In this uplifting episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki sits down with Ricardo Erasmus — transformational life coach, motivational speaker, youth mentor, TEDx speaker, and founder of Paradigm Shift Academy.
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, and now based in Wales, Ricardo shares his remarkable journey from the Cape Flats — a community scarred by apartheid — to becoming a global voice for empowerment and purpose.
Drawing on his guiding philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are”, Ricardo unpacks what it means to live beyond your environment, the transformative power of mentoring, and why intentional authenticity is the greatest gift we can offer to young people.
Together, Nikki and Ricardo explore:
🌍The Ubuntu approach to life, mentoring, and leadership
✨Living beyond your environment and breaking limiting beliefs
💡The role of mentors in unlocking hidden potential
🌱Why belonging, compassion, and authenticity matter more than systems or strategies
🔑How each of us can discover, develop, and share the unique “gift we carry”
This is a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and showing up for the next generation with love, belief, and authenticity.
Connect with Ricardo and learn more:
