FRED | ROED

Fred Roed.

Founder and CEO of Heavy Chef, a platform for entrepreneurs. Writer. Presenter. Speaker. Father of three. Living the #entrepreneurlife. Winner of the 2015 IAB Bookmarks Award for "Best Individual Contribution to the Digital Industry". Listed as one of Fast Company's Top 100 Creative People in Business. Author of 'Heavy Chef Guide To Starting A Business In South Africa'. My name means ‘peace’ in Danish.

Divine Intervention

Apr 27

Apr 27 Divine Intervention

This is a story of a surprising friendship that sprung up in the midst of COVID-19.

The Human Rights Challenge In South Africa

Mar 24

Mar 24 The Human Rights Challenge In South Africa

All entrepreneurship is social entrepreneurship. Dr. Rethabile Sonibara of Molo Mhlaba School in Khayelitsha is an example of an individual that is choosing to make a difference in her community.

A Tale Of Two Images: What Has South Africa Learned In 50 Years?

Jun 16

Jun 16 A Tale Of Two Images: What Has South Africa Learned In 50 Years?

A single grainy black and white photograph taken by activist photographer Sam Nzima was a powerful domino in the eventual undoing of Apartheid.

My Top 10 Albums Of All Time

Apr 12

Apr 12 My Top 10 Albums Of All Time

More than anything else, music has a way of locking in the seasons in my life and pairing them with visceral, lasting emotions. These are 10 albums that have defined me.

Apr 12

Apr 12 Framework

In order to survive the most challenging periods of my journey, I realised that I need a strong framework. This refers to the choices that I make in response to the challenges.

Why I Choose To Believe In A Christian God

Apr 11

Apr 11 Why I Choose To Believe In A Christian God

I don’t believe in an inerrant Bible, but I believe it holds truth. There are clues that I’ve observed that lead me to believe in a Christian God.

The Meaning Of Life (No, Seriously)

Feb 23

Feb 23 The Meaning Of Life (No, Seriously)

In my work sphere, made up mostly of mad scientists, I see people struggling daily, trying to figure out what it’s all about. I believe the answer is really simple.

The Worst Business Idea Ever

Dec 17

Dec 17 The Worst Business Idea Ever

The gadget was taped together with various tubes sticking out from it. He held up the plastic intestine high above him and pronounced “This is the future of toys”.

The Prosecutor And Mr Mandela

Nov 30

Nov 30 The Prosecutor And Mr Mandela

Like many South Africans, I know the story of the Rivonia Trial. However, I did not know about the ‘other’ trial, the transcript of which leads to an unforgettable lesson.

Retire A Little

Nov 30

Nov 30 Retire A Little

Life is so rich in adventure, yet we get so caught up in our daily lives that we neglect to enjoy it.

How To Lead A Team Of Grumpy Programmers

Oct 14

Oct 14 How To Lead A Team Of Grumpy Programmers

My team used to call the developer room ‘Mordor’. The door to Mordor was shut most of the time, an indicator of division in our ranks.

What Does Heritage Mean?

Sep 24

Sep 24 What Does Heritage Mean?

It’s Heritage Day here in South Africa today. It’s a day to think deeply about empathy in this cruel, crazy, beautiful country we live in.

Early Morning Walk On A Barrydale Farm

Sep 22

Sep 22 Early Morning Walk On A Barrydale Farm

My skin pulsates as crisp needles penetrate my foot. The cold cuts cleanly through the sub-cutaneous layers in glistening steel slivers.

What Does Leadership Mean?

Jun 12

Jun 12 What Does Leadership Mean?

In today's world, the question of leadership is becoming increasingly important. We’re confronted by challenges that we’re not used to.

Fear And Desire

May 21

May 21 Fear And Desire

The building blocks of life are simple - fear and desire. However, the truth at the end of it is that most of these consequences don’t exist.

The Learn, Do, Share Feedback Loop

May 10

May 10 The Learn, Do, Share Feedback Loop

It’s good to have a plan with a clear idea of where you’re going. You also have to be open to change.

The Socrates Method

May 9

May 9 The Socrates Method

The process of poking holes in an idea or an assumption and iterating accordingly is not new.

Apr 5

Apr 5 Be Like Leo

Entrepreneurs tackle life with as much energy, gumption and chutzpah as they can muster. This is the ‘Leonardo DiCaprio Principle’.

Start With Feelings. Finish With Facts.

Apr 7

Apr 7 Start With Feelings. Finish With Facts.

Feelings are important, more often than not they reveal something critical. - but the facts then ensure you don’t do/say stupid things.

Ideas Are Not Precious

Apr 7

Apr 7 Ideas Are Not Precious

Too many people think the idea is the thing. Believe me, it’s not.