Insight for faithful work and leadership.
In his keynote speech, “live actively, wait expectantly,” Justin shares his personal and professional evolution from a motoring journalist to securing a coveted public relations role at Mercedes-Benz.
Drawing inspiration from his mentor, Andrew Baillie, who advised him to “live actively, wait expectantly,” the speaker framing success around the mindset of a farmer: one must till the soil, plant seeds, and work hard during dry seasons long before the rain falls.
His journey began in Witbank in 2010, taking photos and reviewing demo cars for local media. Over 13 years, he climbed the industry ladder, eventually test-driving 95% of new cars launched in South Africa. However, the 2020 pandemic brought sudden retrenchment. Rather than giving up, he used his established industry network to pivot into freelance and agency work.
Despite setback after setback – including high-profile final-round job rejections from both BMW and Mercedes-Benz – he persisted, refining his skills at a creative agency before taking a leap of faith to leave stable employment in early 2023.
When the Mercedes-Benz position reopened later that year, he approached the interview with total surrender, complete preparation, and a strong sense of self-worth. He landed the position and now represents the iconic 140-year-old automotive brand.
Justin concludes with key lessons for the audience:
Preparation precedes success: Do not mistake a temporary delay for a denial; focus on sharpening your skills during lean times.
Continuous effort: The work does not stop once success arrives; growth requires ongoing effort.
Faith and trust: Grounding his message with Proverbs 3:5-6, he encourages listeners to trust the journey, align with the right people, and actively prepare their fields for the rain to come.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
James 1:5
