Welcome to this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this wide-ranging conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with Gordon Reid, a Durban-based financial advisor, endurance enthusiast, and community fundraiser. From five surgeries at 40 to finishing Comrades and running 100 km through a game reserve, Gordon shares how a midlife reset turned into a mission: build health, set goals, and use endurance challenges to raise money and momentum for causes that matter. This episode explores personal values, authentic branding, and why accountability and...
Welcome to this episode of the Thoughtonomy Podcast! In this wide-ranging conversation, host Grant Gavin sits down with Gordon Reid, a Durban-based financial advisor, endurance enthusiast, and community fundraiser. From five surgeries at 40 to finishing Comrades and running 100 km through a game reserve, Gordon shares how a midlife reset turned into a mission: build health, set goals, and use endurance challenges to raise money and momentum for causes that matter. This episode explores personal values, authentic branding, and why accountability and action trump motivation.
Gordon Reed is a Durbanite, husband and father of two, and a Discovery financial advisor. Known for rallying support around charities, from CHOC’s “Cows” to conservation initiatives with SANParks Honorary Rangers and Project Rhino, Gordon calls himself an “average guy doing extreme challenges.” His approach blends community, accountability, and practical goal setting, whether he’s training for Comrades, leading in BNI, or advising families on life and health cover.
Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone looking for a reset, this episode is a reminder that health is wealth, goals need to be written down, and authenticity is the strongest personal brand.
⏱ Timestamped Overview
00:40 – Intro: Gordon’s background, family, and financial advising.
02:11 – First philanthropy: joining CHOC’s “Cows” after surgeries.
03:23 – Conservation focus: Comrades for Rangers, Rhino Peak Challenge.
04:34 – Midlife reset: fitness journey and “average guy” challenges.
06:29 – Confidence through extreme events and consistent training.
07:52 – Family fuel: daughters on the route and bracelet motivation.
10:23 – Reframing exercise as a privilege, not an obligation.
11:34 – Comrades community, public accountability, inspiration.
13:37 – Everyone has a story: lessons from top performers.
15:16 – Starting hard, momentum builds results over time.
16:39 – Values as a compass for decisions and reducing anxiety.
19:46 – Self-worth, authenticity, and credibility online/offline.
21:47 – Growth mindset: 1% better daily, stretching in business.
22:23 – Career pivot at 47: new studies, life, and health cover.
23:40 – Valuing money: safety, opportunity, and lifestyle goals.
24:27 – Philanthropy: pick a cause, give time, track impact.
25:38 – Supporting tier-2/3 charities and focused giving.
26:50 – Saying no and joining the Run for Rangers story.
28:33 – Recognition: Comrades medal, Advisor of the Year award.
30:18 – Writing down goals and committing to action.
31:32 – Five-year lookback: sliding doors and best decisions.
33:17 – Connecting the dots and seizing opportunities.
35:18 – Health is wealth: stress, loss, and urgency of action.
36:34 – Putting yourself first to serve others better.
💬 Quote of the Episode
“Health is the New Wealth.” – Gordon Reid
👣 Relevant Links
LinkedIn: Gordon Reid - Discovery Financial Advisor, Vitality Integration Specialist and Commercial Insurance Broker | LinkedIn
Facebook: Gords Reid | Facebook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckygordy_/
Gordon Reid FGro Website: Gordon Reid | FGro
Run for Rangers Website: Home Page - Run For Rangers
Endangered Wildlife Trust Website: EWT Home - Endangered Wildlife Trust
CHOC / The Cows Charity Website: The Cows - The Cows
Jesse Itzler (All Day Running) Website: All Day Running Co. – AllDayRunningCo
🌐 Connect with Thoughtonomy
Grant Gavin Website: https://grantgavin.com/
Thoughtonomy Website: https://thoughtonomybook.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant_gavin0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggavin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gavin-9a120a4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoughtonomy_Book
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