Rooted in faith and family, his work is designed to spark real, lasting change.
For Ricardo Amaral, life has always been a journey of searching for purpose and for a way to use his gifts to make a lasting difference. Raised in Rosettenville, he has lived in Johannesburg south his entire life and now calls Brackenhurst home.
Today, he is the author of two published books, Called and Chosen and EternaL ROI (Return on Investment). He is also a speaker and a certified life coach.
Education against the odds
Ricardo’s school years were not his strongest academically. ‘I didn’t do very well in school,’ he said.
He remembers the uncertainty he felt about his future. Encouraged by his parents, he began with IT studies at CTU Training Solutions, gaining A+, Network+ and graphic design qualifications. Despite struggling to find steady work, he carried on, eventually enrolling at UNISA.
His choice of degree came almost by accident. ‘I looked at all the degrees and the job opportunities,’ he says. ‘It seems silly, but it just shows you how God works.’ He completed his Communications Science degree cum laude, earning 13 distinctions – 17 in total if one includes his IT studies.
Later, he completed photography courses at the College of Digital Photography and, most recently, qualified as a professional life coach through UDEMY, with specialisations in happiness, goal setting, life purpose and emotional intelligence.
Corporate life and the search for meaning
Professionally, Ricardo worked across retail, customer service and tech support in the mobile phone industry before entering the petroleum sector. Over more than 18 years he took on roles in administration, business support and business analysis. But something was always missing.
‘I spent a very long time in corporate, trying to extract meaning and purpose out of life,’ he says. ‘The jobs were never fulfilling.’ By March 2025, he stepped into his calling full time, becoming an author and life coach. The transition marked a turning point as he embraced writing and coaching as tools to uplift, motivate and guide.
A spiritual journey of transformation
Ricardo’s faith is the anchor of his life story. ‘About 12 years ago, something changed,’ he explains.
‘I shifted from religion to relationship, and everything started changing.’ Growing up small for his age, he faced bullying, rejection and the difficult experience of being an outcast. While painful, it equipped him with compassion. ‘I can relate to people who feel marginalised or oppressed,’ he says. ‘Now I’m in a position to coach them out of it.’
One of the most influential moments in his spiritual journey came from a mentor whose guidance still shapes him today. ‘She wasn’t forceful or imposing. She just loved me and said, ‘Here is the truth. What you do with it is up to you’.’ That ‘aha moment’ stays with him and he hopes to be that light for others.
Ricardo’s path to authorship began with a desire to empower others, though it was not straightforward. ‘I wrote all this material and wasn’t getting anywhere,’ he says. Overwhelmed by a single large concept, he put the writing aside until his wife stepped in. ‘She said, ‘Why don’t you write a devotional? You have all these small ideas’.’
That advice shaped his first book, Called and Chosen, which took three and a half years to complete. ‘I prayed through every single devotion. The process lasted so long that his daughter grew from four to eight by the time he held the finished book.
His second book, EternaL ROI, came together in just 10 days. Inspired by a conversation with his father-in-law about trying short format literature, he created a structure and everything flowed. ‘When you’re writing, it’s nice to have multiple things going on otherwise your mind gets stuck,’ he explains.
EternaL ROI explores how business can be done honestly, especially in South Africa’s challenging climate. ‘You want to make a difference. You don’t want to write something valuable only to yourself. You want to help people.’
Today, Ricardo works passionately to guide people of all ages through life’s challenges. Much of his compassion comes from his childhood experiences. ‘Because of what I went through, I can relate,’ he says. He is especially drawn to helping young people. ‘Grades 10 to 12 are such a fragile stage. You’re looking for identity in friends, clothes, parties but you still feel empty.’
He is currently developing a programme aimed at high school learners. Empowering others is what drives him. ‘There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone have a lightbulb moment when they say, ‘I knew there was more to life’ and that fills me.’
Family, his foundation
Family is central to Ricardo’s life. He is deeply grateful for his wife, whom he describes as a true partner in every sense. ‘We are a very spiritual family,’ he says. ‘I’m fortunate to have her and my daughter who is full of personality and brings endless inspiration.’
The festive season holds special significance for Ricardo and his family. ‘Christmas is a very special time,’ he says. It is a season they celebrate with reverence, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and spending quality time together.
Most of Ricardo’s extended family has moved away, so he cherishes moments with his parents, brother and his wife’s family. His wife brings the season alive with beautiful décor, and Ricardo’s favourite part is being surrounded by family. ‘I love spending time with them,’ he says.
Looking ahead
Ricardo is currently working on a new book and has big plans for his coaching work, especially with the youth. His mission remains firm – to bring meaning, encouragement and spiritual grounding to others.
‘Ultimately, you want to make a difference. You want to help someone find meaning and purpose.’ Guided by faith, supported by family and committed to serving others, Ricardo is stepping confidently into the next chapter of his life and it’s one grounded in purpose, God and heartfelt impact.
Follow Ricardo on social media @ricardo_amaral_kclife on Instagram.
Text and photo: DESNAY PETERSON
