Boardroom Logic

By Julia Holmes

Starting over a cup of coffee in 2008, when the real estate market was undergoing the “big crash”, Shaun Harrison, Sidney Ting Chong and six fellow Christians, in seeking direction for the industry, devised Boardroom Logic, a weekly property industry associated pray group. Core member, Shaun, in discussing the birth of the name, says: “At that stage (2008) the boardrooms were quite empty and very little deals were being done. The boardroom was a dull space in offices and we wanted to encourage industry members to get together and pray in their boardrooms”.

Boardroom Logic welcomes all members from the real estate industry, and strives to provide a platform to integrate one’s Christian walk, with one’s corporate world. Involved in an industry of faith and high risk, which Shaun describes as a “rollercoaster”, groups as such are important in providing collective support, and uplifting one another in times of adversity and struggle. By combining competing parties, such as real estate agents, bond originators, transferring attorneys and real estate developers, Boardroom Logic encompasses a concept that Shaun recognizes as “entirely unique”. He says : “we are here to pray for and to encourage one another, not to compete. Part of it is overcoming the threat of who we are to each other”. Jeremiah 33 2-3 says

“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Furthermore, Boardroom Logic is a space for industry role players to network and collaborate, with members often sharing a collective interest in or advising one another in business dealings. Hosted from a venue provided by Harvest Christian Church, in Albert Road, Walmer, prayer meetings occur every Friday from 9-10am, where coffee and breakfast is enjoyed at the Hub Café thereafter. The diverse, emotive group has experienced an abundance of highlights thus far, including social events, such as group breakfasts, year-end functions and, on a more personal level, being able to pray for members in dire straits. It some cases Boardroom Logic has become a place of council and comfort for those in need.

Overall, Boardroom Logic has a core of leaders, who alternate turns in leading the meetings, ensuring that talking points keep Christ centered every week. Members are encouraged to share their opinions and responses, guaranteeing a refreshing experience! The group even has its own rock star, Sidney, who performs at Christian events nationwide.

Key to the successes of Boardroom Logic is placing God first in its operational strategy, and acting as a neural party within the industry. Long term, Boardroom Logic would like to branch out on a larger scale, by, for example, hosting corporate functions with guest speakers. Shaun says: “It would be great to see Boardroom Logic in other cities”, as members who have moved to cities such as Johannesburg and Durban, are “hungry” for a community such as Boardroom Logic, and closely follow their Facebook page for the latest news and updates.

For more information on joining Boardroom Logic, or advice on implementing such a concept in your industry, email info@boardroomlogic.co.za or befriend them on Facebook: “Boardroom Logic”.

Contact Julia if you would like her to write for you!