I’ve deliberately simplified my consulting and coaching — choosing to work with fewer clients so I can focus more deeply and achieve results that truly matter — for my clients and for me.
Philosophy and approach:
My guiding principle is simple: Do for others as you would have them do for you (easier said than done). I’m results-focused and believe clarity about desired outcomes puts everything into perspective. When we know the results we want, it becomes easier to cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters. We can take consistent action, every tool — whether a book, plan, or coaching session — becomes more effective. Why? Because everything is now done with a purpose and direction.
Skills:
I am good at listening, crystallizing ideas and helping people focus and act on what is most important. Other skills include Facilitation, Coaching, Mentoring, Relationship Management and Team Building, Analytical and Numerical skills, Proficient in Spreadsheet Modelling, Project Management, Writing, Speaking and Presentation.
Experience:
My background is wide-ranging and in-depth. Recently I’ve worked as a business consultant, coach, and lecturer in management and leadership. Earlier in my career, I was an economist, and before that, worked in HR. This variety enables me to bring strategic insight and practical value to any business situation requiring sound management and leadership.
Qualifications:
- Master’s in Business Leadership – focus on Strategic Planning
- Bachelor of Administration – Industrial Psychology and Public Administration
- Diploma in Datametrics – Operations Research and Statistics
A wider look
Fairly ordinary
My journey hasn’t been linear. From facing personal challenges to experiencing professional highs and lows, I’ve gained invaluable insights into resilience, adaptability, and the diverse paths to success.
I can’t tell you how I went from living in a car to a mansion in six months. I’ve had my ups and downs, some self-inflicted, some beyond my control. Along the way I’ve learned about life, about people, and about what it really takes to succeed. I’ve also learned that there are many definitions of success, and many routes to get there. Most of all, I want people to follow their route — on their terms, not mine.
Interesting work
During my time at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), I had the privilege of contributing to pivotal projects. I found myself sitting on beer crates, engaging with small builders in Cape Town’s Crossroads area, discussing opportunities in low-cost housing amidst the political shifts of 1994. At the other end of the spectrum, I was part of the facilitating team for international workshops for the Southern African Construction Industry Initiative, which included ten countries. My final project at CSIR was winning the national tender to prepare South Africa’s Country Report for the United Nations’ Habitat programme — bringing together government, business, and community leaders. I led this and facilitated 4 regional and national workshops of key building and construction industry stakeholders, and compiled the Country Report.
Life in New Zealand
In 1997, my family and I moved to New Zealand — a major change, and not without challenges. I shifted focus, this time to small business consulting and coaching. I share the frustrations of many business owners; there are times when I wonder if it wouldn’t have been easier to just have a simple job. But I remember that I once did, and it drove me to distraction. The grass always seems greener on the other side, doesn’t it?
I’ve worked closely with small business owners, as well as CEOs of larger firms. I also lectured in Strategy, Leadership, Management, Economics and more — a natural extension of my passion for teaching, and mentoring.
Currently and Life Beyond Work
My enthusiasm for entrepreneurs runs deep — I admire what they do and understand the challenges they face. That’s why I now deliberately offer very focused consulting and coaching: working with fewer people, more closely, and on the things that truly make a difference.
Outside of work, I pursue a wide range of interests: photography, classical and lead guitar, playing in guitar and ukulele groups, dabbling on the piano (not very well), and travelling — recently to Europe, Melbourne, and South Africa. I enjoy science fiction, DIY projects (some more successful than others), stock market trading, and lately using Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is interesting (however, given my current focus on human contact and real interaction I don’t see it as very useful in my current consulting – quite willing to chat about this and more).
I’m active in Toastmasters, having achieved Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and a 25-year long service award, and I attend a local Baptist church. I also love to cook and entertain, explore new places, and meet new people. Balancing all these pursuits isn’t always easy — but I enjoy the journey.