Testimonials & Reviews

“Undoing the knot of ‘nots’ is an invitation we all receive in our lives, but few are brave enough to accept it. Looking deep into your soul requires examining the stories and scripts that have shaped and run your life to this point. Then, you have to decide what to keep and what to let go of. As a human potential expert, and having walked my own journey with personal disruption, I know that the process of releasing layers of trauma and lifelong conditioning to discover your true self, requires hard work and courage. It’s often easier to remain a victim trapped in the collateral damage, than search for the collateral beauty in the ashes.

In Belonging: Finding Tribes of Meaning, Alison Jessica Weihe bares her soul and invites the reader to witness her process of undoing the knot of ‘nots’. This vulnerable account of her struggle and her journey will strike a chord in every reader because we are all on this journey, whether we are conscious of it, or not.

As a fellow speaker, mentor and friend, I have watched Alison emerge from the writing process like a butterfly from a chrysalis. As she kept learning and discovering, she kept going deeper and deeper still. She has woven her life’s journey, the highs and lows, and all of her experiences, into a fascinating tapestry that is this book. Alison’s search for belonging and self-acceptance is both raw and real. It mirrors the South African struggle out of apartheid and her contribution to that process. Marriage and motherhood blended with the challenges of entrepreneurship. Partnering with her husband Friedel, they built an award-winning company from nothing, facing many sceptical onlookers. That journey too, held some surprises for which they were both unprepared, but they came through the fire of depression and betrayal stronger than before.

If there is one thing that this book demonstrates, it is that life does not unfold in a straight line for anyone. How you respond will determine how you rise again when the chips are down. Once Alison stepped into a global personal development journey around the age of sixty, there was no turning back. She kept digging and delayering, undoing the knot of ‘nots’, healing her wounds and working on her self-esteem and self-confidence. She realized that everyone has a story, no one has life totally figured out, but everything is ‘figureoutable’, if you are curious enough.

Her relationships with her parents, her husband and her children, provide insight into real life and just how messy and beautiful it can be. Her story encompasses love, hurt, judgement, forgiveness, fear, curiosity, growth and acceptance. It celebrates the duality and paradox of being human and the discovery of what she calls Identity Intelligence, which has become the core of the personal transformation work that she does with individuals and companies today.

This is a story of a woman who chose to step out of the shadows of shyness and insecurity, and into the light. In fact, she now stands in the spotlight on the stage, encouraging audiences with facets of her story as an entrepreneur, or how she took on the task of undoing the knot of ‘nots’ that were keeping her trapped in smallness.

Alison’s presence is vital and infectious. She lives life to the full and changes the lives of others as she shows up as the biggest and best version of herself today, acknowledging what it took to get to this place. She is an inspiration to many. As her light continues to shine more brightly, she is often fondly referred to as Mama Gold. Alison is a generous, kind, loving, brave, authentic and strongly intuitive woman who operates from a place of spirit, forgiveness and Identity Intelligence. You will learn so much about being human and showing up as your best self by reading this book.

Alison’s sharing of her search for identity, self-love and belonging is just the encouragement you need to embark on this journey for yourself too.

You do not have to wait sixty years to own your story.”

Belonging is a fundamental human need, where people feel that who they are is uniquely recognised and understood. They are accepted as part of the group. It is about finding a place where we feel connected, understood, and valued. However, understanding the concept of belonging goes beyond simply being part of a group or community. It is about feeling a deep sense of connection and acceptance within us. Alison Jessica Weihe’s story is a story of grit, determination, self-discovery and self-love. Belonging: Finding tribes of Meaning, is a deeply personal account of self-discovery and transformation. Alison shares her courageous journey of embracing her strengths and weaknesses, her successes and failures, her flaws and imperfections. Her story is testament that when we accept ourselves, we create a safe space within our own hearts where we can be vulnerable and authentic. Vulnerability and belonging are deeply intertwined. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite others to do the same. It is in our moments of vulnerability that true connections are formed, bonds are strengthened, and a sense of belonging is cultivated. Vulnerability creates an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, where we are safe to be ourselves without judgment or rejection. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to thrive and achieve our full potential. If you seek to understand the transformative power of belonging, get this book today!

What a wonderful pleasure to have recently met the glowing and empowered Alison, and then get handed her book, Belonging: Finding Tribes of Meaning. I started reading about her incredible journey of transmutation, and finding her Identity Intelligence, leading to the extraordinary life that she is living today with her beloved family and tribes. I get handed so many books, but simply couldn’t put this one down – because it has soul, it oozes with humility, and reminds us that we are born to fly, not to fall. Alison, I see you, and honour your courageous journey. Here is to many more chapters unfolding, and you shining as bright as the star that you are.

A truly awe-inspiring, engaging read of a soul on a journey to discover her ‘soul tribes’. This read is an earnest portrayal of overcoming barriers such as imposter syndrome to discover the authentic self; finding life’s purpose; and living a vital and rewarding life. Alison’s book is a refreshing read. This networking aficionado discovers her purpose of bringing together other like-minded souls for greater synergy, which is exactly how I connected with Alison, and we have enjoyed meaningful collaboration ever since. Kudos, Alison, on capturing soul-baring inspiration in this amazing piece of work, which is truly an ode to the indomitable human spirit.

If you’ve ever felt lonely, like an outsider or not enough, Alison’s book will speak straight into your soul and help you to heal. Alison uses storytelling as a medium to bring healing, hope and inspiration. She walks the talk, has lived the journey and sees her purpose to speak and write for those who need it on a soul level. Alison’s work will bring transformation into your life, and you can’t help but be inspired and moved by the words she writes and speaks. I would love to invite you to take the first step by reading this book and then sharing it with others.

Alison has allowed me to be a part of her transformational journey. In Belonging, you get to be part of that journey as Alison shares openly and from the heart, a heart that you will find is full of courage and love. Belonging is your opportunity to learn how to find your own voice and create a fearless and fulfilling life.

I was introduced to Alison in 2021 through the Coaches and Speakers Mentorship Programme. Alison and Jabu Zwane were the facilitators of the programme. Alison’s ability to captivate the audience with her storytelling methodology had a huge impact on me and on my coaching career. It was so easy to associate with her; she was never afraid to show her vulnerability to us during the programme. Alison, may everything you touch turn to gold; thank you for sharing yourself with us.

In August 2021, I reluctantly accepted an invitation to a personal brand talk. The keynote speaker for the day was Alison Weihe. Little did I know that I was to have a collision with destiny. I was blown away by Alison’s story and, for the first time in my life, felt a deep connection to my own destiny. Alison inspired me to own my own story and use my voice to fulfil my purpose; to own the fact that I am an original and one of a kind; and, more importantly, to share my story with those around me, because it will change their world. A BIG thank you, Alison, for unlocking and igniting the gift within me.

Alison’s amazing story, which I was privileged to edit, inspired me to pen a poem for the first time in twenty years. This demonstrates the power of storytelling to inspire.

Facing life’s challenges is increasingly tough

Competing, being measured, never feeling enough

Keeping head above water, seeking the light

Praying that one day all will be right.

Finding a tribe of meaning is like coming home

Feeling you belong, that you’re not all alone

Kindred spirits surround you, you realize at last

You’ve found love and acceptance, you’ve built on your past.

Being, belonging, becoming all you can be

Finding yourself, you’re finally free.