[rank_math_breadcrumb]

Benjamin Cowley

About

Ben started in TV more than 14 years ago where he was involved in both live and pre-recorded programs at Namibia’s one and only national broadcaster: NBC.

Fast-forward several years, he found himself in the fantastical world of TV Commercials hoping this industry to be full of excitement, glitz and glamour. Needless to say, this pre-conceived notion couldn’t be further from the truth!

The Legacy Initiative (Retro Afrika Bioscope) is Ben’s baby and it’s his responsibility to nurture it and allow it to grow to its full potential. He works closely with the original film makers, film owners and national film, video and sound archives in sourcing/locating all the old films and getting them to Cape Town to restore them and ultimately get them onto a platform where the public can view them.

I Am Driven By | Passion in what I do. Being faced with a new challenge every day and knowing that what I am doing will live on beyond me and impact the world in some way… however small it may be.

The Difference Between good And Great | In my experience, people who are good at what they do tend to be content with just that, whereas people who are great, aspire for more and strive to make a bigger impact.

A Key Talent | I believe it is to see opportunity where few people would, and to drive it to be a success – even when everyone else is saying “you’re nuts”. Don’t take no for an answer and believe in your instinct – even if it takes years, the more you are able to turn opportunities into successes, the easier it will be to convince those around you to support you when you have a “crazy” idea.

Principles I Live By | Humility, Integrity and Honesty. Don’t be afraid to dream big.

Dealing With Doubt | That is a constant in life, and I am constantly learning new ways to deal with it. There will always be those moments, but I brush them off, and just push on.

Performing At My Peak | Healthy body, healthy mind is something I live by. Finding a good balance between the two as well as family life. I surround myself with people who challenge me in every way, which keeps me on my toes so to speak. Whilst I don’t always agree, it does give me the opportunity to reflect and hone I am doing

Resources I Use To Stay Inspired | Definitely people, movies (as this is what I do) and then creative working environments.

My Future Dreams And Ambitions | I want to grow my business, using this as a vehicle to change and challenge the paradigm of what has been the status-quo in the South African film industry.

I Am Inspired By | My grandfather, a World War 2 hero – a man who did everything to help change the course of history because it was the right thing to do. Steven Spielberg as a film maker, a producer and phenomenal story teller.

The Legacy I Would Like To Leave | I’ll quote Chuck Palahnuik “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will”

Interview Questions

[everest_form id="26923"]

View further interviews.

The Legacy Project

Lizé began her life as a singer-songwriter with her first break as a nine year old in the hit musical – Annie. Whilst still at school she then signed her first recording contract with David Gresham Records, South Africa and at 21 years of age she entered South African Idols and landed herself a finalist […]

The Legacy Project

Conrad Koch is one of South Africa’s most in demand comedy talents. He combines hilarious comedy with world-class puppetry, and has done so for over fifteen years to local and international acclaim. Conrad was the winner of the 2010 Entertainer of the Year award, and of a 2012 Standard Bank Ovation Award from the National […]

The Legacy Project

Having a passion for inspiring people to believe in themselves and become everything they are capable of becoming, Mark is charged with transforming Luck Companies into a global Values Based Leadership (VBL) organization. In his role as Chief Leadership Officer, he serves as a thought leader for the ongoing development of the VBL ideology and […]

The Legacy Project

Simeon Oriko is a young entrepreneur, who is the founder and Executive Director of The Kuyu Project, which is a digital literacy initiative aimed at teaching African high school students how to use social media and other digital tools to effect social change in their communities. Another project Simeon is involved in is Jamlab which […]

The Legacy Project

Over the last 25 years Wade Bales has built a hugely successful wine brand and business for himself and his colleagues on the back of an obsession to have both unsurpassed local industry knowledge and the most intimate of personal relationships with SA’s leading winemakers. His unique wine merchant business model, which closely resembles that […]

The Legacy Project

Mark graduated with a BCompt degree from UNISA in 1993. After some years as a commodities trader, he decided to pursue a goal of becoming an entrepreneur, which skill and strength he has applied over the past several years in spearheading Blue Label’s impressive organic and acquisitive growth and international expansion. Together with his brother […]

The Legacy Project

Everyone has a spirit for adventure yet few passionately pursue this professionally. Amongst many other extreme endeavours, Peter has rowed across the Atlantic, raced across the South Pole, negotiated blizzards all the while capturing the beauty of this planet and striving to harness significant action to protect our earth. Peter has also become globally known […]

The Legacy Project

Dr Marlene Wasserman is an internationally trained Clinical Sexologist & Couple and Sex Therapist in Private Practice in SA and New York and founder of the Dr Eve brand and enterprise. She is an Academic, Educator, Author of 4 books, a well known media celebrity on both TV and radio and a single Mum to […]

Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various interviews conducted by The Legacy Project.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME