After hitting a brick wall in both his business and personal life in 2006, Pepe Marais discovered his purpose on which he rebuilt all aspects of his life over the course of the next fourteen years. The results of his purposeful approach to life have been nothing short of spectacular and in this, his second book, Pepe once again sets out to deliver on his personal purpose: to bring out the best in those around him.

The life lessons that Pepe provides in 20 Habits That Break Habits are based on Aristotle’s insight that we are what we repeatedly do, and that excellence therefore is not an act, but a habit. Through his own experience, Pepe has learnt that there are two kinds of habits: those that limit us and those that liberate us. And in order to eradicate a limiting habit, you simply have to replace it with a liberating one.

Throughout this book, Pepe shares some of his own most limiting habits that held him back over the course of his journey, and the liberating habits he replaced each of them with in order to create a significant breakthrough in his own life. From turning wine into water, to replacing television with the kitchen table, if a book could come with a warning sign, then this one should.

Because … it may just change your life!

One Word reveals the transformative power of discovering and embedding your organisation’s true purpose – captured in a single word.

In this thought-provoking and practical guide, based on the author's doctoral research and business experience of growing South Africa’s most successful advertising and communication group, Joe Public, you will uncover a clear framework for translating corporate
purpose into lived organisational culture.

Drawing on years of academic insight and decades of real-world application, this book bridges the gap between aspiration and action – showing leaders how to craft sustainable success rooted in meaning.

Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or change-maker, One Word challenges you to go beyond mission statements and marketing slogans – to find the authentic essence that inspires people, drives performance, and builds enduring value.