The Ridiculously Human Podcast RHP#116. Shaun Fuchs, Author, Educationalist, Speaker, Soldier, World Traveller, and Lifelong Entrepreneur
Author. Educationalist. Motivational Speaker. Soldier. World Traveller. Powerlifter. History Teacher. Lifelong Entrepreneur. Mentor. Leader. Buddy. Beloved Headmaster.
There are many empowering strengths that we rely on as humans, allowing us to have trust and faith in each other. We seek consistency in traits like honesty, level-headedness, compassion, kindness, love, acceptance and openness. If we can find these in other people, it gives us the confidence to accept them as part of our tribe, and to be the leaders amongst us.
Our guest this week, Shaun Fuchs, is a man who has spent his life in the firing line. Leadership, is something which comes naturally to him and is wired into his DNA.
For a man who loves the order and structure of institutions, Shaun Fuchs, is a difficult person to pigeon hole, besides the fact that he is a serious high achiever! Shaun is a dynamic teacher, a renowned water-polo coach, a beloved headmaster, a business leader…and a gay man who came of age when society was a lot more close-minded than it is today. Shaun’s wholeness as a human, his sincerity, authenticity, and openness, has provided the perfect platform to be the leader and mentor to 1,000s of people throughout his life.
Shaun joins us for his second appearance on the Podcast (his first one is here). Today we proudly speak to him about his first book - ‘Fush - A Story of Pride, Respect and Leadership’. His experience of writing a book was one of the most nourishing, fulfilling and healing things he has done. It has rekindled old relationships and connections, and reminded him what a privilege it is to be alive and have been surrounded by such great people.
In Fush, Shaun tells the story of his life which has been dedicated to changing the lives of others. From his early primary school days, having to learn to fight and protect himself and his brother, to his formative years at Jeppe High School, his time as an army infantry officer, to his life epoch as a powerlifter, and of course his memorable teaching career, Shaun has always had an irrepressible instinct to inspire others and to lead with a sense of calm and kindness no matter what the challenges.
And as a result of the hurdles he has had to leap along the way, whether life-affecting homophobia or other adversities, he has never victimised or bullied anyone because he knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of discrimination.
Shaun’s easy to read, fun and insightful book, is filled with many lessons in each chapter. It’s a story that encourages a world of greater diversity, more inclusive environments, and where everyone has space to be themselves, no matter what their cultural, ethnic, religious or sexual backgrounds are. It encourages us to look within, to find our self-belief, and to have the faith that it doesn't matter what the situation you find yourself in, you can always overcome the obstacles.
This is a memoir that will give you an opportunity to reflect on your own life, it will make you laugh, cry and reconsider what it truly means to live life to the fullest, and to lead by example.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Let’s find out what it means for Shaun Fuchs, to be Ridiculously Human.
Your fellow beings,
Craig and Gareth
SHOW NOTES
Background, Context & Reference
- Connect with Shaun Fuchs: Website | Instagram | FaceBook | LinkedIn |
- Shaun Fuchs book: Fush - A Story of Pride, Respect and Leadership
Other relevant points discussed and mentioned:
- Five Stages of Grief
- London Bombings 2005
- Anglo Boer War
- Afrikaners
- Jeppe High School
- Fourways High School
People Discussed
Places Mentioned
- Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Music By
- The Bambuseae Rhythm Section - Check them out here
- The Simon Van Gend Band - Check them out here
Right Hook Request
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