Behind Every Page

My family has been my greatest motivation in all that I do. It’s guided by the DREAM – an acronym made with the initials of the five people who matter most in my life: myself (Devan), Raina, Ela, Anaya, and my wife Mevashni. My wife and daughters are the reason behind the words I write.

I never set out to become an author. For more than two decades, my career has been in financial services, helping individuals and families make better decisions about their futures. My first book was inspired by my wife and our three daughters. Like every parent, I’ve made mistakes, learned lessons, and discovered that children don’t need perfect parents; they need present ones. Those experiences became the foundation for Dad’s 5 Rules. The book is built around five simple principles: be brave, be safe, be calm, don’t panic, and have some fun. They’re not just rules for children; they’re reminders for parents too. I hope that families will have better conversations, stronger relationships, and a little more confidence in navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s world.

Outside of writing, I’m passionate about projects that leave the world better than I found it. My wife and business partner, Mevashni and I share a passion for building businesses that solve real problems and create lasting impact. Whether we’re launching a new venture or I’m writing a book, the goal is always the same: to solve a genuine problem and improve people’s lives.

Being an author in South Africa is both exciting and challenging. We have incredible stories to tell, but reading is still not as deeply embedded in our culture as it should be, and I believe that creates an opportunity. South African authors can tell authentic stories that resonate locally while also inspiring readers around the world. If even one book encourages a family to communicate better or changes the direction of someone’s life, then it has achieved something meaningful.

Dad’s 5 Rules is my first published book, but it certainly won’t be my last. I’m currently exploring the idea of creating a new series of children’s books inspired by the impact which the What It Means to Be ... books had on my own daughters growing up. Those stories helped shape meaningful conversations in our home, and I hope to create books that do the same for other families. My goal is simple: to build a collection of books, businesses and ideas that leave people, and especially families, a little better than I found them.

Words by: Devan Moodley

Email: devan.moodley@dreamwealth.org