You are never too old to learn how to transform your subconscious as Abdul Ganie Phoplonker, fondly known as Baboo, tried to show in his 10-week transformation course titled A journey - transform your mind, held at Islamia College Auditorium, in Lansdowne, from Tuesday September 10 to Tuesday November 12.

Baboo shared his motivational story of overcoming being R1million in debt to a building a successful career.

Imtiyaaz Hendricks, Thaakir Adams, Abdul Ganie ‘Baboo’ Phoplonker and Arno Ruiters. Picture: Roshan Abrahams

Baboo, 74, from Welgelegen, left school after Standard 6 (Grade 8) but has been an avid reader.

He reached financial freedom while he was forced to make ends meet while paying off his debtors over 16 years.

In 1994, he was debt free and he continued focusing on a lifestyle of wealth, health and abundance. “Do not underestimate the effect that universal laws have on the seeding of the mind and understanding universal laws will open up the vistas of possibility thinking,” said a confident Baboo.

He published his book The World at Your Feet, which outlined his life journey with many lessons.

Another secret to his success, he says, is that wealth comes in many forms and one of these is good relationships. He believes in investing in relationships with people from family to strangers. “I have two sons and three daughters with their spouses. I always say I have 10 children as I regard my daughters and sons-in-law as my children.”

His relationship with business contacts was strengthened when he formed a rapport with all of them and “I can just pick up the phone and ask anyone, they will do me a favour.”

Baboo said everyone wants to make more money but “they need to find a way to add value to their business, in the interest of the client, and money will follow.”

Baboo’s four recruits had been given the opportunity to learn the skills of motivational speaking while sharing stories of how Baboo overcame his challenges.

These four speakers who hosted the seminars are: Thaakir Adams, 33, from Schaapkraal, a sales, operations, and business manager; Arno Ruiters, 44, from Athlone, a specialist within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and venue management industries; Imtiyaaz Hendricks, 32, from Crawford, a health and wellness coach; and Abdul-Baasit Colbie, 29, from Bonteheuwel, an event planner and entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

Mr Adams immediately latched on to Baboo’s guidance. “These subjects of life reformation and life coaching have been in my life for as long as I can remember. I believe that we all are speakers in some way or other. We speak, promote, and sell whatever we love. The opportunity to speak to a bigger audience is something I believe comes naturally. If you love something immensely, the universe will force you to scream it from the highest mountains and the biggest stages. It's only right to accept the call.”

Mr Ruiters wanted to become a motivational speaker because he wants to inspire people. “I’ve always felt a deep, burning desire to uplift others, whether colleagues, peers, or friends, by offering wisdom and guidance to help them look within, unlock their potential and strive toward becoming the very best versions of themselves.”

“My time with Mr B has been transformative, not just in helping me navigate the lows but in strengthening my faith and conviction through them. This journey has allowed me to emerge not just stronger but also more enlightened and holistically refined,” said Mr Ruiters.

Mr Hendricks, said: “My background stems from psychology and life coaching. Uncle Baboos' programme has a profound way of merging these two disciplines to form an all encompassing self discovery tool. To improve living and being. No matter what your background and situation it can all change with a single step that leads to another.

“We then can now only scream the message from the highest mountains far and wide. In a more immediate sense.”

Mr Colbie said Baboo’s programme had a profound impact on both his career and personal life. “It helped me break through limiting beliefs, develop a clear vision for my future, and provided the tools to take consistent action. The transformation I experienced was nothing short of life-changing, allowing me to not only expand my business but also enrich my personal relationships and sense of fulfilment.

“After completing the seminar, my next step is to continue growing as a leader and mentor. I am focused on scaling my business, launching new initiatives, and deepening my commitment to helping others achieve their goals,” said Mr Colbie.

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