Perri King has never followed a traditional path. Instead, she’s rewritten the rules of leadership… leading with empathy, building with purpose and lifting others as she climbs.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 October 2025) – When South Africans shine, it’s rarely in isolation. Their success often spills over into communities, inspiring change, creating opportunities and challenging what leadership can look like.
That’s exactly what Faith and Fear co-founder Perri King has done.
Recently honoured as one of South Africa’s 2025 Forty Under 40 Award winners, Perri took home the national title in the Communications (Business Development) category, a well-deserved recognition for her contribution to the industry and her commitment to reimagining what it means to lead with purpose.
As co-founder and executional lead of Faith and Fear, a 100% women-owned growth hacker consultancy, Perri has built more than just an agency, she’s built a movement. Her approach to business is human-first, agile and deeply rooted in community. Under her leadership, the agency has helped brands like Profmed, Liberty Group, Talent10 Holdings, and Versofy Solar grow, connect and tell more meaningful stories. But the real impact goes far beyond brand campaigns or growth strategies.
Through Faith and Fear’s ecosystem of over 25 women-led supplier businesses, Perri has created an interconnected network that prioritises collaboration and empowerment. Her work has generated real economic growth and long-term sustainability, giving rise to a model where women support women, businesses thrive and communities benefit. Beyond the boardroom, she also co-leads The Brave Collective, a social impact initiative that supports more than 2,000 South African women every month through leadership development, financial education and access to community. It’s a project rooted in the belief that bravery is contagious – that when women are equipped to lead, everyone rises.
Speaking about her award, Perri said, “This award is for every woman building without a blueprint. For those leading with heart in a world that rewards only hustle. I’m grateful to be seen and more committed than ever to building businesses and communities that invest in what really matters.”
Perri joins 39 other young leaders across South Africa who were recognised in this year’s Forty Under 40 Awards, representing sectors from technology and education to sustainability, healthcare and the arts. Together, they reflect the depth of talent and innovation shaping the country’s future, people who are proving daily that impact and empathy can coexist.
But her story, in true Faith and Fear spirit, reminds us that when we lead with both courage and heart, only good things can follow.
*This is one story from the Forty Under 40 awards… we cannot wait to share more with you!
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