The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

When it comes to choosing coaches, business consultants and speakers, it is often said that we choose the person, not the content.  This is why I appreciate you taking the time to learn a little about me, professionally and personally.

After completing my schooling in South Africa, I joined the South African Air Force, where I served for 5 years. My positions included Project Coordinator, Operations Assistant and Technical Trainer, with the completion of several managerial courses, achieving the rank of Sergeant. I moved my young family to the UK in 2000, where I continued to work in administrative roles while raising my children and completing a BSc(hons) Psychology, through The Open University, with electives in Social Psychology, Organisational Management, Child Development and Neuroscience.

My roles evolved to focus on IT and software implementation, and I soon found myself managing technical support teams, IT projects and large corporate client accounts.  This was facilitated by my further studies and certifications, including Business Studies, Prince2, Agile PO, and ISO Auditor.  My roles were in Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Haulage/Logistics.  I found those industries often dominated by traditionally masculine approaches: rewarding long hours and the sacrifice of personal wellbeing, fostering cut-throat (even combative) dynamics between teams or projects, or disregarding softer, more person-centred approaches to people management and client relationships. 

In 2008, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a chronic illness with symptoms including joint displacement, chronic pain and fatigue.  My technical work often required "keeping up with the guys" - long periods of working through the pain and fatigue, under stress, cortisol overload, proving myself, fighting my corners, resorting to bitch-mode when testosterone failed (and I am a girl, so yes, it was meant to fail!), and just generally feeling exhausted.  It was also during these years that I managed some amazing and successful teams!  Through consistently person-centred management, acting as coach and mentor, and developing the courage and capabilities of my downline and peers, I ensured we delivered together on key projects.

Sadly, this dedicated effort took its toll on my health and wellbeing.  By June 2024, I was burned out!  In an effort to regain an equilibrium and keep working in the technical area I loved, I chose to receive Coaching.

Through Coaching, I discovered that I have a lot of great ideas, inner strength, and the ability to help others.  I was able to regain my confidence and motivation, and returned to the workforce by November of that year.  However, my body had different ideas, and in June 2025 I experienced an episode of debilitating pain and was unable to walk for a few days.  Subsequently my medical team found a spinal flaw which will prevent me from realistically being a part of the office-based 8-5 workforce, at the risk of further injury or paralysis.

A challenge that may previously have caused me anxiety, guilt and a loss of purpose, became an opportunity!

I knew that my journey as a coachee had made me stronger and resilient, and shown me that I have a passion for helping others succeed where I had burned out!  I chose to transform my education, ongoing development, and years of corporate, managerial and technical knowledge into supportive coaching programs, that I look forward to the joy of sharing.

When I am not working with clients, I like to keep busy learning, experiencing and contributing to my realm.  My family and loved ones are very important to me, but I also give a lot of energy to volunteer and fundraising opportunities in my community and for social causes.   Presently I am learning French, to complement my existing skills in Afrikaans, Dutch and German.   I enjoy long country walks and expressive arts like painting, calligraphy, creative writing, singing and (trying to play) piano.