Kerrin Black on ambition, adaptability, resilience, and creating balance while living a life in motion.

An interview with Amy Goldberg, editor-in-chief

There are women who follow opportunity, and then there are women who create it wherever they land.

For more than two decades, Kerrin Black has built a life powered by movement, reinvention, and fearless action. From South Africa to global stages, from entertainment and publicity to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, she has spent her career helping others tell their stories while quietly evolving her own.

But behind the polished branding, international travel, and entrepreneurial success is a woman who understands the emotional reality of constantly building, adapting, and beginning again. The pressure. The uncertainty. The sacrifices. The loneliness that can sometimes accompany ambition. And the balancing act so many women know intimately, trying to create a meaningful life without losing themselves in the process.

I wanted to go deeper than surface-level success. I wanted to explore what balance actually looks like for a woman whose life has rarely stood still.

In this candid conversation, Kerrin shares her thoughts on resilience, reinvention, wellness, burnout, intuition, travel, relationships, and the lessons entrepreneurship teaches you that no business book ever could.

You’ve built businesses, brands, and philanthropic projects across multiple industries and countries. Looking back, what originally sparked your entrepreneurial mindset?

There are multiple factors that sparked my entrepreneurial mindset and journey. I have always known, coming from an entrepreneurial family, that I wanted to do something big and impactful, to create something that would inspire and impact lives. I also was never one to color inside the lines and am not one for being told what to do. Part of the entrepreneurial mind-set is fully understanding that it’s not glamorous and is a very lonely and challenging path with many rejections. It is not ever a straight line! Mindset is a big part of it especially if you are building something from the ground up. I also believe having grown up in South Africa there is a certain amount of resilience and determination that is built into our DNA. 

After watching a show on entrepreneurs many years ago from the US and having worked in the commercial film space I realized the challenges when it came to casting talent. That is what inspired me to start Talent Finders. This is an online talent community that connects, promotes and educates talent. It is also a platform for those who are looking for talent. 

I realised as an enthusiastic student who got knocked into place after finishing Waterfront Theatre School and The Big Issue Make up School in Cape Town that due to the challenges and job opportunities in the very volatile and inconsistent film and theatre industry that I had to shift my focus. I found that there was a real pain point in the casting process within film and television and that there could be a better way. Talent Finders could be that solution then, and even more so now.  

I have always been someone who has looked at how I can find a solution. I do believe this is a big part of the entrepreneurial mindset. This applies to any industry. I also believe that even when you don’t think you can do it you should say yes always and figure it out along the way. 

We can often get emotionally paralysed out of fear but waiting for perfect or the “right” time does not work. Thinking that we are supposed to have it all figured out is a ridiculous idea and narrative we create. If there is one lesson I have learnt, it is just to go for it. This is a big part of the entrepreneurial mindset. No matter how many years you have been doing it, it is something which applies continually. 

Entrepreneurship often looks glamorous from the outside, but the reality can be emotionally exhausting. What have been some of the biggest personal challenges you’ve faced behind the scenes?

The reality of entrepreneurship is far from glamorous. It’s not about the delusion of social media or the flashing of material things. I want to speak to those who have not been funded or given a handout to start a business but to those who have and continue to build from the ground up. I have had many challenges and setbacks, both in my PR and Publicity business as well as in Talent Finders. A huge challenge has been to find an investor for Talent Finders. As most of us know in this entrepreneurial journey, less than 5% of female Founders get funding for their start-ups. 

I would also say that the challenge of having to do everything, especially when one does not have the funds to pay or bring a team on board to assist. Emotionally it definitely has its ups and downs and 50 Shades of grey. Something to bear in mind is the importance of having friends, mentors or a sounding board. The emotional support in this very lonely journey is very important, helping to deal with the reality of the entrepreneurial journey.  

The other reality is being very aware that all the earnings from your business have to be reinvested back into growing your business. I think often the misperception of entrepreneurship is buying luxury cars, taking fancy trips and indulging in material consumption. This is just not reality. If you really want to build something sustainable the biggest key is the willingness and understanding of what true sacrifice is. That is the reality.

I also would like to add that building a business has basic fundamental requirements and it’s easy to tell people to just go out and start a business but also having to deal with the boring but very necessary part of starting a business. Company registration, accountants, bank accounts and just understanding what the laws and regulations are all vital growing pains I had and went through.

Do you believe balance truly exists for entrepreneurs, or is it something we’re constantly redefining?

I do not believe that there is such a thing as balance as an entrepreneur. When you are growing or starting a business it requires so much of your attention. I believe that we are on a journey that we are constantly redefining. I also believe that it is also up to us to refill our cup and find time to disconnect and find activities, especially exercise and reconnecting with nature.  We must create the balance and flexibility for ourselves and constantly keep ourselves in check. I also believe in having friends and support and creating check-ins and having calls to keep one another accountable. Having this is critical, a trustworthy group of people that you can reach out to. 

I think that part of the redefining is that because things are now changing so fast that we also have to be able to be flexible to adapt, which I know for me is something that has been and is a constant work in progress. 

You’ve traveled extensively and lived in different parts of the world. How has travel changed you as a woman, entrepreneur, and human being?

Having travelled all over the world I would say that travel is where my soul is free and is my favourite thing to do. The journey of travel is exciting, filled with so much of the unknown, but also with so much opportunity. I always knew that if I stayed in South Africa, it would kill my soul, and that my purpose is greater than who I am. 

As an entrepreneur, the places and connections I have made through travel are invaluable and the friendships and experiences have been and continue to be incredible. I have learnt and grown as a person, understanding and working with so many different people and cultures. I have had the humbling experience of learning to adapt to other countries and cultures and gained so much respect for the way in which different cultures work. This only comes from and through the amazing travel opportunities that have been created and those that I have created. 

As both an entrepreneur and individual this has been a true blessing. Learning to trust the process and to “go with the flow” sometimes, not planning things, learning to be flexible and adaptable has given me the opportunity to have some amazing experiences. 

There truly is nothing better for me than to travel, and there is still so much more I want to do, see and experience. It’s the greatest blessing and opportunity I could have asked for in this life journey; just saying yes even when I had no real plan. 

What have different cultures taught you about wellness, success, and happiness that North American hustle culture sometimes gets wrong?

This is a big one, learning about the small subtleties of wellness, success and happiness. I think for me specifically in North America is the importance of being in nature and getting out, eating well and being more mindful and conscious. I also noticed even the difference between Canada and the States; Canada is just calmer and just more mindful in the process of making decisions. I really think that success is defined differently and not as flashy materialism but is more focused on nature and nurture and is even more evident since “Covid”. 

I think I have noticed that people really do prioritize taking care of their health through wellness. Perhaps the traditional or old way of classifying success in materialism has now shifted to focus on health and wellness because health is wealth. 

Many ambitious women struggle with guilt — guilt around resting, slowing down, saying no, or prioritizing themselves. Is that something you’ve personally experienced?

Absolutely, guilt is a big one and yes, it is something that I personally experience. I don’t think feeling guilt free is something one ever fully masters. I often question myself, am I doing enough? I have really had to give myself the grace and space to take time for me to fill my own cup and get off the screen go to sleep earlier. One of things I realised is we can’t work at our full potential and or give of our best if we are at burn out. This is something I have to really give to myself and find ways and practices that refill my cup. 

I believe we create our own narratives based on what we perceive of what others may or may not be thinking.  I also believe that we have to create boundaries with clients and not always be at everyone’s beck and call. It does not mean we don’t care or won’t show up but we have to stop guilting ourselves into thinking we are not or not doing enough. 

There will always be tasks and things we have to do and it’s up to us to create systems and processes as well as carve out personal goals. This is something I continually work on. Really it’s about giving ourselves grace. 

You’ve worked with high-profile personalities, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. What’s one thing truly successful people have in common that most people don’t realize?

Having worked with some high-profile personalities and entrepreneurs the common thread I have found is a strong reciprocal professional relationship and the high level of mutual respect. I also have noticed a high standard of professionalism, direct communication and making themselves available. 

I think another thing that people may not realise is that a big part of why they are successful is because they are interested in the long game and building firm business relationships. 

In a world obsessed with personal branding and social media visibility, how do you personally stay authentic?

I agree we are living in an over sensory fake world of social media. First and foremost, I would say I stay truthful to myself and am very focused on maintaining and sustaining and building long term relationships and connections. I believe in being kind and always showing up. This is a big one for loyalty and honesty. This is something that is very important to me as well as honoring the commitment along with being consistent. 

This means that it must be carried forward throughout your branding and that even if these tools disappeared that you would still be the truest most authentic self. If there is one thing I have realised is that if I don’t stay true to me and who I am then the disconnect becomes very evident very quickly.  

Kindness and honesty and trust are what I believe in as well as doing all I do with good intentions as well as strong communication. This is really what creates the best version of who I am. 

You’ve spoken openly about purpose and making a difference. Has your definition of success changed over the years?

I believe that since the pandemic started, we were all just going through the motions. I do feel that there is an awakening and the realisation of what is important has certainly changed. To me the definition of success is being free. To really understand that the definition of success comes with freedom and that means not only being able to move around but not being tied to the materialist world and the narratives that we have been sold our entire lives. I believe that success is not just financial but how we become more intentional where we place our energy, time and resources. I believe that part of the success we create is the willingness to go against the grain and not be a slave to institutions, to take care of our health and be able to work and create in the industries that allow you to move and travel. The ultimate success is having health, the ability not to be tied down to one place or space, embracing culture through travel to give you the flexibility and impact and change the world. I do understand it is not for everyone but the true success for me is the freedom and the connections made. The ultimate is to have the financial freedom and to travel and still be able to do what you love but manage your time and really live a full life, from what we eat to how we take care of our health and to let go of the things and places that no longer serve us. 

What does wellness honestly look like in your life right now?

Wellness is more important than ever. What it looks like for me is exercise, be that running or taking a walk no matter where I travel. At any given time or place I always find a way to get up and get out to run or walk. Reiki is another practice as well as meditation and getting into nature. All these things are vital right now as well as taking natural supplements. This is something I take very seriously. I also really like and am back into reading. Sleep is also a big part of a wellness regime. The discipline and carving out the time for me is non-negotiable.

Flexibility often means learning how to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan. Can you share a moment where life forced you to reinvent yourself?

This is a big one. I have had to pivot and adapt as there have been many times when I have been tested and rebuilt. When I left South Africa to expand and rebuild my life and my PR and publicity business. Learning to adapt to a new environment and country. Learning to self-trust has been a big one for me. 

I really believe I was energetically pushed and forced and made the decision to leave South Africa as I was no longer growing and just had way too many challenges and always knew that I would leave and had to spread my wings and fly into the unknown. I will say it was one of the best decisions I made because it’s been quite a journey. It’s only moments like that when your back is against the wall and you have to make difficult but necessary decisions in order to do what you want to. 

I also do believe part of being forced to reinvent yourself is sacrifice and learning to let go of material things and really being at peace with that and not worrying about what others think. Sacrifice is a big one. 

Women are constantly evolving through different seasons of life. What season do you feel you’re currently in personally and professionally?

I believe that I have reached that point in my life where I am very clear in my thinking and objectives. Yes, we are constantly evolving, and I believe that my evolution is the freedom to move and be more intentional. I also believe that I have reached a point where I will no longer allow myself to be taken advantage of. Setting boundaries is a big one and self-trust is a work in progress. I believe personally in setting the intention to achieve specific targets both financially, personally and professionally. Through education and research help me make smarter choices. I really feel like I am in place where I do not want to be tied down or be owing to the system.  I also really want to be at peace. Travel, learn a language, build a successful online business – Talent Finders, impact and change lives. Continue to work with different healing modalities like Reiki, these are practices that are non-negotiable. 

If there’s one message you hope women take away from your story, what would it be?

Often, we put ourselves last and try to hold space for others. Let go of the guilt and let go of what no longer serves you. Treat yourself and find the things that allow you to live your best life on your terms. 

What becomes clear after speaking with Kerrin Black is that balance is not about perfection, it’s about awareness.

It’s about knowing when to push and when to pause. When to chase opportunity and when to protect your peace. When to reinvent yourself and when to return to the parts of you that were always there beneath the noise.

Her story is not one of effortless success. It’s a story of movement, resilience, risk, adaptability, and choosing to keep evolving, even threw uncertainty. And perhaps that’s what makes her journey resonate so deeply with women today.

Because in a world constantly demanding more, Kerrin Black reminds us that flexibility is not weakness. It’s survival. It’s growth. It’s wisdom.

And sometimes the strongest women are the ones who learn how to bend without breaking.