#115 - The Wild Within Us: Finding Human Wisdom in Nature’s Design with Joe Viljoen Part 1

In this episode, Ryan Watts sits down with South African conservationist and world champion martial artist Joe Viljoen to explore the remarkable parallels between wildlife behavior and human success. From the pack structure of wild dogs to the stillness of the kudu, Joe draws profound lessons about teamwork, leadership, and purpose.

Listeners will discover how nature reveals the universal principles that drive both survival and success — and how paying attention to the wild can help us live and lead more intentionally.

Key Themes:

• Why true strength, left unmanaged, can become weakness.

• What wild dogs teach us about teamwork and trust.

• How the kudu models the wisdom of patience and timing in life and business.

• Lessons from lion prides on leadership, succession, and preparation.

• How nature mirrors the very patterns we experience in human relationships.

Quote from Joe:

“You won’t know if you can’t see. And you can’t see if you don’t know.”

Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your purpose or unsure of your next step, Joe’s stories will remind you that the blueprint for success already exists in nature  ... we just need to learn to see it.

Links Mentioned:
📘 Strength Can Be a Weakness — available on Amazon 
🌍 Learn more about Joe’s conservation work at Cha-Zen Nature Reserve 
🎙️ Subscribe for Part 2 on YouTube , Apple Podcasts , or Spotify