JOHAN de VILLIERS

Life is the ultimate adventure

7 SUMMITS, 1 WOMAN: MANDY RAMSDEN'S CLIMB OUT OF THE ORDINARY

What does it really take to become the first South African woman to conquer all Seven Summits? In this episode of the JDV Podcast, Mandy Ramsden shares the reality behind trading a high-pressure finance career in Johannesburg for the highest peaks on every continent — including Everest. From brutal altitude and bone-deep cold to the mental battle of pushing past every limit she thought she had, every summit had a purpose: proving that a bigger life is still there for the taking, no matter how late you think it is to start. Listen here

August 04, 2026

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Who is Johan de Villiers?

Johan de Villiers is not your average CEO. As the visionary leader of First Technology Western Cape, an award-winning IT provider in South Africa, he’s known for his unorthodox leadership style that blends razor-sharp business acumen with a relentless thirst for adventure. Whether navigating through the dense African jungle, piloting helicopters, scaling some of the world’s highest mountains or leading high-stakes boardroom meetings, Johan lives by his mantra: "Have more fun, take more risks, and be more substantial in somebody’s life."

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Johan de Villiers gaining his pilots license

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Testimonials

"The greatest thing we can do in life is to surround ourselves with successful people, success is not only about me, it is about you, Johan, Kim, and everyone else"

Peter van Kets

Professional, Endurance Adventurer

"Adventure isn't a luxury. It's a mindset... it begins long before the journey — with mindset, curiosity, and the courage to go further than comfort allows."

Scott Brady

Executive Publisher, Overland Collective

"The journey begins when you put in the key and turn it. And when you've turned the key, it's amazing where the magic comes from. Amazing where the energy, the sense of purpose all happens because you were brave enough to make that decision to turn the key."

Kingsley Holgate

Global Overlander

"Expeditions put you in overwhelming situations — and when you have no prior experience with that, they can be debilitating. They feel like an end point. I see adventure as a way of building the skills to deal with things that don't work out, to deal with failure, physical hardship, and mental stress. It's a proving ground."

Eric Larsen

Polar Explorer

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