A Hijacking, a Crossroads, Fear of the unknown and A New Beginning: How Fear Led to a Life Beyond Imagination

Mar 16

3 min read

Beachfront cityscape with surfers in the ocean, high-rise buildings in the background, and a clear blue sky. Tranquil and sunny atmosphere. — A breathtaking scene of Durban's beachfront in South Africa, featuring the city's remarkable skyline set against a clear blue sky, as surfers ride the waves.

The evening of the hijacking in Durban, South Africa, in 2002 remains etched in my memory. What started as a routine drive home turned into a life-altering event when I was suddenly surrounded by eight gunmen as I exited my vehicle. At gunpoint, they forced me to provide them entry into my home, where my family was inside. What followed was 45 minutes of sheer terror—not knowing what harm would come to my loved ones as the gunmen ransacked our house, taking everything of value. It wasn’t until I heard my vehicle driving away in the distance, packed with stolen goods, that I realized the nightmare was over. The fear and uncertainty of that night sparked a chain of decisions that would transform not only my life but that of my family as well.

At the time, I had a stable career and a comfortable life in South Africa, but that experience shattered any illusion of security. The hijacking forced me to reevaluate everything. Could I continue living in an environment where such dangers were part of daily life? Was there an opportunity beyond what I had known? The answers led me to take a bold step—a work opportunity in Qatar and Dubai.

Modern skyscrapers with green-tinted glass rise against a clear blue sky, framed by palm trees. Some building logos are visible. — Skyscrapers and palm trees adorn the vibrant business skyline of Doha, Qatar under a clear blue sky.

Moving to the Middle East was not an easy decision. It meant leaving behind the familiar and stepping into a world vastly different from what I had known. The cultural shift was significant, and the professional landscape was challenging. However, those difficulties became stepping stones rather than obstacles. I quickly adapted, learning to navigate the complexities of international business and gaining insights into how different cultures approach problem-solving, leadership, and innovation.

What I hadn’t anticipated was how this move would expand my global horizons. The exposure to new ways of thinking and working fueled my ambition and opened doors I hadn’t even known existed. More importantly, it provided my family with opportunities beyond what we had ever imagined. The decision to embrace change, initially driven by fear, turned into one of the best choices I had ever made.

One such opportunity was relocating to Canada, a move that offered my family a sense of security and stability that had once seemed out of reach. In Canada, I joined Royal Dutch Shell, where my experiences in the Middle East gave me a unique perspective. I led project teams and drove organizational change across North America and Europe, applying lessons learned from my international experiences to create impact on a much larger scale.

Looking back, the hijacking in Durban was a turning point—a catalyst for change that I might never have embraced otherwise. It forced me out of my comfort zone and into a world where resilience, adaptability, and courage became my greatest assets. Through the uncertainty, I found growth, and through the challenges, my family found opportunities beyond our wildest dreams. It is a testament to how life’s most difficult moments can sometimes be the push we need to create a future we never thought possible.

Person stands arms outstretched on a mountain peak, overlooking vast mountains and forest. Wearing a black jacket, exuding freedom. — Standing triumphantly atop a mountain, a man embraces the vast landscape, symbolizing resilience and the triumph over life's challenges.

For anyone facing challenges that seem insurmountable, know that hardship often brings with it hidden opportunities. It may not seem that way in the moment, but stepping beyond your comfort zone and embracing the unknown can lead to a life richer in experience and fulfillment. Difficult moments have a way of testing our resilience, but they also force us to innovate, adapt, and take control of our own destinies.

If you are at a crossroads, facing uncertainty, or struggling with fear of the unknown, remind yourself that progress often requires discomfort. The willingness to take risks, explore new opportunities, and maintain a determined mindset can open doors you never even knew existed. It is in these moments of challenge that we find our greatest strengths and uncover paths that lead to a brighter and better future.

By choosing to move forward despite fear, by daring to dream of something greater, and by embracing change with courage, you can transform your life in ways you never imagined. Your challenges do not define you—your response to them does. And in that response lies the potential to shape a future beyond your wildest dreams.