What 93 days alone at sea can teach business leaders about surviving a storm

World-record adventurer Chris Bertish brings lessons from giant waves and an unsupported Atlantic crossing to Workshop17 Watershed this August

For 93 days, Chris Bertish was alone on the Atlantic Ocean.

There was no support boat beside him, no crew to take over when exhaustion struck and no convenient exit when conditions turned against him. Each decision carried consequences. Preparation, judgement and the ability to keep moving became matters of survival.

On Wednesday, 26 August, the big-wave surfer and world-record adventurer will bring those lessons ashore at Workshop17 Watershed in Cape Town for “Maverick Waves to Atlantic Crossings”, a live conversation examining what it takes to perform when the stakes are at their highest.

Bertish will share the research, planning and mental discipline behind his 7 500km solo, unsupported and unassisted stand-up paddleboard crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, completed over 93 days.

From sporting endurance to business performance

His story may have unfolded at sea, but the qualities behind it are the same ones that often carry elite sportspeople into successful business careers: discipline, resilience, calculated risk-taking, relentless preparation and the ability to make clear decisions under pressure. These are also the qualities demanded of anyone leading a company, managing a team or pursuing an ambitious goal.

How do you prepare for circumstances you cannot control? What allows someone to make sound decisions while under sustained pressure? And when the original plan begins to unravel, how do you adapt without losing sight of the destination?

“Extreme expeditions leave little room for vague intentions,” says 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.”

Bertish has built an international career from experiences few people would willingly attempt. He has faced giant waves, won the prestigious Mavericks big-wave surfing competition and completed record-setting ocean expeditions.

At Workshop Wednesday, he will move past the polished highlight reel to examine the work that takes place before an ambitious goal is pursued: the preparation, contingency planning, self-management and daily choices that allow a person to continue when physical and mental reserves are running low.

A year of candid conversations

The event coincides with Workshop Wednesday marking its first anniversary. The monthly series began at Workshop17 Ballito after a chance conversation with filmmaker Calvin Thompson, who visited the newly opened workspace. An exchange of ideas developed into an intimate talk series built around candid conversations with people whose experiences offer practical lessons well outside their own fields.

Over the past year, audiences have heard “Chasing the Sun” director Greg Lomas speak about the human stories behind one of South Africa’s most compelling sporting documentaries, climbed Everest through the experiences of Angela Yeung and explored the craft of wine with Doolhof winemaker Rudger van Wyk, all MC’d by Craig Leppan.

The programme has since expanded from Ballito to Workshop17 venues in Johannesburg and Cape Town, retaining the informal format that first gave it character.

“These are not conventional presentations delivered from a distant stage,” says Meniere. “The value lies in hearing accomplished people speak honestly about the uncertainty, mistakes, difficult decisions and persistence behind what they have achieved. Guests can ask questions, exchange ideas and leave with something they can apply in their own lives.”

A ticket with impact

The August event will also turn Bertish’s story into direct support for education and environmental work. All ticket proceeds will go to the Chris Bertish Foundation to help build a sustainable, circular-economy school classroom for children in Northern Kenya and support global reforestation projects through the planting of thousands of trees.

“Every person in the room becomes part of the expedition,” says Meniere. “A ticket provides access to an extraordinary story while helping create a classroom, plant trees and support communities far beyond the venue.”

Tickets cost R50 for Workshop17 members and R100 for non-members. Wine and snacks will be served, and seating is limited.

Event details

Event: Workshop Wednesday: Maverick Waves to Atlantic Crossings with Chris Bertish

Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Time: 17:00 to 19:00

Venue: Seminar Room, Workshop17 Watershed, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Tickets: R50 for Workshop17 members and R100 for non-members

Bookings: Quicket on https://www.quicket.co.za/events/386549-workshop-wednesday-maverick-waves-to-atlantic-crossings-with-chris-bertish/#/

All ticket proceeds will support projects undertaken by the Chris Bertish Foundation.

workshop17.co.za/