World-record adventurer Chris Bertish will share how surviving 93 days alone at sea offers practical leadership lessons for business, resilience and decision-making under pressure.
The lessons that enabled Chris Bertish to survive 93 days alone on the Atlantic Ocean are set to take centre stage at Workshop17 Watershed in Cape Town later this month, where the world-record adventurer will explore how resilience, preparation and adaptability can help leaders navigate uncertainty in business and life.
Bertish will headline the latest Workshop Wednesday event on 26 August, presenting Maverick Waves to Atlantic Crossings, a live conversation examining the mindset required to perform when the stakes are at their highest.
Best known as a big-wave surfer and endurance adventurer, Bertish completed a 7,500-kilometre solo, unsupported and unassisted stand-up paddleboard crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, relying entirely on meticulous planning, disciplined execution and the ability to make critical decisions under extreme conditions.
While the journey unfolded in one of the world’s harshest environments, organisers believe the principles behind it have direct relevance for today’s business leaders.
The session will explore how preparation, calculated risk-taking, resilience and the ability to adapt when plans change are equally essential in boardrooms, entrepreneurial ventures and organisational leadership.
“Extreme expeditions leave little room for vague intentions,” said Penelope Meniere, Marketing Manager at Workshop17. “Chris had to study the risks, prepare for multiple scenarios and understand exactly how he would respond when conditions changed. Those principles have direct relevance for people making difficult decisions in business and life.”
Rather than focusing solely on the achievement itself, Bertish will unpack the months of preparation, contingency planning, self-management and mental discipline required before attempting one of the most demanding endurance expeditions ever completed.
The event also marks the first anniversary of Workshop Wednesday, the monthly speaker series that began at Workshop17 Ballito following an informal conversation with filmmaker Calvin Thompson. Since then, the initiative has grown into a platform for candid discussions with high achievers whose experiences offer practical lessons beyond their own industries.
Previous speakers have included Chasing the Sun director Greg Lomas, mountaineer Angela Yeung and Doolhof winemaker Rudger van Wyk, with broadcaster Craig Leppan serving as master of ceremonies.
The programme has since expanded to Workshop17 venues in Johannesburg and Cape Town while maintaining its informal, interactive format that encourages audience participation.
“This is not a conventional presentation,” said Meniere. “Guests have the opportunity to hear honest conversations about uncertainty, mistakes, difficult decisions and persistence, while asking questions and drawing lessons they can apply in their own lives.”
Beyond inspiring audiences, the event will also support social impact initiatives through the Chris Bertish Foundation.
All proceeds from ticket sales will contribute towards building a sustainable, circular-economy classroom for children in Northern Kenya while also funding global reforestation initiatives through the planting of thousands of trees.
“Every person in the room becomes part of the expedition,” Meniere said. “A ticket provides access to an extraordinary story while helping create a classroom, plant trees and support communities far beyond the venue.”
The event takes place from 17:00 to 19:00 on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at Workshop17 Watershed in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Tickets cost R50 for Workshop17 members and R100 for non-members, with wine and snacks included. Seating is limited.
