We were lucky to catch up with Greg Kriek recently and have shared our conversation below.

Greg , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that success involves a combination of personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and positively impacting others.

Building strong, genuine relationships with others and understanding their needs has been a key component in my career so far.

I also see success as being able to motivate and inspire others, whether in personal or professional settings.

Continuous self-improvement, learning, evolving and growing as a person is key to achieving your goals. I never stop learning.

I think success is not just about personal gain but also about uplifting others and creating lasting change.

Greg , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Originally from South Africa I’m super grateful to be a working Hollywood actor today. I’ve always been driven by a deep desire to connect with people, to tell stories that resonate, and to bring characters to life in a way that reflects the complexities of the human experience. Acting allows me to step into different shoes and explore the depth of emotions and motivations, which, in turn, helps me understand others and myself more deeply.

The key to my journey so far has been a combination of perseverance and empathy. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, and there have been moments when I was just shy of landing a role, but those experiences taught me resilience. Every ‘almost’ was an opportunity to learn and grow.

But above all, I believe my success has come from staying true to who I am and the values I hold dear. I approach each role with a deep respect for the character and the story, always striving to bring authenticity and depth to my performances. At the end of the day, it’s not just about fame or recognition; it’s about creating something that touches people’s hearts and minds, something that leaves a lasting impact. That’s what inspires me, and that’s what keeps me going.”

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Absolutely. Two books that have profoundly shaped my approach to both career and life are Viktor Frankl’s *Man’s Search for Meaning* and Paulo Coelho’s *The Alchemist*.

Frankl’s exploration of finding purpose even in the most challenging circumstances taught me that leadership is not just about guiding others but about helping them discover meaning in their own journeys. This has influenced how I approach projects and collaborations—always seeking to align our collective goals with a deeper purpose.

*The Alchemist* resonated with me because it’s a story about following your passion and trusting in the journey, even when the path isn’t clear. As an actor and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that success is often found in unexpected places, and the pursuit of your ‘Personal Legend’ is what drives true fulfillment. This has translated into a philosophy of persistence and optimism, where I see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Beyond these, I’ve also been influenced by books like *The Lean Startup* by Eric Ries, which reinforced the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, and *Daring Greatly* by Brené Brown, which underscores the power of vulnerability in leadership. These resources have collectively shaped a management style that is empathetic, purpose-driven, and open to the ever-evolving nature of the creative industry.”

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation in the industry has been built on a foundation of authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

First and foremost, I’ve always made it a priority to stay true to who I am and what I stand for. Whether it’s a role I’m auditioning for or a project I’m leading, I bring my full self to the table, ensuring that my work is always aligned with my values.

Another key factor has been my resilience. The entertainment industry is highly competitive, and there have been numerous times when I’ve come close but didn’t quite make it. Instead of letting those moments discourage me, I used them as opportunities to learn and improve. This persistence and dedication to growth have earned me a reputation as someone who is not only talented but also consistently evolving.

Lastly, I’ve always strived for excellence in everything I do. Whether it’s preparing for a role, collaborating with others, or producing I put in the work to ensure that the final outcome is the best it can be. This commitment to quality and professionalism has helped me build trust and credibility within the market, and I think that’s been a significant factor in shaping my reputation.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.me/gregkriek
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregkriek?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

David Muller Photography