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Local Platform. Global Impact

The Good Business Journal is a digital publication by WDR Aspen, dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurs, founders, and visionaries who are shaping the future of business in South Africa and beyond.

Our Mission

The Good Business Journal celebrates the real heroes of South Africa—the entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesspeople who keep the lights on. These are the people who, despite every reason to leave, choose to stay. They build companies, pay salaries, and fuel the livelihoods that sustain families, schools, and communities. While headlines often remind us of how kak things are and how they are likely to get worse, they rarely tell the stories of those who soldier on in spite of this—the ones paying taxes, creating jobs, and quietly doing the work that keeps South Africa alive.

The Good Business Journal exists to change that narrative—we want to remind people that South Africa is a good place with good people. A good investment.  In the short term, we offer a platform for South African business owners to tell their stories of grit and success—proof that brilliance can thrive even in one of the world’s toughest business environments. A hero’s journey. Our mission is to showcase the depth of South African talent to both local and global audiences.

In the long term, we aim to bridge worlds. With roots in Aspen, Colorado, and a heart in South Africa, The Good Business Journal connects like-minded entrepreneurs across continents — creating the conversations that spark partnerships, ideas, and progress.

After all, every great collaboration begins with a single conversation.  Where Conversation Becomes Collaboration.

Meet our team

Passionate storytellers and business enthusiasts committed to sharing authentic entrepreneurial journeys.

Bryan Welker

President, CRO and Co-Founder

Bryan is a creative maverick with a passion for business and decades of experience spanning traditional marketing and publishing, and is renowned for his bold approach in digital innovation.  He has shaped campaigns for over 1000 brands in the U.S. and abroad across strategy, digital, and performance marketing. His leadership blends empathy, precision, and a relentless commitment to measurable impact.

Olivier De Ridder

CEO and Co-Founder

Olivier is a global business strategist with extensive experience in digital marketing, technology, and integrated campaigns. Known for his sharp operational insight and creative acumen, he builds systems that turn vision into performance. He leads with quiet intensity—balancing analytical rigour with entrepreneurial intuition.

Stefen Le Roux

Editor

Stefan is an editorial specialist and communications strategist with a strong grounding in business journalism and visual media.  With roots in corporate communications and editorial strategy, he crafts features where insight meets impact, balancing analysis with narrative to move brands forward.

Dimpho Mokhoanatsi

Copy Editor

Dimpho brings structure, with a strong background in newsroom production and editorial design, ensuring that every story aligns with GBJ's publication’s tone and integrity. Her attention to detail and respect for language make her a vital part of maintaining GBJ’s editorial excellence.

Neo Kay

Managing Editor

Neo is a creative strategist specialising in editorial storytelling and brand positioning for the Good Business Journal. With a background in design and media publishing, she explores how stories shape perception, emotion, and innovation, elevating both purpose and performance.

Ilze Herselman

Executive Assistant

Ilze is an operations specialist who brings order and momentum to every team. With expertise in communications and client relations, she ensures seamless execution and precision, with care, to support meaningful work across global and local projects.