What a year 2024 has been! As I have so often said, one of my biggest challenges has been breaking out of a successful corporate life, into the frightening yet exciting world of entrepreneurship. And what a fun and scary rollercoaster ride it has been.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
I have completed the most amazing assignments, which I never thought were possible, a few of them as follows. I coached two cohorts of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) who received funding, one from the German government, in partnership with the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business. These sessions were a real joy, and I made great friends with the most extraordinary businesspeople. I worked with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to assist them with getting graduate interns to help in their businesses and fulfill the requirements of their in-service training as well.
One of these being a fashion designer who exhibited at the London Fashion Fair, and the others who also travelled abroad extensively on export accelerator programmes. The world of entrepreneurs is fast, exciting, extraordinary, and uncertain at times, and they need support both in terms of skills and funding. I also serve on the SMME Forum of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where a number of interesting meetings and networking sessions were held for small businesses.
Management and Executive Coaching
In executive coaching, one of my favourite assignments was with a major global client, and I have truly seen the transformative benefits of this senior level coaching for women in leadership. In today’s fast paced environment, organisations are recognising the importance of investing in their leaders. Executive and management coaching has become a powerful tool for enhancing leadership skills, improving decision making and fostering both personal and professional growth. I have thoroughly enjoyed the work that I have done with the women leaders with whom I have worked, as they often face unique challenges in navigating corporate landscapes that have traditionally been dominated by men.
For women, I found that coaching really helped to unlock their potential, and it was life changing. Coaching helped them overcome gender-related barriers, refined their leadership style and helped them to successfully break through the glass ceiling. We also worked on building confidence and assertiveness, overcoming gender bias and breaking barriers. Topics like self-awareness, decision making, strategic thinking, creating work life integration, cultivating a growth mindset, and establishing strong networks were common, and there was immense value in the outcome of these discussions.
HR Consulting
I had the privilege of getting a contract with a large and forward-thinking organisation, which included the coaching of around 20 talented employees, and 20 bursary students. The benefit of such an assignment cannot be overstated, as a number of issues that can be addressed by the organisation were dealt with, resulting in higher levels of retention and ultimately a return on investment.
Having worked as a human resources director for a large blue-chip organisation, I found that clients often tapped into my experience in this area. I did some really great work in the area of succession, organisational structures, remuneration and performance management, for example, for both medium organisations and a startup. Smaller companies generally do not have the benefit of highly qualified HR teams or dedicated HR individuals, so this can be enormously rewarding for them, as they often do not need a full-time person. Also, just being a sounding board for clients has been great.
I started doing presentations in small businesses on Woman’s Day, which resulted in rich discussions around the imposter syndrome. I also did my first webinar on this topic, with good attendance, and which drew great attention. One of the comments was, “I know of many people who experienced these feelings, but I didn’t know it was a thing”. This is a topic that is extremely close to my heart. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5I_0c1u9iw
The World of Academia
A new world that I have entered is that of academia, having worked with the senate and the training and development committee of a private and forward-thinking university. The leadership of this organisation has been mind-blowing as they focus on future technology, future skills gaps, and future instructional design, amongst others. It is a world that I am enjoying very much.
Mental Health
A very big need that I have faced over that past year is that of mental health. It is a topic that is much talked about, but I am not so sure is being effectively addressed. An aspect of mental health that requires attention is that of loneliness, which has emerged as a significant and often overlooked mental health challenge. During the next year, I am hoping to assist organisations with mental health coaching and counselling for both managers and those struggling with their own mental health challenges, as the positive impact will be felt. Mental health coaching and counselling offers a valuable tool in addressing loneliness and promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Employees can be assisted with better understanding their emotions, improving coping mechanisms, and developing strategies to build deeper, more meaningful connections.
A major achievement has been recognition as a Top 100 business leader in KZN. My company is B-BBEE level one, and I have been constantly working on my website to ensure that it provides up to date information.
C: +27 (0)83 386 8343
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