Willem Gous | Chief Executive Officer
The Human Entrepreneur

Willem Gous: Transforming Rail Networks through Entrepreneurial Thinking Willem Gous is a globally recognised speaker, trainer, and author with over 25 years of experience in the entrepreneurial field. His mission is to help individuals and organisations harness entrepreneurial thinking to drive rapid, sustainable growth and stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape. At Africa Rail 2025, Willem will present groundbreaking ideas on how South African rail networks can use entrepreneurial thinking to thrive in the newly competitive market now open to third-party operators. His unique approach blends community-driven solutions with innovative business strategies, showing how rail companies can reduce theft, vandalism, and operational inefficiencies and create vibrant, economically active corridors that attract new customers and boost revenues. Willem’s entrepreneurial insights are unique in the rail industry. His approach is about more than just theory—it’s about applying practical frameworks that unlock new market opportunities. By incorporating entrepreneurial thinking within their own organisations, rail operators can avoid the trap of simply mimicking the competition. Willem helps them stand out by building agility, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving into their daily operations. Willem's inspiring message has been shared on major platforms, including CNBC Africa. His latest book, Side Hustle Success, has been widely praised for its practical, low-risk approach to entrepreneurship, where he aims to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit in millions of people in Africa. He’s also the winner of the Startup Mentor of the Year 2023 and a recognised thought leader in the global Lean Startup community. In his session at Africa Rail 2025, Willem will show rail operators how to leverage entrepreneurship to gain a competitive edge, unlock new opportunities, and transform their business into a more dynamic and profitable enterprise. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to gain insights from a speaker reshaping how businesses approach growth and innovation in the rail industry.