He has been a lecturer in journalism and criminology, consultant to the Mandela government, a professional yachtsman, explorer, travel and environmental writer and photographer.

His passions are species conservation in Africa and the relationship between early social and biological trauma and high-risk adolescent behavior.

Pinnock has a PhD in political science, an MA in criminology, a BA in African history and has published a post-doctoral study on gangs, rituals and rites of passage.

He is a specialist in adolescent deviance, was one of the founders of the Usiko Trust and is a trustee[2] of the Chrysalis Academy, both involved with support and training[3] for high-risk youth.

He is a columnist for BA High Life and Mahala and researcher/writer for the Conservation Action Trust,[4] The Dodo[5] and Daily Maverick.