#13 Redefining Success in Business and Life with Brian Njuguna

Curious AF

In this deeply human and wide-ranging conversation, Luke sits down with Brian Njuguna to explore his incredible journey—from growing up in Kenya to practicing law in remote South Australia, and eventually founding one of the country’s most innovative mental health practices.

Brian shares stories of sleeping in creek beds to represent Aboriginal clients, unpacking systemic injustices, and learning the hard way how business success can pull you away from the very reasons you started. They dive into purpose, burnout, fatherhood, radicalisation prevention, VR therapy, and why Western culture might be getting happiness all wrong.

This episode is a masterclass in identity, legacy, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:

• Naming traditions in Kenyan families and cultural identity
• The reality of remote legal work in Australia’s outback
• Mental health struggles that redirected Brian’s career
• Starting a purpose-led business—and how it nearly broke him
• VR therapy as a powerful new tool for healing
• Being a present father while running multiple companies
• Understanding the cost of chasing the next goalpost

About the guest:

Brian Njuguna is a former criminal lawyer who transitioned into the mental health space after overcoming his own challenges with anxiety and depression. He is now the Director of two nationally recognised, award-winning organisations: BCOGNITIVE, known for its inclusive workplace programs, and Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, which brings cutting-edge therapeutic tools to regional and remote communities. Brian is also the founder of the Men’s Mental Health Gala and an NDIS business growth coach, passionate about building accessible, innovative support systems and helping other organisations thrive in the mental health sector.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.
For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast