Media & Press

Jenn Foster, co-owner of Elite Online Publishing, interviews Alison Weihe, an inspiring South African entrepreneur and founder who has spent over 25 years honing her expertise in identity intelligence. Alison shares her transformative journey from being a shy political activist in the anti-apartheid movement to an award-winning entrepreneur and eloquent storyteller.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Vulnerability in Personal Growth

• Identity Intelligence as a Tool for Transformation

• Importance of Tribes and Community

Quotes:

“I barreled through the information, and now I speak slowly, I pause, I allow things to land. That’s a voice that’s been grown.” (06:49)

“It was the storytellers, not the how to speakers. It was the storytellers that touched my soul and whispered, you have a story, you just haven’t had the courage to tell it.” (16:16)

“A young, pale girl growing up in anti apartheid South Africa who became a political activist because she saw things that she could no longer unsee and she heard things that she could no longer unhear. And she was so deeply moved by the madness and the abnormality and the pain and the anguish of apartheid that she stepped into the other side and became an activist for almost 20 years, a political journalist and so on.” (20:21)

About Alison Weihe:

Alison Weihe is a founder and award-winning entrepreneur in the construction industry in South Africa over the past 25 years. The Creative Stone Company has built a reputation as an ethical design- driven company of excellence and service. In the past six years she transitioned into the coaching, speaking and writing space where she won further awards – Speaker Factor Winner 2021 of the Professional Speakers Association Of South Africa (PSASA) and a Global Coaching award from the Coach Foundation and is a nominee in Women of Stature Awards in South Africa 2025 in the Coaching and Mentoring Category.

As a serial entrepreneur passionate about making a difference, Alison became an Executive Partner in the Mindset Development Institute, alongside her business partner, Jabu Zwane and their growing team, recently winning a further award as one of the top empowerment companies in South Africa. Both Alison and Jabu have a deep commitment to do legacy work, build entrepreneurship education and tell the untold stories of hope and healing in South Africa. Alison has an interesting background as an entrepreneur.

She was a political activist for almost 20 years in different shapes and forms, as a journalist and a trade unionist under COSATU. Alison was part of COSATU’s launching Congress in 1985 and worked directly under President Cyril Ramaphosa and many other remarkable leaders of that time.

What sets Alison apart is her vulnerable tone as a profound storyteller. She is known as a Soul Speaker. She believes it is her mission to use her voice as one of reconciliation, hope and healing at a seminal time in our country’s history.

Alison’s message: Own your story, live with grace, step into the power of who you were truly meant to be. That is how we heal some of the anguish in the world, one conversation at a time.

Alison’s review:

Being a guest on the Elite Expert Insider Podcast with Melanie and Jenn was an experience that left a deep imprint on my heart. Our conversation wasn’t just an interview — it was a soul-level exchange rooted in authenticity, courage, and connection.

Together, we explored what it truly means to discover your voice — not as something outside of you, but as a truth you come home to. We spoke about the emotional discomfort that often accompanies real transformation, the tender work of becoming emotionally intelligent, and the courage it takes to choose vulnerability over perfection.

One of the most meaningful parts of our discussion was the focus on identity — how it's not a title or a role, but a layered unfolding of who you’ve always been beneath the noise. We also touched on the importance of finding safe, aligned communities that hold space for you to rise, evolve, and fully be seen.

For every woman who feels like she’s navigating the space between who she was and who she’s becoming — this conversation was created with you in mind. It’s an invitation back to your voice, your truth, and your wholeness.

I’m deeply grateful to Melanie and Jenn for creating such an open, sacred container for this dialogue. Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my journey on your powerful platform.

In this remarkable episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Alison Weihe, a distinguished author and thought leader from South Africa. This episode is a significant one for Mary as she steps into new personal freedom by shedding her reliance on wigs, showcasing her authentic self. Exploring Alison's journey, they delve into the profound themes of shame, empowerment, and transformation. Alison shares her pivotal, life-changing battle against personal shame and how a monumental setback at the age of 52 led to a soul-deep rebirth through physical fitness and self-discovery.

Through shared insights, both Mary and Alison navigate the intricacies of dealing with self-imposed limits and the universal journey from shame to acceptance. Alison recounts her experiences as an activist and entrepreneur, illustrating how overcoming a massive financial betrayal became a transformative gift. Listeners learn that embracing one's vulnerabilities and scars can unveil a deeper, more fulfilling identity. As Alison vividly explains, stepping into the arena of life, not armored but with naked authenticity, brings about true growth and connection. This enriching dialogue challenges the audience to confront their own shadows and create a life rich with purpose and community.

About the Guest:

Alison Weihe is an influential speaker and author based in South Africa. With a profound background as a political activist engaged in the anti-apartheid movement, Alison has navigated numerous challenges and emerged as a voice of empowerment and healing. Her life journey from entrepreneur, marked by significant hardship, to a philanthropist and motivational speaker has inspired many. Her book "Belonging: Finding Tribes of Meaning" delves into her deep understanding of identity, courage, and personal growth. Alison's work is regularly featured in global publications, and her writing and speaking engagements focus on crafting a meaningful life, helping others to unlock their own potential by sharing her extraordinary life story.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace Authenticity: Dropping societal masks allows for genuine self-discovery and connects deeper with others.

Transformation through Adversity: Personal setbacks often act as catalysts for profound life changes and self-awareness.

Power of Vulnerability: Revealing one's wounds leads to empowerment and sheds layers of shame.

Creating Meaningful Impact: Sharing personal stories courageously can inspire and elevate communities towards oneness.

Identity Beyond Shame: Finding and crafting an identity independent of shame fosters healing and personal freedom.

Resources:

Alison Weihe's book, "Belonging: Finding Tribes of Meaning," is available on Amazon.

Follow Alison Weihe's journey on LinkedIn.

Alison's website: alisonweihe.com

Embark on an insightful voyage with Mary and Alison as they challenge you to step into your own arena of life. Don't miss the full episode for an enlightening experience, and stay connected for more discussions that foster personal growth and meaningful living.

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Siren Stories channel. This video is to Get To Know Alison Jessica Weihe, author of Belonging, on The Table Read Magazine

#gettoknowme #apartheid #inspirational

Alison Jessica Weihe talks about her memoir, Belonging, that chronicles a journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and inspiration, during the turbulent journey of South Africa towards democracy.