Quinton van der Burgh

South Africa, its people and resources have contributed to his success and he believes it’s his moral obligation to return the favor. In doing so, van der Burgh has founded the QVDB Foundation in hopes of making a difference to the people of South Africa and in doing so inspire others to do the same. “It is my mission to help our people and I am always on the look-out for new ventures that boast great potential, whether it be economical or for the greater good. Our current projects range from building wells in underprivileged areas to development centers, focusing on providing individuals with skills they will need to go out into the workplace”, says van der Burgh.

Quinton van der Burgh has taken it upon himself to go beyond the clean water crisis and assist fellow South Africans with the QVDB Foundation Initiative, #ActofGenerosity. He hopes to help as many South Africans as possible with this initiative by lightening their financial burdens out of his own pocket.

Talking with Quinton van der Burgh provided me many opportunities for inspiration and “ah ha” moments. I’m thrilled to share with you our conversation and hope you’ll come away with nuggets on how you can live your best life.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TIM HULME. COLOURIST AYRTON PORTOLAN.

William Jackson: Tell us about South Africa.

Quinton van der Burgh: South Africa is a dynamic country, filled with a fascinating mixture of people. Although, there’s an evident ‘dark cloud’ of a slowing economy, unemployment, and political allegations hanging over South Africa, I’m constantly impressed with our people’s diversity, resilience, and positive power as a remarkable rainbow nation.

William: At the age of seven, you informed your father you would become an entrepreneur. How did you know?

Quinton: As a child, not having pocket money handed to me every week, I found myself selling sweets to my fellow students and friends, which taught me the value of money. I knew then I was driven to earn my way through life by dealing with people, networking, and creating solid business relationships.

William: When you dreamed the dream, what did the dream look like?

Quinton: In a forever evolving and unstructured world, my dreams have sometimes had to adapt accordingly. Not being one to conform to the norm, I’ve always dreamed big and set challenges for myself to exceed everyone’s, but most importantly, my own expectations. Many of my dreams have come to fruition due to determination, resilience, and surrounding myself with like-minded people who share the same missions and vision as I do. Today, I can say, my one dream that still remains, is to create and leave behind a legacy for the greater good of our people.

Today, I can say, my one dream that still remains, is to create and leave behind a legacy for the greater good of our people."

William: Throughout your journey, what motivates you to follow your dreams?

Quinton: It’s one thing achieving personal dreams and the satisfaction thereafter; however, focusing my energy on those in need around me and making an evident difference in people’s lives who need it most, motivates me to continuously grow in order to continue doing so.

William: When you think about your family history, what are your favorite memories?

Quinton: As you can imagine, being brought up with two older brothers, my household environment was filled with fun chaos and good memories... there was never a dull moment.

William: Do you believe we all have an inborn purpose we were born to fulfill?

Quinton: I believe we all have a purpose in this world; however, it’s up to an individual to make that one choice to go out there and search for it and make it a reality. For me, the ultimate purpose and pleasure in life, is helping to identify capabilities and purpose of others and being a part of that journey.

William: What is the best way you’ve discovered to tap into our essence and subsequently into our success?

Quinton: Reflecting on my own success is great; however, changing people’s lives is not only charitable, but also changing the lives of the people who work closely with and for me, is greater. I strongly believe in the encouragement and recognition of those who are loyal and dedicated to the same beliefs, mission, and vision as I’m dedicated to.

I believe we all have a purpose in this world; however, it’s up to an individual to make that one choice to go out there and search for it and make it a reality."

William: How do you know you’re on the right path?

Quinton: When you wake up every single day with the same drive and will to grow with conviction and passion, I believe one is on the right path.

William: How do you deal with challenges that may present themselves on your path forward?

Quinton: I’m faced with an array of challenges on a daily basis, but have always dealt with them with a level-head and positive mindset.

William: Do you believe we’re all unlimited in our capacity and consciousness for impact?

Quinton: Making a positive impact isn’t limited by any boundaries, whatsoever. What is a positive impact for one, may not be for another. I believe making a positive impact is about realizing one’s limits and aiming to succeed and making an impact within them.

William: What are your favorite principles?

Quinton: Choose better. Do better. Be better.

William: How do you create a personal life?

Quinton: I’ve always believed in the motto “Work Hard, Play Hard”. I’ve aimed to always live a balanced life, by committing to traveling as much as possible, as I believe traveling makes one wealthy.

William: Do you have a favorite possession?

Quinton: I’ve always had a passion and appreciation for sports cars and the workmanship and detail that go behind creating a masterpiece. So, I would say my Ferrari 488 is my favorite possession at the moment.

William: A favorite quote?

Quinton: This would be from one of my sports idols. Muhammad Ali said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”.

William: What is the role of Philanthropy?

Quinton: In an economic and socially evolving world, commitment, transparency, and accountability are vital as a leader to create change and inspire others to follow suit.

Ten years from now, I will be... The next president of a country that will allow me to be one."

William: What’s the lesson that has taken you the longest to learn?

Quinton: That “Rome wasn’t built in a day”; thus, big dreams, true success, and a solid foundation to build your dreams on, takes time and patience.

William: What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Quinton: “Don’t ALWAYS trust your gut feeling on a transaction - it’s not always correct.”

William: How do you ground and center yourself?

Quinton: I enjoy escaping the chaos to reflect and revitalize with some downtime by myself, whether it be at the gym, going to a movie or in the comfort of my own home.

William: What’s your definition of success?

Quinton: For me, success has a number of different elements. It can be having achieved specific goals. The satisfaction of a job well done can also be the recognition of that achievement by others. Ultimately, success is a constant motivator for me and to contribute the best of my ability to all I do.

William: People who know you well use what adjectives to describe you?

Quinton: Focused, effective leader, and compassionate.

William: What do you believe is the most important innovation today?

Quinton: The smartphone. It says it all in one word - it’s one’s mobile office, in one’s pocket.

William: How do you choose what you’re going to do next?

Quinton: If it’s something that inspires me and will make me grow in any form, then it has my interest.

William: Fill in this blank. Ten years from now, the world will be…

Quinton: What we make it to be.

William: Ten years from now, I will be ...

Quinton: The next president of a country that will allow me to be one.

William: Is your life what you expected?

Quinton: MORE!!!!

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED AND WRITTEN BY WILLIAM JACKSON, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOHN RUSSO.

QUINTON VAN DER BURGH IS THE PRESIDENT OF GENEROSITY WATER GLOBAL.