My journey into coaching began after being deeply immersed in setting right the wrongs of the past. In the mid 1990’s I was called to serve as an industry expert and learning and development specialist  to develop national vocational standards and qualifications where none had existed before.

It was a national collaboration effort across the retail and wholesale sector in South Africa, focused on broadening access to learning and career opportunities. It felt purposeful and necessary.

Over time, however, I began to notice the limitations of this system. Each unit standard defined a fixed set of outcomes, and I started to question what if the learner was capable beyond the prescribed results and what limitations were being set upon them?

That question led me to coaching, a field that continues to challenge and inspire me. In this work, I’ve seen individuals and teams grow in ways that could not have been predicted at the outset. Coaching allows for emergent learning—growth that unfolds through the process itself, not just by design.

Whether working one-with-one or with groups, I take on the role of facilitator—to make things easier, clearer, more possible. The work is dynamic, and often what unfolds goes far beyond the initial brief. This is one of the reasons I remain deeply engaged in what I do;  where I can contribute meaningfully—and continue to learn alongside those I work with.