Brad "ChicagoFire" Watridge

About ChicagoFire

Where clarity meets momentum.

ChicagoFire is Brad Watridge’s personal strategy space — developed as part of the Hot Mustard Group to help entrepreneurs and business owners cut through complexity and reconnect with what matters most: clarity, confidence, and forward movement.

As Senior Strategist at Hot Mustard and founding member of BizAcademy, Brad brings over 27 years of experience working with SMMEs and B2B companies across Southern Africa. His approach blends practical insight with intuitive thinking, offering leaders a chance to pause, refocus, and realign their business direction.

Through short, focused soundboarding sessions, Brad creates a safe, intelligent space for decision-makers to reflect, challenge assumptions, and unpack the issues keeping them stuck — without being forced into overcomplicated frameworks or generic advice.

This isn’t coaching. It’s not consulting.

It’s strategic clarity — shaped by real-world experience and grounded in your reality.

In addition to one-on-one strategy work, Brad is a published co-author, podcast host, and contributor to the BizAcademy platform, where entrepreneurs can access articles, tools, and practical insights.

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SMME Live Sessions
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SMME Spotify Podcasts
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SMME Mentoring Sessions
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The Fire Manual

Insights, ideas, and stories straight from the heat of the creative process — where strategy meets spark

Strategy

We partner with B2B businesses and SMMEs to develop robust, actionable strategies that drive sustainable growth. This isn't just about planning; it's about creating a clear roadmap for your unique success.

Mentoring

More than just advice, this is a dedicated partnership to help you, as a business leader or entrepreneur, navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and unlock your full potential. Drawing on 27 years of experience, I provide a sounding board, guide, and motivator.

Book a Soundboarding Session

Need clarity, direction, or just a second brain on your business idea?
Book a short, focused soundboarding. It’s a power coffee for your business — relaxed, practical, and no fluff. Think clearly. Decide confidently. Move forward.

Book a Soundboarding Session

Soundboarding Sessions

Our soundboarding service provides a dedicated space for you to explore, articulate, and refine your business ideas and challenges in a confidential and supportive environment. It’s about gaining fresh perspectives and clarity before taking your next big step.

Here’s how our soundboarding process works:

Step 1
Contact
Us

Reach out to us via our website, email, or phone. Let us know you're interested in a soundboarding session, and we'll promptly schedule an initial chat.

Step 2
Grab a
Coffee

We'll arrange a relaxed, informal meeting – virtual or in-person – where we can get to know each other. This is a no-pressure conversation to understand your needs.

Step 3
Start
Chatting

Dive into your ideas, concerns, or challenges in a focused soundboarding session. This is your dedicated time to brainstorm, ask questions, and explore different angles with an experienced, objective ear.

Pricing for our soundboarding service is based on 45min – 1hr sessions priced at R495 pers session. Please contact us for a personalised quote.