From being voted as the naughtiest kid most likely to fail at school, I found success in the information and technology sector as a young sales and marketing executive, culminating in an executive sales and strategy role for a large information technology company based in Germany. On my return to South Africa, my passion to inspire leadership led to the creation of TowerStone. I am continually amazed by how much we have achieved in such a short time, but it is also humbling to realise how far we have to go, considering we are such a young organisation.

My role in TowerStone includes business and purposeful content development, coaching, writing and strategic consulting. My core purpose is to encourage all those I come into contact with to see the world through a different set of lenses to realise their potential. Many of us are unaware of our past conditioning, blocking growth and development that keeps us in false comfort zones. What is so desperately needed from leaders and human beings is to become aware of the lenses that trap us, so that we can realise the full splendour of who we are and what we can achieve and contribute. To consciously lead, to be a model example, and to let go of the old to inspire the new, is one of the toughest aspects of a personal life journey.

I am driven by the need to inspire others. My life purpose – as a coach and facilitator – is getting up every morning and showing care for all those around me; inspiring them to seek greater meaning in their lives and helping them to Purposefully live a life that matters – a life that is fulfilling and meaningful, filled with love at the core of everything. And indeed, this is how I live my own life.

I have come to realise as a coach and facilitator that each engagement with another individual is an opportunity to learn.

As someone who has always wanted to understand people better, enrolling for a psychology degree seems like a natural decision in hindsight. I completed my honours and interned as a psychometrist in the public sector in the 80s, after which I worked as a business consultant both in other businesses as well as my own. My immersion in the business world lead me to enrol in and obtain a Masters in Business Administration.

All of this came together when I joined TowerStone – a group of warm and caring professionals who are passionate about their work. Our work on brand ambassadorship not only benefits leaders in the workplace but also their contributions as individuals in society.

I believe the true mark of someone’s achievement isn’t found in their own lives, but in the contributions they’ve made to the lives of others.

With an Honours degree in Psychology and after spending a number of years of working in the field, I decided to branch out into organisational development and business coaching. This allowed me to spend significant time facilitating management and leadership concepts within various industries including retail, mining and production throughout Africa.

In my professional and personal life, I enjoy observing what works, figuring out why it works and then building on those proven foundations. My focus at TowerStone allows me to explore this even further through facilitating our various qualifications and Purposeful Learning Series workshops as well as coaching business leaders.

Being an accredited practitioner in the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument®, Barrett’s, Enneagram and Belbin assessments allows me to provide clients with real data to use as a baseline from which to grow through coaching – witnessing this growth is simply amazing.

Marilyn Monroe’s quote of “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” encourages me to live my life to the fullest every day!

I believe that no matter what role you may find yourself in, each has one thing in common: the need for effective communication which is something I am passionate about. I enjoy being part of a team and going the extra mile making sure my deadlines are met. Throughout my career, I have learnt how to adapt to different surroundings and diverse personalities while still maintaining the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism.

I feel privileged to be working with such a dynamic team, and am excited about the opportunity to grow with TowerStone.

I have had a number of years experience in an administrative role within the motor trade. Using the skills learnt, I joined TowerStone as an office administrator as part of a dynamic team. While working with a team who believe in growing individuals to their full potential, I now manage the Supervisor Development Programme, support our facilitators and assist with the operational aspects. My role forms an integral part of helping to sustain the success of the back office team, through my involvement in the day to day running of the office.

My purpose in life is to be a good leader to others through living a values driven life. What I love about the TowerStone family is that I can be myself and am allowed the space I need to grow as an individual. Outside the office I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.

I began my academic career at the University of the Western Cape where I studied Mathematics and Physics. I went on to complete a PhD in Mathematics Education at Cornell University in New York in 1988.

I have served as Campus Vice-Principal at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and later as Pro-Vice Chancellor for Partnerships. I have been centrally involved in curriculum reform in post-apartheid South Africa and was asked by all four Ministers of Education to play a leading role in the transformation of education in the new South Africa.

I served as Chairperson of the Umalusi Council from 2006-2010 and again from 2014 –to present. I also held various Interim Vice-Chancellor positions until 2017. These opportunities provided me with a wealth of knowledge in the academic and education fields that I share and apply.

My ambition in life is to strengthen leadership through education and training which I am able to do as Head of Institute at TowerStone.

I started my journey of becoming a brand and communications strategist as a Matie, studying for a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s in business administration specialising in marketing. I spent twenty years in leadership positions at great advertising agencies: Ogilvy, Y&R, TBWA, Saatchi & Saatchi. I was privileged to work with inspiring clients and their brands, e.g. Volkswagen, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble. It’s good to learn from the best.

One of the lessons I learnt was that strategy supersedes tactics, so I ran my own specialist brand and communications strategy enterprise for 10 years. Another lesson I learnt was that without employees who are brand ambassadors a brand will never be great. At TowerStone we build great brands by inspiring brand ambassadors. I also learnt that learning is a never-ending, exciting journey, so I am a voracious reader and an aspirant writer.

I have acquired various skills in organising, planning, operational and administrative functions during my professional career. Diverse experiences in life have taught me to adapt quickly to new environments and different management styles.

I enjoy being a part of a dynamic and goal-orientated team with a winning attitude. I use the above-mentioned skills on a daily basis to support and add value to the TowerStone team.

I believe that being a woman in today’s society is a huge responsibility and requires acting in a way that inspires other young women. I have realised that my identity is not about where I come from, but where I am heading.

What inspires me daily is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Nil nisi optimum. When I wake up in the morning my mind lingers on those three words, which together mean, nothing but the best. Being part of a diverse team who strive to produce nothing but the best is one of the many perks of being the Office Manager at TowerStone Leadership Centre.
No two days are the same, whether its ensuring internal communication processes are smoothly executed or brainstorming solutions to resolve challenges, I thoroughly enjoy being of service, and the fact that I’m part of a diverse team of specialists is simply the cherry on top.
When I’m not tinkering away at perfecting the minutiae of an Excel spreadsheet, I’m surrounded by the four-legged loves of my life. Nothing quite compares to the unconditional and uncomplicated love of a dog. Multiply that by four and you have my idea of paradise.
If I wasn’t contributing to ensuring operations at TowerStone run smoothly or surrounded by my pooches, I’d be on the frontlines of an environmental campaign. Thankfully, my passion for environmental awareness and living mindfully is actualised within TowerStone, where everyone invests in recycling and being mindful of their usage of valuable resources like water.

Ghandi says it so well - “HAPPINESS IS WHEN WHAT YOU THINK, WHAT YOU SAY AND WHAT YOU DO ARE IN HARMONY” - Mahtma Gandhi

Not many would champion the world of financial accounting, but I absolutely love it. From 8 am to 5 pm I have a full day of processing, dotting i’s and crossing t’s, while crunching those prerequisite numbers, in order to prep financials. This satisfies me to no end, especially as I can count myself as being part of a dynamic team of talented individuals at TowerStone Leadership Centre, where the atmosphere is pleasantly filled with positivity.

When I am not balancing spreadsheets or capturing vital data, you can find me appreciating nature, engrossed in spiritual reading material, and occasionally – emphasis on occasionally – indulging in the odd deliciously greasy burger. After all, to quote Louise Hay, “The point of power is always in the present moment”, which is how I choose to live, appreciating the now because yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift and I am grateful.

Although I have worked in several sectors including retail, financial and non-profit, the positions I have held have always had an element of writing to them. Having been an avid reader since a young age, language and communications have always been aspects which I have been interested in.

At TowerStone, I am able to put my writing and editing skills into practice full time to help ensure that all of our material is of only the highest standard. Being somewhat of a perfectionist certainly helps with this!

I strongly believe in the TowerStone offerings and that we can make a big difference in the lives of many through our interventions which aim to inspire brand ambassadorship. I enjoy being part of the wonderful TowerStone team and helping to inspire people to bring their hands, minds and hearts to work.

After completing my degree in Office Management & Technology, I started working with Johnny Johnson, who is the TowerStone brand and communication strategist.

I assist the development of brand and communications strategies and their activation. My purpose in the team is to ensure there is order, coordination and communication.

I’m passionate about using technology to facilitate my work. I also help inform strategic planning through desk research and the analysis of primary research. I am responsible for preparing persuasive presentations.

I love spending time enjoying nature and having fun with family and friends.

I enjoy working in a high-performance environment which is what I do in my position as Chief Operations Officer at TowerStone Leadership Centre. I am surrounded by a passionate and supportive team that energises and inspires me.

This business has taught me that an aligned culture manifests the right behaviours that form important cornerstones of any organisation. Sustainability is ensured when behaviours support the values of the organisation and where team members aspire to live these every day.

Individual growth is also important to me and I have learned that you can only grow and develop yourself if you are aware of your blind spots. 

I have great passion for children and their development as they are our future leaders. I believe that they should be nurtured from an early age so that they can reach their full potential and not be limited by their thinking.

I am motivated by Ghandi’s quote: “Be the change that you want to see in the world”

Born and raised in Cape Town, I’ve always been a lover of all things wordy and I often have my nose buried in a book, website or blog. Fuelled by my passion for words and education, I’ve worked in the public relations consultancy environment and spent 10 years inspiring young minds in private higher education.

As part of a dynamic and very talented team of copy editors at TowerStone, I am able to use my love of words to help leaders discover their potential and to help them build great organisations.

When I’m not behind my desk, you’re likely to find me spending time with my family or enjoying a cappuccino with a friend.

Having spent nearly a decade working as a Student Recruitment Officer in Higher Education in South Africa, my passion to see individuals flourish and being fulfilled is always a top priority.

Further to this, my passion for sport has led me to believe in the value of team work and also the importance of individual contribution to the team. Finding a way to link the two, is what creates magic.

In my role in Digital Marketing and Sales – the initial link to TowerStone – I find that I am able to contribute to making the team even more effective together.

With this in mind, I embark on a daily journey, not only of self-fulfilment, but also to see that people flourish and are fulfilled in their workplace.

As for my passion for education, I think Martin Luther King Jr puts it wonderfully when he states: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

It's been 15 years since I first walked into an industry-focused, purpose-driven private higher education institution and experienced the lifelong learning journey of students. I loved that education was simulated through real-work world training. After years as a programme coordinator, my focus became quality assurance and accreditation.

After two years as an accreditation consultant and experiencing real-world business lessons, trials, challenges, great opportunities and rewards, I very excitedly joined TowerStone Institute of Leadership as Registrar, though on most days I'm a student myself being surrounded by dynamic leaders and coaches.

I seek to understand, rather than be understood. So, I ask lots of questions, delve deeper than the surface and live with my head and heart open. I believe in the power of acceptance and strive to maintain my integrity above all else.

From carefully hitting the keys on my aunt’s typewriter when I was young, to the fluster of writing, editing and proofreading that make up my current reality – the written word has always been my passion.

I started out on the wobbly legs of a BA degree in Languages and Literature, but I had much to learn when launching my career in the private business sector. The experience I gained taught me to approach challenges with confidence and to continually adapt to new circumstances. It also gave me the opportunity to further develop and diversify my language skills by working on a wide range of projects from marketing material to business correspondence and proposals.

Upon joining TowerStone, I found it to be a company alive with personality and possibilities. It is a daily privilege to be involved in creating content that does more than scratch the surface – content that inspires real change. I count myself fortunate to be part of a team that is passionate about making a difference and passionate about supporting each other to get there.

After seven years working for a socially-minded initiative based in Qatar that seeks to create jobs and economic opportunities for young people in the Arab world, it was time to return to my beloved country and impart my valuable experience I gained in support of empowering my own people.

My position as Project Co-ordinator for TowerStone’s Organisational Development and Coaching Practice is mostly working behind the scenes, making sure that effective planning and team work contribute to the effective and purposeful execution of what TowerStone promises to deliver. I thoroughly love my job, especially when everything comes together.

I try to live by all-time favourite quote by Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

TowerStone is about empowering people and purpose. The values of TowerStone resonate with my personal beliefs. I was drawn to TowerStone because of my passion: to see people uplifted and empowered, to see people grow and become better.

TowerStone provides the perfect platform to guide organisations to achieve fulfilment in the workplace. Being passionate about contributing towards the development of others and myself is what attracted me to TowerStone.

I come from a disadvantaged background and thus appreciate all fine aspects of life. Dr. Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy once said “If you are only good to those who are good to you, then what good are you”. This serves as a great reminder to remain humble and just at all times.

After graduating with a B. Comm Financial Management degree in March 2015, I had a desire to lead an organisation towards financial success. Joining TowerStone in 2017 has allowed me to embark on my dreams as being the Financial Manager and contributing towards the betterment of individuals at various organisations. I see TowerStone as an extended family which I am honoured to be working with and continue to grow with the company.

I am fulfilled.