Meet Adrian Saffy. The brave-hearted and resolutely spirited adventurer, trail runner, mountain biker, and endurance athlete of Pure Adventures. Attorney by day (SUPERman the rest of the time), he is event director of downright adrenaline fuelled outdoor races such as the 4Peakes, Sky run and the Wartrail challenge.
A trailblazer. A true Maverick. Meet the buccaneer of extreme multi-sport Adrian Saffy.
What I love most about this crazy life is the adventure of it • Juliette Binoche
Name:
Adrian Vincent
Surname:
Saffy
Age:
48
Profession/Life’s work:
Attorney; event organiser various other business ventures.
So, what’s your story?
Where were you born?
Born and bred in Bloemfontein
Where did you go to school?
Christian Brother College (CBC)
Where and what did you study?
Studied Law B.Proc at UOVS
What was your childhood dream?
I always wanted to work in nature and really wanted to become a marine biologist hence my love for water.
What was your first job?
Started working in my dad’s music shop from a young age then immediately started doing my articles at Lovius Block Attorneys as a candidate attorney when I went to Varisty.
Advice that shaped you career?
When we were in School one of my friend’s Gran always said to us that whatever we do to do it with dignity and decorum and this mantra has always stayed with me in whatever I do. Sometimes I fail but the seed is always there in my conscious.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I love life, love planning the next adventure, surviving a day, meeting great people, sharing experiences and maybe if I am lucky influencing someone to do something extraordinary..!
What motivates you?
Seeing others overcome challenges that they themselves believed to be unachievable. That look in their eyes after succeeding motivates me. Nothing is impossible.
How do you spend your down time?
I think I am a bit hyperactive so my down time is either spent training or preparing for an event or planning an adventure. I have ants in my pants 😉
What does success look like to you?
Success is achieving what you set out to achieve. It’s not measured by societies or others’ standards. It is what you personally set out to achieve whether in a business space or in a sporting space or even down time.
What sets you apart as an influential man in business?
Hahaha don’t see myself as an influential man in business… what does set me apart however is choosing and living a life that other might perceive as a bit extra ordinary.
What are the valuable lessons you have learnt in business?
Be passionate, be honest and align yourself with people and other businesses that have the same ethos and value systems as what you do.
When I hire I want? What makes a great employee?
Dynamic, confident, passionate and trustworthy. A person who has the same vision for the business.
What makes a great entrepreneur or adventure sportsman or woman?
Discipline, Passion, Perseverance and Belief in yourself.
Give me 3 words that describes you best?
- Passionate
- Loyal
- Determined
I wish I could tell my 22-year-old self:
To explore the world, travel abroad and experience new cultures.
Your hidden talent:
I can Moonwalk and throw down some Michael Jackson moves!
What other adventurers and entrepreneurs do you look up to?
Mike Horn, Richard Branson and a bunch of my friends who do crazy stuff.
What is one characteristic that you believe every adventurer and entrepreneur should possess?
Vasbyt = Passion and Perseverance
What advice would you give someone starting their own business?
Do something that you are passionate about that does not feel like work it should rather inspires and fuel you.
Favourites:
- Colour: Sky Blue
- Food: Stacked fillet Steak, avo and grilled halloumi cheese with balsamic reduction
- Drink: Castle Lite
- Sport: Adventure Racing
- Sport persona: Kelly Slater (surfer)
- Entrepreneur: Richard Branson
- Brand: Salomon
- Happy place: Kite Surfing
- Band: The Chainsmokers at the moment
- Car: My Landrover Defender 110
- Movie: The Art of Flight (snowboarding movie)
- If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? It would have to be a great explorer like David Livingston or someone of that calibre. I would love to find out what drove them to take on such epic journeys how they prepared and did they think they would be successful and what they wanted to gain from these explorations.
- Quote: “If you panic you die” & “It is what it is”
- Book or Magazine: Any autobiography of adventurous individuals
Your off to GREAT places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting… so get on your way! • Dr. Seuss
Credits
- Photography: FJ Potgieter for Eye Poetry Photography
- Concept & styling: Adrian Saffy for Pure Adventures and Jeani Meyer for Hello Smart Blog
*Follow Adrian on twitter @Saffinator and Instagram Saffinator
