the Founder Files

How Humanity SA Built a 7-Figure Business with Zero Experience

Season 5 Episode 37

What does it really take to build a business from nothing: no experience, no funding, and no plan, and still make it work?

In this episode of The Founder Files, Cameron Coutts sits down with Shaun Raaff, the co-founder and CEO of Humanity SA, a people-first talent and consulting group that’s reshaping the way recruitment and employer branding is done in South Africa

.Shaun shares the real story behind Humanity SA’s journey:

• How he went from PE teacher to entrepreneur with no business background.

• The eight years of no profit before their hockey-stick growth.

• The power of ADHD, sport, and resilience in business.

• Why Humanity wins by playing the long game, putting people and relationships before quick wins.

• The founder breakup lessons that shaped the company’s future.

If you’re a founder, business owner, or builder who’s stuck in the trenches, this episode will give you perspective, patience, and practical lessons to keep going.

Too Long; Didn't Listen? Here's what to look for:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

04:28 How Humanity SA Started

07:21 Hockey Stick Growth: 8 Years, No Profit

14:18 How Sports and ADHD Shaped My Mindset as a Founder

26:14 The Real Reason Humanity SA Finally Scaled

49:54 From Four Founders to One: The Shareholding Journey

1:10:47 Crucial Conversations: Lessons in Conflict, Clarity, and Leadership

1:27:32 The Future of Humanity SA: Betting Big on People

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Connect with us directly:

- Cameron on LinkedIn and on TikTok

- Shaun Raaff LinkedIn

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