our potential. When you focus on your limitations, face your weaknesses, and overcome them through intentional development, you can achieve your goals in a much shorter time.
The most significant growth in my businesses came when I immersed myself in personal development — it accelerated my business and personal life simultaneously.
Q: What challenges do you see in South Africa’s coaching space?
Every industry has challenges. I see them as opportunities to expand, grow, and stay prepared. Anticipating setbacks and having contingency plans is key. Challenges sharpen your strategy and thinking — the more you face, the stronger you become.
Q: What key lessons have you learned about leadership in this sector?
Most people don’t take enough action. They stick to routine thinking, which limits growth. Entrepreneurs often start thinking small when faced with challenges, which ingrains habits that slow progress.
Change equals growth, but you must believe you are destined to make that change — and consciously choose the hard path.
Q: What’s the biggest business challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Challenges are constant — from losing contracts to COVID disruptions and cash flow problems. I approach them the same way every time: first, I become grateful for the lesson. Next, I partner with someone who has the expertise to fast-track recovery. Finally, I take decisive action.
Gratitude and clear thinking free your mind from fear and position you to move forward.
Q: What personal challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
I’ve faced addiction, divorce, failed business ventures, and immigration challenges. The approach mirrors business: gratitude for the lesson, find guidance or mentorship, then take decisive action.
I believe challenges are fuel for growth — if approached correctly.
Q: Can you share three key business tips for entrepreneurs?
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Build Identity Before Strategy – Your identity sets the ceiling for what you can achieve.
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Obsess Over Leverage, Not Busywork – Focus on high-impact actions that make other tasks irrelevant.
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Master Emotional Leadership – Regulate your emotions; your team mirrors your state.
Q: And what about personal lessons that drive success?
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Commit to personal growth — your business will never outgrow your identity.
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Embrace the seasons of life — success ebbs and flows; use low points to recharge.
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Learn from challenges — they are your greatest growth catalysts.
Q: Do you support any causes or community initiatives?
I mentor and provide training through selected NGO programmes focused on entrepreneurship and leadership development. These initiatives help people overcome current challenges and unlock their innate potential.
Q: Who has inspired or mentored you along the way?
I draw inspiration from many mentors, books, and podcasts. A pivotal moment was attending a breakthrough seminar with Dr John Demartini. I now facilitate his method with clients to help them break limiting beliefs and embrace their true power.
Grant Sherwood continues to inspire entrepreneurs to redefine success through alignment, identity, and impact — proving that the greatest business growth begins with the person behind the vision.
